Not to be outwitted

"… so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs" (2 Corinthians 2:11).

That parenthetical statement after the semi-colon makes me chuckle, because I sometimes think many of us in the Church are ignorant of Satan's designs. And that ignorance has consequences.

We all believe in the existence of Satan, and in Satanic influence. But there are different conceptions of how that influence is dispensed. Some think of it as a general and diffuse permeation. The verse above from Paul's letter reveals that it is more than that: It is a particularized and strategic insertion into the lives on individuals and churches.

Someone has sinned in this congregation in Corinth, and he has been rightly chastised. But Paul says: OK, enough is enough-if you guys don't show that man now that you still love him and accept him, Satan is going to do a number on his mind, and he will shipwreck his faith.

Wow, this means the demons watch the comings and goings of mortals as surely as the angels do (Ephesians 3:10; 1 Corinthians 11:9-10; Hebrews 1:14). They are spectators and actors in the drama.

Why is this important to us and not just a frivolous doctrine? Because there may not be much you can do about a vague ether or "climate" of evil. But if your opponent is a person-with a mind and agenda and tricks up his sleeve-then you had better man up yourself, with whatever weaponry the Lord provides. You will find that weaponry addressed all over the Bible, and isolated in some places like Ephesians 6:10-20.

It's mano a mano with Satan. Know your enemy.