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Paul and the False Apostles
13For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.14And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.15It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And no marvel - Και ου θαυμαστον· And no wonder; it need not surprise you what the disciples do, when you consider the character of the master. Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light - As in Co2 11:3 the apostle had the history of the temptation and fall of man particularly in view, it is very likely that here he refers to the same thing. In what ever form Satan appeared to our first mother, his pretensions and professions gave him the appearance of a good angel; and by pretending that Eve should get a great increase of light, that is, wisdom and understanding, he deceived her, and led her to transgress. It is generally said that Satan has three forms under which he tempts men: 1. The subtle serpent. 2. The roaring lion. 3. The angel of light. He often, as the angel of light, persuades men to do things under the name of religion, which are subversive of it. Hence all the persecutions, faggots, and fires of a certain Church, under pretense of keeping heresy out of the Church; and hence all the horrors and infernalities of the inquisition. In the form of heathen persecution, like a lion he has ravaged the heritage of the Lord. And by means of our senses and passions, as the subtle serpent, he is frequently deceiving us, so that often the workings of corrupt nature are mistaken for the operations of the Spirit of God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
is transformed--rather, "transforms himself" (compare Job 1:6); habitually; the first occasion of his doing so was in tempting Eve. "Himself" is emphatical: If their master himself, who is the "prince of darkness," the most alien to light, does so, it is less marvellous in the case of them who are his servants (Luk 22:54; Eph 6:12).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And no marvel,.... This need not be wondered at, nor is it any new or strange thing; nor should it be thought to be incredible that there are such persons in being: for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light; a good angel, one that has his abode in the regions of light; and is possessed of divine and spiritual light and understanding; who is clothed and arrayed with light, this is his form and essence. The apostle speaks agreeably to the notion, of the Jews, who say (t), "rwa Mh Mlk Mykalmhv, "that all the angels are light", the clothing of God himself;'' and they have a distinction between , "angels of the day", and angels of the night (u): now Satan, the enemy of mankind, sometimes appears in the form of one of these; as he did to Eve in the garden, and to Christ in the wilderness; and by such appearances he often imposes on mankind; pretends the greatest friendship, when he designs nothing but ruin; and under a notion of good, either honest, or pleasant, or profitable, draws on into the commission of the greatest evils; and, under a show of truth, introduces the most notorious falsehoods and errors; and, under a pretence of religion, all sorts of idolatry, superstition, and impiety; it is in this way he has succeeded in his enterprises and temptations; these are his wiles, stratagems, and cunning devices. (t) R. Abraham Seba, Tzeror Hammor, fol. 18. 4. (u) Zohar in Numb. fol. 91. 1. & 93. 3.
Paul and the False Apostles
13For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.14And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.15It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The False Gospel of Prosperity
By David Wilkerson51K10:17Prosperity GospelAMO 6:4LUK 6:20LUK 6:242CO 11:141TI 6:9JAS 2:3In this sermon, the preacher highlights the dire state of the world, with one billion people near starvation and millions unemployed. He emphasizes the persecution faced by God's chosen people, who are losing everything they possess. The preacher questions whether Christians have been deceived by teachings that prioritize self and prosperity, and urges them to turn to the true gospel of Jesus. He contrasts the gospel of gain, which promises forgiveness without repentance, with the teachings of Jesus, who blesses the poor, the hungry, and those who are persecuted. The preacher warns against seeking material wealth and emphasizes the importance of valuing and helping the poor.
(Genesis) Genesis 3 Introduction
By J. Vernon McGee2.8K06:34GenesisGEN 3:12CO 11:14REV 12:9REV 20:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the temptation and fall of man in the Garden of Eden. He starts by mentioning that man is a responsible creature and introduces the serpent as a creature used by Satan. The preacher then delves into the setting of the temptation, highlighting the subtlety of the serpent and questioning why it approached the woman instead of the man. He explains that the woman received her information from the man and emphasizes that man was created innocent, not righteous. The preacher also mentions that the serpent's origin and transformation can be found in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28.
Light on Satan's Tactics - Satan's Tactic With Eve
By Zac Poonen2.3K1:00:39SatanGEN 3:1PSA 91:11MAT 4:6MAT 5:192CO 11:142TI 3:16JAS 4:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commandments, even the smallest ones. He uses the example of testing a child's obedience by instructing them not to commit serious sins like murder or adultery, but rather by observing their response to simple commands like doing homework. The speaker then delves into the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, highlighting how Satan tempted them and caused them to fall into sin. However, God did not leave them without hope, as He promised a solution through the coming of Jesus to defeat Satan and redeem humanity.
