2 CORINTHIANS 11
12 And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.16 I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. 17 What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord wouldbut as a fool. 18 Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. 19 For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! 20 For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face. 21 To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! – 2 Corinthians 11:12-21
2 CORINTHIANS 11 BE WARY OF SATAN’S MASQUERADES
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Because we live in a fallen and corrupt world
Let us be wary of Satan’s tricks and masquerades
He disguises himself looking as servants of righteousness
It may appear good but they sow seeds of wickedness
Anyone who does not meditate on the word of God
Will be prey to the devil and be easily deceived.
Paul exposes the tactics of the enemy in this letter by calling out the fleshly boasting of those false apostles who disguises themselves as apostles of Christ. If we are servants of God, we only boast of what Christ did for us and the goodness and mercy of God. We do not promote our works for the Lord. The Lord knows already what we have done for him, so there’s no need for us to flaunt anything. The service we do for the Lord is the work of the Holy Spirit, so why boast? We are only the mouthpiece of the Spirit of the Lord.
Paul warns the Corinthian church of the masquerades that Satan wears to entice us and deceive us. Paul uses the word “angel of light” as one of his masks. It would be wise for all Christians to stay in the word so that we can easily discern these masquerades.
REFLECTION
- Share some masks or masquerades you’ve encountered that Satan enticed you.
