PODCAST
Forgiving Others Keeps Satan Away
May 2nd, 2018
2 Corinthians 2:1-11
In 2 Corinthians 2, the Apostle Paul addressed how the congregation should deal with a particular person who had caused division in the church at Corinth. Paul called the people to forgive and gently restore him into the life of the community. He does so, at least in part, so that “Satan might not outwit” them.
Satan’s primary role in the whole of scripture is accuser. Satan’s only real threat is to accuse and deceive. In the case of the unnamed offender in Corinth, he stood rightly accused of wrongdoing. Had the church left him there—standing accused and condemned in the life of the church—that would only open the door for the Enemy to further accuse, deceive, and divide. As it was, Paul pointed out this person has a new standing: he has gone from accused and guilty to forgiven. Such forgiveness, which originates in God and flows through the Church, slams the door in the face of the accuser. It’s very difficult for Satan to find a listening ear among those who are forgiving and being forgiven.
Author: Mark Hendrickson
