2 Corinthians 11:14, 15 - God's Word; Key to Discernment.
2 Corinthians 11:14, 15 - God's Word; Key to Discernment.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (NKJV) And no wonder! For Satan himself
transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great
thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of
righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (TNIV) And no wonder, for Satan himself
masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his
servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be
what their actions deserve.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (NLT) But I am not surprised! Even Satan
disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his
servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the
end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.
CONTEXT
Paul and the False Apostles: 2 Corinthians 11:1-15.
COMMENTARY APPLICATION with Emphasis on vv. 14 and 15.
Satan is a deceiver. In the Garden of Eden he undermined Eve's
relationship with God. Jesus said that the devil is the father of lies and
that he hates the truth.
Paul warned the Corinthian church that Satan can disguise
himself as an angel of light. He made this statement in the context of
talking about false apostles and teachers. The tricky thing about those
teachers was how close they were to the truth. They were close enough to
skirt the edges of Christianity, but far enough away to do some
damage.
Paul compares false teachers to Satan: If even Satan can
charade as an angel, certainly these false teachers can sneak into the
camp of truth. So how can you know? How can you defend yourself
against deceivers in disguise? First, always keep God's Word the
standard by which all teaching is judged. If a teaching you hear or an
action you're called to do would go against the Bible, then steer
clear. Second, pray for wisdom to discern the truth. God will not let
those who love the truth be deceived by lies. [The One Year Bible for
New Believers re 2Co. 11:14, 15]
"Surprise!" Usually we use this expression in the context of
something exciting and wondrous or in the unveiling of something amazing.
Yet today's Scripture verse uses the word surprised to mean, "I am
not overwhelmed, puzzled, or shocked." Paul was clearly stating his
inability to be caught off guard by Satan and his deceptive ways of
twisting and tainting the truth. "An angel of light" refers to the fact
that Satan can appear disguised as a messenger of truth, but there is
no truth in him. Just as bank employees learn to detect counterfeit
bills by painstakingly poring over authentic ones, we learn to
perceive the enemy by acquainting ourselves deeply with the ways of our
Father. So beware of being surprised! Be alert and on guard. Arm
yourself with God's Word, and learn his ways so that in the day or hour
when you are a target for Satan's deception, you will not fall for
his trickery but will instead see and know the truth.
How precious and perfect are your Word and your ways, O Lord.
I pray that my relationship with you through the shed blood of
Christ will be strong and that your Word will grow deep in my heart.
Then the enemy's deceptions will not take me by surprise. I will
recognize him for who he is, the father of lies. [Praying Through The
Bible By Fuller re 2Co. 11:14]
Satan and his servants can deceive us by appearing to be
attractive, good, and moral. Many unsuspecting people follow smooth-talking,
Bible-quoting leaders into cults that alienate them from their families and
lead them into the practice of immorality and deceit. Don't be fooled
by external appearances. Our impressions alone are not an accurate
indicator of who is or isn't a true follower of Christ; so it helps to ask
these questions: (1) Do the teachings confirm Scripture (Acts 17:11)?
(2) Does the teacher affirm and proclaim that Jesus Christ is God
who came into the world as a man to save people from their sins (1
John 4:1-3)? (3) Is the teacher's life-style consistent with Biblical
morality (Matthew 12:33-37)? [Life Application SB]
Those who are unwilling to accept the plain, cutting truths of
the Bible are continually seeking for pleasing fables that will
quiet the conscience. The less spiritual, self-denying, and
humiliating the doctrines presented, the greater the favor with which they
are received. These persons degrade the intellectual powers to serve
their carnal desires. Too wise in their own conceit to search the
Scriptures with contrition of soul and earnest prayer for divine guidance,
they have no shield from delusion.......Every conceivable form of error
will be accepted by those who willfully reject the truth. GC523-4
Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my
name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Matt. 24:4, 5
(KJV)
MINI DEVOTIONAL VIDEO ON THIS PASSAGE
http://www.itiswritten.com/television#episodes/2281
