Divisive Devil

Reading: 2 Corinthians 2:1-11

"We are not ignorant of the devil's devices" (2 Cor 2:11b)

Satan is behind all relationship problems, whether it is between spouses, or among saints, or in the society. As a liar and the father of lies, he makes people believe what's not really true and makes them suspicious of everything and everybody. God has taught us in His Word how we can overpower Satan in this battle.

Ephesians 4:26,27, "Be angry, and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your wrath nor give place to the devil." Holding anger for long—beyond sunset—even if it may be legitimate, gives foothold to the devil. Even God's anger is "but for a moment" (Psa 30:5). He may make us weep in the night because of His displeasure but He sends joy in the morning because of His favour! Are we holier and greater than God?

2 Corinthians 2:10,11, "Whom you forgive anything, I (Paul) also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." A man in the Corinthian assembly had been living in outright adultery with his stepmother. Paul urged the Church to take disciplinary measures against him. He even ordered the members to deliver the offender to Satan so he may suffer physically but be saved spiritually (1 Cor 5:1-5). The Church literally followed the apostle's instruction. But Paul's fatherly heart would not let the offender "be swallowed up with too much sorrow" (2 Cor 2:6,7). He urged the believers to reaffirm their love to the repentant (v8). If they had delayed their forgiveness, Satan would have taken advantage of the situation.

"Truth divides!" "Jesus did not come to send peace but sword!" These are some of the most abused quotes in Christian circles. Folks with divisive mentality use these statements to justify their acts of causing splits in Churches. The devil has a better knowledge of all the proverbs and scriptures in the world than any of us. God Himself testified about Lucifer, "You were full of wisdom" (Ezek 28:12). But the devil invariably misquotes. If he tells, "It is written," we must know how to talk back to him and say, "It is also written" (Mt 4:6,7). No doubt we must speak the truth, but we must speak it "in love" (Eph 4:15a). The sword of separation Jesus spoke about was not among His children but between those who want to obey God's call and those who oppose it (Mt 10:34-39). How would He otherwise preach, "Blessed are the peacemakers"?

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Victory: NextJULY 30