Spiritual Deception
By Darwin Hostetler1.8K1:03:04Spiritual DeceptionDEU 11:16PSA 119:147MAT 6:33LUK 21:8JHN 8:32JHN 14:62CO 11:14In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his rebellious youth and the deception he fell into, thinking that the world had something to offer that God didn't. He warns young people against making the same mistake and emphasizes that following the ways of the world will come at a cost. The speaker shares a personal experience of relying on God's intervention when his daughter had an accident, highlighting the importance of surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus. He also addresses the lack of conversation and focus on the forgiveness of sins and the joy of serving Jesus in Christian circles, suggesting that there is something missing in these discussions. The sermon concludes with a call to prioritize talking about Jesus and His work in our lives above all else.
Audio Sermon: Spiritual Warfare and Deception
By Jim Cymbala1.7K43:40PRO 4:23PRO 13:20MAT 7:152CO 6:142CO 11:14EPH 6:121TH 5:211JN 4:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning spiritual warfare, highlighting the dangers of deception and seduction by Gibeonites, who masquerade as harmless but aim to deceive and destroy. It urges listeners to seek God's discernment, avoid compromising with evil influences, and be vigilant against false prophets and wolves in sheep's clothing.
How Satan Destroys a Church - Part 1 (Guard Your Garden)
By Don Courville1.6K41:31Spiritual WarfareGEN 2:15PSA 121:5MAT 6:332CO 11:32CO 11:14EPH 5:22EPH 5:25In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a hunter encountering a bear and how they negotiate their desires. He then goes on to talk about his experiences and travels, which have given him insights into the most important things he has learned in 42 years. He briefly touches on the submission of the wife, referring to Genesis chapter 2, and emphasizes the importance of following God's commands. The sermon concludes with a lesson about the dangers of being in places we shouldn't be, using a humorous anecdote about a child carrying swimming trunks to school.
Jude: Last Days - Balaam 2
By Martin Geehan1.4K45:23BalaamNUM 22:6NUM 23:19NUM 23:23NUM 35:52CO 11:14HEB 13:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for the love of Christ to be present in the world. He believes that until people have Christ's love in their hearts towards one another, the current conditions in the world will persist. The preacher highlights the importance of preaching the power of Christ's love and not trying to legalize it. He also discusses the lack of belief in God's promises and the consequences of not living as though they will be fulfilled. The sermon concludes with a reference to the story of Balaam and how he deceived Israel.
The Church Today Asleep & in Bondage #4
By Milton Green9921:59:57GEN 1:27ROM 12:21CO 10:132CO 4:172CO 11:14EPH 6:12JAS 4:71PE 2:111PE 5:8This sermon delves into the concept of godliness as a mystery of iniquity, highlighting the contrast between Christ and the Antichrist. It emphasizes the importance of understanding that Satan counterfeits everything that God represents, urging listeners to be vigilant and keep their minds focused on the Lord to combat spiritual oppression and distractions. The message underscores the desire of the Holy Spirit to express God's likeness through individuals, drawing parallels to Adam's fall and the ongoing spiritual battles faced in daily life.
The Spirit of Anti Christ
By Erlo Stegen7751:04:43PRO 2:6MAT 7:151CO 3:182CO 11:141TH 5:212TH 2:3JAS 3:171JN 2:181JN 4:1This sermon delves into the topic of the Antichrist as mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2, warning against deception and the spirit of lawlessness already at work. It emphasizes the need for discernment, urging listeners to test all teachings against the truth of the Bible. The story of a woman deceived on a train serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of seeking wisdom and not blindly following false knowledge. Additionally, it stresses the significance of personal transformation before attempting to influence others, drawing parallels to a priest's realization of starting change from within.
Knowing
By Welcome Detweiler73109:52LUK 19:10JHN 3:16ACT 16:31ROM 3:23ROM 10:32CO 11:14GAL 6:7In this sermon, the speaker expresses concern about the widespread ignorance of the gospel message among the people, despite living in a country with an abundance of Bibles. He highlights the deceptive tactics of Satan, who disguises himself as an angel of light and his ministers as apostles of Christ. The speaker emphasizes the importance of reading the Bible regularly and not relying solely on preachers for spiritual guidance. He also criticizes the tendency of people to follow second-hand ideas and traditions instead of seeking the truth directly from the Bible. The sermon concludes with a reference to Paul's letter to the Romans, where he laments the ignorance of God's righteousness and the substitution of personal ideas and religion.
