Satan

by David Gibson

How much do we know about Satan? Second Corinthians has quite a bit to say about him. What does Paul say in this letter about our enemy, the devil?

Knowing how Satan works is essential.

“... so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs” (II Corinthians 2:11). Just as an army is vulnerable if it doesn’t learn the enemy’s tactics, we too must know Satan’s strategies if we are to defeat him.

Satan tries to keep people from believing.

“... he god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ...” (II Corinthians 4:4; see Luke 8:12). How Satan hates the gospel! He knows it is for our salvation. He succeeds whenever he keeps people where he wants them—in the dark, unbelieving, and lost.

Satan is subtle.

"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). Satan led Eve to think it was to her advantage to eat the forbidden fruit. Satan tries to fool us in the same way—if we let him.

Satan is a master of disguises.

“... even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness ...” (II Corinthians 11:14-15). Satan uses certain religious leaders to promote his lies. They may pose as spokesmen for God but are working for the devil himself. Millions are tragically deceived!

These passages not only alert us to the dangers but can motivate us to learn more about the one who wants us to be with him forever in hell. Equipped with this knowledge and with the help of our God, we can defeat him!