Reflections on 2 Corinthians 2:11
Friends, let’s talk about something serious today: the devil’s schemes. Paul warns us in 2 Corinthians 2:11, “Don’t let Satan outwit us. After all, we’re not unaware of his tricks!” Now, I know that old serpent hasn’t changed his tactics since Eden—he’s still prowling like a con artist, looking to trip up God’s people.
You see, Satan doesn’t show up with horns and a pitchfork. No, he’s subtler than that. He’ll twist good things into traps. He’ll use shame to keep a repentant heart from running back to Jesus. He’ll stir up division in the church over small disagreements. He’ll even take our godly sorrow over sin and try to turn it into hopelessness. That’s why Paul urged the Corinthians to forgive that repentant brother—not to let Satan “swallow him up with despair” (v. 7).
Let me ask you: How does the enemy try to outsmart you? Maybe he’s whispering, “You’ve messed up too badly for grace.” Or, “That little compromise? It’s harmless.” Or even, “Why forgive someone who hurt you? Hold onto that bitterness.” Beloved, we’re in a battle, but we’re not powerless!
Here’s the good news:
1️⃣ We know his playbook. Satan’s a one-trick pony—he’s been recycling the same lies since the Garden. When he says, “Did God really say…?” (Gen. 3:1), we counter with Truth.
2️⃣ We’re stronger together. Just like the Corinthians needed to rally around that struggling brother, we need each other. Don’t isolate—reach out.
3️⃣ Mercy disarms him. Forgiveness isn’t weakness; it’s a weapon. When we choose grace over grudges, we slam the door on Satan’s divisive plans.
Let me close with this: Years ago, I met a man who’d fallen into addiction. After hitting rock bottom, he wanted to change—but Satan kept shouting, “You’ll never be clean.” You know what broke that cycle? His friends showed up every night for weeks, praying over him, reminding him of Psalm 103:12: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our sins.” Today, that man leads our recovery ministry.
Friends, that’s how we win—by clinging to Christ and each other. Satan’s no match for a congregation armed with Scripture, drenched in prayer, and quick to forgive. Let’s stay sharp, stay humble, and stay close to the One who’s already crushed the serpent’s head (Gen. 3:15).
Let’s pray:
Father, make us wise to the enemy’s traps. Help us walk in mercy, stand firm in Your Word, and hold fast to each other. Thank You that greater is He who’s in us than he who’s in the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