Homiletics: Eisegesis Is Not a Light Matter - Part 5
By Tim Conway4442:06:512CO 11:14EPH 4:142TI 2:152TI 4:21PE 5:81JN 4:1This sermon reflects on the importance of accurately interpreting and teaching the Word of God, emphasizing the dangers of misrepresenting Scripture and the need for pastors to diligently study and adhere to biblical truths. It highlights the story of students in a resistance movement during World War II who faced interrogation and remained firm in their beliefs despite intense pressure, drawing parallels to the unwavering faith required in handling God's Word. The sermon also addresses the significance of discerning spiritual experiences and dreams, emphasizing the importance of aligning them with biblical truths to avoid deception and false teachings.
Of Evil Angels
By John Wesley1Spiritual WarfareThe Nature of EvilPSA 91:11MAT 4:8LUK 10:19ROM 16:202CO 11:14EPH 6:12JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 5:19REV 12:9John Wesley addresses the reality of evil angels, emphasizing that our true struggle is not against human adversaries but against powerful spiritual forces. He explains that all angels were created good, but some, led by Satan, fell from grace and now work to oppose God's purposes. Wesley warns that these evil spirits are constantly seeking to tempt and deceive humanity, using various means to instill doubt, malice, and discord. He encourages believers to be vigilant, don the armor of God, and resist these spiritual attacks through faith and reliance on Christ. Ultimately, Wesley calls for awareness of the subtlety and malice of evil angels, urging Christians to remain steadfast in their faith.
The Danger of an Unconverted Ministry
By Gilbert Tennent1MAT 23:27MRK 6:34JHN 10:1ROM 10:141CO 12:312CO 11:141TH 5:212TI 2:2Gilbert Tennent preaches about the importance of having faithful ministers who are true shepherds to the flock, contrasting them with ungodly ministers who are like Pharisees, focusing on pride, policy, malice, ignorance, covetousness, and bigotry. He emphasizes the need for compassion towards those who lack faithful ministry, urging prayers for God to send forth faithful laborers. Tennent encourages seeking greater spiritual nourishment and growth by choosing to hear from ministers who provide edification, even if it means going beyond one's parish. He warns against the dangers and unprofitableness of following unconverted ministers, highlighting the importance of discernment and the duty to seek true spiritual guidance.
The Great Deceiver
By A.W. Tozer1Spiritual WarfareDeceptionPRO 16:18MAT 4:1ROM 7:152CO 11:14GAL 5:17EPH 6:112TI 3:5JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 2:16A.W. Tozer emphasizes the cunning nature of the Devil as a master strategist who employs both sin and virtue to lead believers astray. He warns that while many fall into sin, the more insidious tactic is using our virtues against us, which can weaken the community of believers. Tozer draws parallels between Satan's tactics and subversive political groups that manipulate laws for their own gain, highlighting the need for vigilance in spiritual warfare. He reminds us that the fallen heart can be complicit in these deceptions, making it crucial to remain aware of both external and internal threats. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a deeper understanding of the enemy's strategies to fortify our defenses against spiritual attacks.
Unto Another Gospel.
By Martin Luther12CO 11:14GAL 1:6EPH 6:121TI 4:11PE 5:8Martin Luther warns about the resourcefulness of the devil in disguising his deceitful schemes as light and truth, using false apostles and heretics to distort the Gospel of Christ. He highlights how the devil manipulates people by presenting his poison as God's Word, leading many astray. Luther emphasizes the importance of holding fast to the true Word of Christ amidst the cunning tactics of the enemy, recognizing the spiritual battle against dark forces and wickedness in high places.
Recognizing Satans Strategic Initiative
By A.W. Tozer1Spiritual WarfareDiscernmentMAT 7:1MAT 12:30ROM 12:92CO 11:14GAL 5:7EPH 6:112TI 4:3JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 4:7A.W. Tozer warns that throughout history, Christians have often surrendered to evil due to worldliness and personal ungodliness. Today, Satan employs a more insidious strategy by appealing to our virtues, particularly charity, and distorting the image of Christ as overly tolerant and soft. This manipulation leads believers to avoid confrontation and to misinterpret scriptural teachings about judgment and love, ultimately paralyzing their resistance to evil. Tozer emphasizes the danger of being lulled into complacency, where the church fails to defend itself against the enemy's advances. He calls for vigilance and discernment to recognize and resist these deceptive tactics.
