BEWARE OF SATAN’S SCHEMES!

BEWARE OF SATAN’S SCHEMES!

But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. —II Corinthians 11:3

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. —II Corinthians 11:14-15

For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. —II Corinthians 13:8

            Paul had a real concern that Satan would impact the Corinthians and lead them “astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”  So the question we have to ask ourselves— “Are we being led astray by Satan “from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ?”  How does my devotion to Him look like?  How am I devoted to Him?

            Paul knew that “even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.  So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.”  We, as followers of Jesus, need to be aware and discerning because there are those who need to “come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will” (II Timothy 2:26).  Those disguised “as servants of righteousness” are manipulated by Satan to do His will.  We really need to be aware of this.  “Their end will correspond to their deeds.”  In the meantime we need to be wise and watchful because this happens within the sphere of those who have truly believed.  Satan seeks to infiltrate.  Beware!

            Paul and his team could not “do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.”  And that has to be our focus as well and that is how we are to measure others.  Are they truly speaking the truth and living out the truth as a lifestyle and not just a compartment of their lives?  Yes, let us “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8).  Dear Father, may it be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus.  I am so grateful that I can look to You and Your Word, to Your Son and You Holy Spirit to guide me into all truth and to discern truth.  Thank You, Dear Father. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu2S9y3r0XE