Prince of Darkness / Angel of Light
2 Corinthians 11:13–15
Introduction:
It is amazing how few people are willing to call things what they are. Paul didn’t suffer from such reticence regarding false teaching. He says it is what we should expect given Satan’s methods. Have you ever noticed that the voice which calls you to sin sounds more like an angel’s than a devil’s? No wonder!
I. Satan is always seeking to deceive you.
A. Notice the context of false teachers:
1. They try to change themselves into apostles.
2. No wonder—Satan regularly does the same thing.
B. Satan practices self-transformation.
C. There are numerous Biblical examples of this.
1. Garden of Eden.
2. Presence of Satan before Lord in Job.
3. At the temptation of Christ.
D. It points up again the enormous power of Satan.
II. Satan’s deception causes many of your problems.
A. It explains power of temptation.
1. He can change things around just as he can change himself.
2. It works in several areas:
a. Makes wrong seem so right.
b. Makes folly look like wisdom.
c. Invents specious pretexts for sin.
B. It explains success of false teaching.
1. He is able to transfer his transforming powers to others.
2. Even the very elect can be deceived (Matt. 24:24).
C. It explains philosophy of the world.
1. It is seen in election campaigns.
2. It is seen in character of those who hold alien philosophies.
III. Satan’s deception calls for special defensive steps.
A. Ever be on guard.
1. Keep Satan in the back of your mind daily.
2. Realize he is seeking to ambush you.
B. Do not judge by appearances (Prov. 14:12).
1. The way a thing looks doesn’t tell a thing about it. p 49
2. This explains why many are being deceived today.
C. Seek true wisdom and discernment.
1. The better you know the Word of God, the better able you will be to resist Satanic transformations.
2. The final test of everything is the Word of God.
a. There is no other final authority.
b. This raises the ire of those who are aberrant.
D. Test/try all things (1 Thess. 5:21).
1. Submit yourself to the authority of Scripture.
2. Hold things up to the light of Scripture.
E. Exercise your will power.
1. This is a command (Jas. 4:7).
2. We are not to shift to God what He has given to us.
F. Ever abide in Christ.
1. Satan’s superior intellect overmatches yours when you try to face him alone.
2. Don’t take what Satan tries to sell you about your own superior powers (Prov. 16:18).
Conclusion:
Don’t underestimate your enemy! He can change colors, costumes, and even character right before your very eyes. In your own power you can’t get him—he’ll get you! Follow Scripture’s special defensive steps!
Charles R. Wood, Sermon Outlines on Great Doctrinal Themes (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1994). 48-49.
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