I. INTRO-- 2 Corinthians 2:5-11
A. Paul refers to the case in 1 Corinthians 5:1ff concerning the man who had "taken his father's wife."
1. He had reproved the church for its tolerance of sin, and recommended the action of collectively "delivering such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."
2. The agony of paul over having to "make them sorry" with this rebuke is seen in 2 Corinthians 2:4.
3. But he is happy to see that the sorrow he caused was a "godly sorrow that worked repentance" and a "vindication" of the integrity of the Corinthian church. 2 Corinthians 7:8-11
B. Yet, even though these things worked out for the good, they were now threatened by another of "Satan's devices."
1. Satan's "devices" are not ends within themselves, but only "means to an end," that is, the capturing of souls to his will. John 8:42-44 (EXAMPLE: Acts 5:3)
a. We are to "recapture" such people. 2 Tim. 2:24-26
b. This was Paul's mission. Acts 26:16-18
2. The Corinthians were in danger of failing to forgive a penitent sinner.
a. If there had not been thorough forgiveness, Satan would have gained an "advantage."
b. The only thing that can save us is a knowledge of Satan's devices.

THESIS-- The main thing that troubles me about this passage is that in spite of Paul's positive assurance, it appears we ARE ignorant of Satan's wiles. We need to be aware of them, and prepare ourselves to resist them. 1 Peter 5:6-9

II. LESSON--
A. The first thing we need to learn is that no word of Satan is truth.
1. "He is a liar from the beginning." Eve was his first victim. Genesis 3:1-6
2. We can also become dupes of the devil. 2 Corinthians 11:1-3
3. But those who are deceived make themselves vulnerable. 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12 (Like victims in "Horror Movies," we feel impotent to help them, as we watch them let their curiosity lead them slowly into the clutches of the monster in the basement!)
B. The irony of this situation is that Satan believes some truths.
1. He believes in one God, and trembles. James 2:19
2. He believes in the deity of Christ.
a. His statement "If thou be the Son of God," in Matthew 4, does not express doubt in Jesus' deity, but is only a means of tempting Him to use His divine power in an unnecessary, unscriptural action.
b. His demons "confessed" the sonship of Christ (but still with the apparent intent to do him harm). Mark 5:1-20
C. Satan's best disguise is a cloak of righteousness. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (However, the "false prophet" will be cast into hell with Satan. Revelation 20:10)

III. APPLICATION-- Therefore, what is our best defense?
A. Use our REASON, sometimes. Matthew 12:22-27, John 9:13-16, 29-34 (The key is to support reason with TRUTH.)
B. By a recognition that the slightest submission to Satan delivers us into the hands of one who is both the "tempter" and the "accuser." Revelation 12:7-10 (In contrast Jesus is our "advocate" and our "propitiation." 1 John 2:1-2.)
C. By a recognition of the defeat and destiny of Satan.
1. "...God spared not angels when they sinned, but cast them down to hell (Tartarus), and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment..." 2 Peter 2:4
2. Heavenly war has defeated Satan. Revelation 12:7-9
3. Since "Every one that doeth sin is of the devil" (1 John 3:8), then they will share in his punishment. Matthew 25:41

IV. APPEAL-- What must we do?
A. Do not "give place to the devil." Ephesians 4:27
B. "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7
C. Realize that only partial defensive measures will not be enable you to "stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:10-18