SEPTEMBER 8, 2 Corinthians 2:11

The apostle Paul warned the Corinthian Christians about Satan. As the founding pastor of that church, Paul had the duty to do so.

Satan was once one of God’s greatest angels. Initially, he happily did whatever God wanted him to do. But one day Satan decided he would disobey God. He no longer loved God. He became jealous of God and wanted to be like God. Then he became God’s greatest enemy. The Bible tells us that he tries to do us harm. Someday God will punish him by casting him into the lake of fire.

Satan wants us to sin against God and the people around you. Perhaps you wake up one day and do not feel like going to school. Satan might put thoughts in your mind, “It is alright not to go to school just for one day. Just lie to your mother. Nothing will happen to you.” Then you lie to your mother about having a headache. By lying, you would have sinned against God.

Satan had influenced a couple to lie to God. They were Ananias and Sapphira. They sold some property and got money from the sale. They lied to the church leaders that they donated all the money, but in reality they kept a part of it for themselves. Satan had made them do wrong things (Acts 5). Satan does not work alone. Many angels who used to be good also became bad and now follow Satan. They are called demons. They are all around us. They obey Satan and help him do bad things. Someday God will also punish them severely.

Satan and his demons are very strong. In the Bible, a young girl who had a demonic power was used by her master to make money. The apostle Paul cast the demon out of her and she lost the power. This made her master very angry with Paul (Acts 16:16-19). But God is powerful to save anyone who believes in Him.

Would you always love the Lord Jesus so that Satan will not be able to get you to do wrong things?

Thought: How can you make sure that Satan and his demons cannot harm you?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that Satan and his demons cannot hurt me because I am Your child. Help me to keep close to You by reading the Bible, praying, worshipping You in church and making friends with other Christians. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.