(Know Your Enemy) 3. the Deception of Satan
By Zac Poonen1GEN 3:1GEN 3:15PRO 1:10JHN 10:102CO 2:112CO 11:14Zac Poonen preaches on how Satan attacks by questioning God's Word and making us doubt His commands, leading us away from the Lord and towards destruction. He highlights how Satan deceives through lies and false promises, aiming to steal, kill, and destroy souls. Poonen emphasizes the importance of having a sensitive conscience and being alert to Satan's schemes, warning against various forms of Satanic influence like idol worship, witchcraft, and impure media. He concludes with a message of hope in Jesus defeating Satan's power, offering freedom and deliverance to all who believe.
The Christian and Psychic Force
By Watchman Nee1Spiritual WarfareDiscernmentGEN 2:7EZK 36:26MAT 7:15JHN 3:6ROM 8:22CO 11:14GAL 5:16EPH 5:181TH 5:211JN 4:1Watchman Nee addresses the latent psychic force within humanity, emphasizing that while Adam possessed miraculous abilities at creation, these powers became hidden after the fall. He warns that Satan seeks to control and exploit this latent power, leading to confusion between divine miracles and those produced by human psychic abilities. Nee highlights the importance of discerning between the workings of the Holy Spirit and the manipulations of the enemy, urging Christians to rely on God's spirit rather than their own soul power. He concludes by stressing the need for vigilance against deception in spiritual matters, as the enemy continues to exploit human abilities for his purposes.
Light for All
By H.J. Vine0JHN 1:9JHN 3:16JHN 8:122CO 11:141JN 1:7H.J. Vine preaches about the dangers of claiming 'special light' above others, which leads to pride and hardness of spirit, drawing attention to how Satan appeared as an angel of light to deceive. He emphasizes that the true light is found in Jesus Christ, who came into the world to shine for all, but not all receive Him. Believers are called to walk in the light, as children of God, set apart from darkness by the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, and to recognize Jesus as the true Light of the world.
Are Believers to Seek "More Light"?
By H.J. Vine0JHN 12:36JHN 14:62CO 11:14EPH 5:81JN 1:5H.J. Vine emphasizes the importance of believers growing in their understanding of the truth after coming into the light of Christ. In John's Gospel, the focus shifts from light shining outward to the world to the internal truth revealed to believers by Jesus. The distinction between 'light' and 'truth' is highlighted, with Jesus being the ultimate Light of the world and the Spirit of truth guiding believers. Believers are cautioned against seeking 'fresh light' or 'new truth' beyond what is already revealed in Christ, as Satan can deceive by masquerading as an angel of light.
The False Light
By W.R. Inge0JHN 8:122CO 11:14GAL 5:13PHP 2:51JN 2:9W.R. Inge delves into the concept of the False Light, contrasting it with the true light which is of God and seeks goodness for its own sake. The false light deceives and seeks self-interest, aspiring to be like God without understanding the humility and selflessness required. It rejects the life of Christ and promotes a false sense of liberty, leading to disregard for virtues and a focus on self-gratification. Inge warns against the dangers of the false light, equating it to Lucifer and Antichrist, emphasizing the importance of living a just life modeled after Christ.
Part 6: Amillennialism as a System of Theology
By John F. Walvoord0MAT 25:31JHN 3:16ACT 5:3ROM 3:24ROM 8:381CO 7:51CO 12:271CO 15:522CO 4:32CO 11:142CO 12:7GAL 3:28EPH 1:7EPH 2:191TH 2:181TH 4:162TH 2:91TI 1:201PE 5:81JN 3:81JN 3:10REV 20:1REV 20:4John F. Walvoord preaches on 'The Growing Importance of Millennialism,' highlighting how millennialism now plays a crucial role in shaping theology as a whole, influencing systems like premillennialism, amillennialism, and postmillennialism. The controversy between amillennialism and premillennialism has intensified, revealing significant theological implications. Amillennialism's impact on bibliology is explored, showcasing its figurative interpretation of Scripture and its potential dangers in undermining the inspiration of the Bible. The sermon delves into amillennial theology's influence on soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology, emphasizing the differences between amillennial and premillennial views in these areas.
