2 Corinthians 11:13-14 says - "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."
The Apostle Paul said it well - "And no marvel..."
To what was he referring? What was not to be wondered at or thought to be incredible...what was not any new or strange thing?
That Satan could take on a false guise.
"...Satan himself is transformed..."
The word "transformed" in the Greek means to change one's outward appearance by assuming one that does not proceed from nor is representative of one's true inward nature. The English equivalent is the word - "masquerade."
"...Satan himself is transformed..."
He masquerades. He disguises himself. He makes it look like he actually stands for good instead of evil.
His own element is darkness. Hence, all of his power over men lies in his ability to keep them in the dark. Oftentimes, you will find him veiling his lies in the dress of truth and hiding his poison in the bait of wholesome truth.
As the malignant prince of evil, his main tool is deception. He seldom appears as himself - as Satan, the apostate angel. Generally, he puts on the false and delusive appearance or form of a good angel - masquerading as "an angel of light."
In other words, you will find him professing to be a Christian - using religious words such as God, Bible, Jesus, pro-life, etc. - to delude his hearers.
But, be warned! For he is most dangerous when he pretends to be God and takes on the name of Jesus!
The Pulpit Commentary made this comment - "Satan was an angel of light. He thus knows well how to play the angel. Herein is he to be feared. It is not the ugly devil we need dread so much as the pretty devil."
Pay attention to what is being said here. Satan knows how to "play the angel." Since he is the prince of duplicity and wickedness, he can dissemble and appear to be eminently pious.
Never forget - he is long practiced in the deceitful arts - practicing the art of delusion for over 6,000 years.
With that in mind - how important it is that you completely and absolutely "dread" the "pretty devil" over the "ugly devil."
Can you recognize the "pretty devil" in your world today - in the church, religion, politics, government, society, culture, business world, educational system, etc.?
"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."
There are three (3) forms by which Satan tempts men - the subtle serpent, the roaring lion, and the "angel of light." The latter is the most dangerous form.
One thing you need never forget about him - he would much rather approach you in the guise of something good and not something wicked - for he knows that you are more likely to embrace his lies if done in this way. He will also capitalize on your love of the Truth in order to deceive you. Hence, he will appear under a notion of good...a show of truth...or a pretense of religion.
Never ever forget - he is the "pretty devil" as well as the "ugly devil."
And he has "his followers in the masquerade."
Robertson's Word Pictures said - "The prince of darkness puts on the garb of light and sets the fashion for his followers in the masquerade to deceive the saints."
The Apostle Paul stated -"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."
Take note once again of the word - "transform." In Romans 12:2, it means to "change form" - "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..."
However, in 2 Corinthians 11:13, it means to "change appearance" - to disguise - "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ..."
Satan no doubt has his ministers who are not what they appear to be. They are very misleading.
They are under his influence...are energized by him...and appear to be righteous. But in reality, they reject godliness. They can put on airs in front of Christians - appearing to be highly spiritual... claiming a special gift from God...or receiving a special revelation from God.
They are deceivers. They are "deceitful workers." They are crafty, fraudulent, and hypocritical imposters. They use tricks and cunning arts to impose on others. They even wear the garb or speak the language of the Christian.
You will often find them - following Christian practices...pursuing the same good ends...and pretending to be of the same principles.
The Pulpit Commentary said - "Man has the power of misrepresenting his character to others. Naturalists tell us of animals which have the power to appear what they really are not. Some feign sleep and death. Be this as it may, man has this power in an eminent degree - he can disguise himself and live in masquerade. Hence our Savior speaks of 'wolves in sheep's clothing.' In fact, throughout all circles and populations those who appear to be what they really are have ever been in a miserable minority. As a rule, men are not what they seem."
Matthew Henry said this in comment - "...hypocrisy is a thing not to be much wondered at in this world, especially when we consider the great influence Satan has upon the minds of many, who rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience. As he can turn himself into any shape, and put on almost any form, and look sometimes like an angel of light, in order to promote his kingdom of darkness, so he will teach his ministers and instruments to do the same. But it follows, their end is according to their works; the end will discover them to be deceitful workers, and their work will end in ruin and destruction."
In response to 2 Corinthians 11:15 ("Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness..."), The People's New Testament said - "The sorest wounds of the church are not from without, but from agents of Satan within."
Once again, Satan can take on a false guise - a masquerade. The Scriptures tell you that he has "followers in the masquerade" - "deceitful workers."
Hence, you must ever be on your guard. For one, do not judge by appearance. Take pains to get below the surface of things. And by all means, seek wisdom and discernment from the Lord.
Millions are following the pied piper songs of Satan and his "workers" - simply because they do not know God's truth.
Actually, the greatest arsenal of warfare that the believer has against the "angel of light" is the Word of God.
And, this is where Walking In Truth Ministry comes in. It is our passion - through our written and audio messages - to stir you to a greater hunger for the Truth - as found in God's Word.
And, by the responses that we have received from many of you, God is using us to do that very thing! Thank You, Jesus!
To all those who faithfully support us every month with your financial gift, we want to say - "Thank You" - from the bottom of our hearts. We could never have accomplished all that we are doing without your help! May the Lord reward you richly in this life and in the life to come! We know that He will!
At this time, if you would like to be a blessing to this ministry, you can make your check out to - Walking In Truth Ministry - and mail it to the following address -
Walking In Truth Ministry
P.O. Box 383016
Duncanville, TX 75138-3016
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Thank you ahead of time for your gracious gift,
Connie
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. (Isaiah 54:17)
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