Disguises

2 Cor. 11:13-15

 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.  And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

If a person is outwardly what they are inwardly, things would be so much easier to understand. But Satan doesn't operate that way. He uses disguises and snares to tempt us when we least expect it. Paul had personally witnessed false apostles, deceitful workmen who worked under the guise of Christ. He had been in danger from his own people as well as false brothers. What is their purpose? By any means possible, they want to reduce the effectiveness of believers, to make them doubt their mission, and to cause disharmony within the body. Clearly they are followers of Satan who constantly disguises himself as a angel of light. How sneaky is this warfare. 

2 Cor. 10: 3-6 explains more clearly Satan's purpose.For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. So what do I need to do in this battle? Take every thought captive to Christ. That allows for no doubt, worry, fear, strife, or sin. It keeps me synced with my power source. 

Paul states clearly at the end of chapter 11 that his boast is in the things that show his weakness. Because when he is weak, then he is strong through Christ. Christ is all sufficient one who can guide and fight for every believer as well as with every believers. 

Father,

To boast in my weakness is hard. I ask for Your strength to stand firm and not seek to fight in my own strength. Through Your Spirit, teach me to stand firm, resisting the devil.

In Jesus name,

Amen