Dreams
By Anne Dutton0PSA 119:1052CO 11:141TH 5:212TI 3:16HEB 1:1Anne Dutton emphasizes the importance of not basing our faith or actions on dreams but solely on the complete canon of the Holy Scriptures, as God has spoken to us through His Son in these last days. She warns against considering dreams as the will of God without testing them against the sacred oracles, as any revelation not aligned with the Word of God is likely from an evil or delusive spirit. Anne Dutton stresses that even if a dream aligns with the Bible and strengthens our faith, it should not be elevated to the status of a rule for our faith and practice, but rather be seen as a confirmation of what is already in the perfect rule of God's Word.
Satan and the Saints
By Watchman Nee0Spiritual WarfareDiscernmentMAT 4:1JHN 10:10ACT 10:382CO 11:14EPH 6:122TI 2:26JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 5:19REV 2:10Watchman Nee emphasizes the subtle and deceptive ways in which Satan persecutes believers, often disguising himself and working through people and circumstances to create suffering and confusion. He highlights that many believers fail to recognize the true source of their struggles, attributing them to natural causes or human actions rather than the manipulations of the devil. Nee warns that Satan's tactics include causing physical ailments, emotional distress, and spiritual confusion, all while remaining hidden behind the scenes. The sermon calls for awareness among believers to discern the spiritual warfare they are engaged in and to understand that their true enemy is not flesh and blood but the devil himself. Ultimately, Nee encourages believers to seek God's strength and protection against these unseen attacks.
The Subtlety of Temptation
By John Henry Jowett0PRO 2:62CO 11:14EPH 6:12JAS 4:71PE 5:8John Henry Jowett warns about the deceptive tactics of the enemy of our souls, who disguises evil as good, offering promises of life but delivering death, and hiding chains in beautiful flowers. He emphasizes the importance of having clear discernment to see through the enemy's mirages and traps, even when he appears as an 'angel of light.' Jowett stresses the need for a refined moral sense to distinguish between truth and falsehood, which can be obtained through the wisdom of God, enabling believers to recognize the enemy from afar.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And no marvel - Και ου θαυμαστον· And no wonder; it need not surprise you what the disciples do, when you consider the character of the master. Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light - As in Co2 11:3 the apostle had the history of the temptation and fall of man particularly in view, it is very likely that here he refers to the same thing. In what ever form Satan appeared to our first mother, his pretensions and professions gave him the appearance of a good angel; and by pretending that Eve should get a great increase of light, that is, wisdom and understanding, he deceived her, and led her to transgress. It is generally said that Satan has three forms under which he tempts men: 1. The subtle serpent. 2. The roaring lion. 3. The angel of light. He often, as the angel of light, persuades men to do things under the name of religion, which are subversive of it. Hence all the persecutions, faggots, and fires of a certain Church, under pretense of keeping heresy out of the Church; and hence all the horrors and infernalities of the inquisition. In the form of heathen persecution, like a lion he has ravaged the heritage of the Lord. And by means of our senses and passions, as the subtle serpent, he is frequently deceiving us, so that often the workings of corrupt nature are mistaken for the operations of the Spirit of God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
is transformed--rather, "transforms himself" (compare Job 1:6); habitually; the first occasion of his doing so was in tempting Eve. "Himself" is emphatical: If their master himself, who is the "prince of darkness," the most alien to light, does so, it is less marvellous in the case of them who are his servants (Luk 22:54; Eph 6:12).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And no marvel,.... This need not be wondered at, nor is it any new or strange thing; nor should it be thought to be incredible that there are such persons in being: for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light; a good angel, one that has his abode in the regions of light; and is possessed of divine and spiritual light and understanding; who is clothed and arrayed with light, this is his form and essence. The apostle speaks agreeably to the notion, of the Jews, who say (t), "rwa Mh Mlk Mykalmhv, "that all the angels are light", the clothing of God himself;'' and they have a distinction between , "angels of the day", and angels of the night (u): now Satan, the enemy of mankind, sometimes appears in the form of one of these; as he did to Eve in the garden, and to Christ in the wilderness; and by such appearances he often imposes on mankind; pretends the greatest friendship, when he designs nothing but ruin; and under a notion of good, either honest, or pleasant, or profitable, draws on into the commission of the greatest evils; and, under a show of truth, introduces the most notorious falsehoods and errors; and, under a pretence of religion, all sorts of idolatry, superstition, and impiety; it is in this way he has succeeded in his enterprises and temptations; these are his wiles, stratagems, and cunning devices. (t) R. Abraham Seba, Tzeror Hammor, fol. 18. 4. (u) Zohar in Numb. fol. 91. 1. & 93. 3.