Satan Disguises Himself

Day 252: 2 Corinthians 11:1-15

“And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” - 2 Corinthians 11:14 ESV

Knofel Staton made an interesting point when he wrote the following about this verse: “The word serpent in Genesis 3 is a Hebrew word that can also mean brightness. Satan masquerades himself as an angel of light as far back as the Garden of Eden.”

This is a frightening thought that may make us wonder if we can trust anyone who claims to be a Christian leader. Can anyone be trusted?

The key, it seems, is found in a Greek word Jesus and Paul used quite often as they taught: gregoreo. It can be translated as awake or watchful or to be alert.

We cannot become lazy and just accept whatever someone tells us is accurate. We need to fact-check everything against Scripture and pay attention to motives. Our enemy, Satan (Devil), will not be backing down till Jesus throws him into the lake of fire (see Revelation 20:10). He will also present well -- not with a cape and horns.

May we ask God for discernment to know when Satan is trying to play us for a fool. May we also not be taken in by any teaching or lifestyle just because it looks good.

Jesus, deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.