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Daily Devotions

2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 
Day 
Day 158

"Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light."

Text: 2 Corinthians 11:14

THE WORK OF THE DEVIL

When Jesus ministered in Israel, He was opposed by the religious authorities. They plotted against Him when they could not stop the powerful influence He had on the multitudes. The Lord Jesus described His detractors as people who were following the Devil and his ways (John 8:44).

RECOGNISING THE LINKS

Paul knew that his battle was not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers. He knew how his detractors had been used by the Evil One to oppose the work of Christ.

“And no wonder! For Satan himself
transforms himself into an angel of light.
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

1. “And no wonder”

a) Paul was not surprised at what he saw.
b) He had seen such false apostles before.

2. “For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light”

a) Satan can “transform” himself in many ways.
b) He can be a cunning serpent.
c) He can be a frightening roaring lion.
d) He can also pose as an angel of light.

3. “Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers”

a) Satan has many “ministers”.
b) This word (diakonoi- ministers/ servants) is used to describe the servants of Christ.
c) They will pose as “ministers of Christ” but are in fact “ministers” of Satan.

4. “Transform themselves into ministers of righteousness”

a) The gullible and undiscerning might mistake them to be true “ministers of righteousness”.
b) They will do their utmost to pose as servants of God.
c) Only the discerning and wise will see through their disguise.

5. “Whose end will be according to their works”

a) These false apostles may deceive many people.
b) But God will judge them one day.
c) Their end will be according to their works.
d) The Lord will deny them! (Matthew 7:21-23)