2 Corinthians 2:11
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Lest Satan should get an advantage - If the man who has given sufficient proof of the sincerity of his repentance be not restored, he may be overwhelmed with sorrow, and sink into despair; and then the discipline of the Church will be represented, not as emendatory, but as leading to destruction. Of this our enemies would most gladly avail themselves, as they wish to discredit this ministry; and there is always at hand a devil to suggest evil, and prompt men to do it; for in this respect we have thorough acquaintance with his devices. Let us therefore be careful to remove, both from Satan and his partisans, all those occasions which might turn to the disadvantage or disparagement of the Gospel of Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Literally, "That we may have no advantage gained over us by Satan," namely, by letting one of our members be lost to us through despair, we ourselves furnishing Satan with the weapon, by our repulsive harshness to one now penitent. The loss of a single sinner is a common loss; therefore, in Co2 2:10, he said, "for your sakes." Paul had "delivered" the offender "to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the Spirit might be saved" (Co1 5:5). Satan sought to destroy the spirit also: to let him do so, would be to give him an advantage, and let him overreach us. not ignorant of his devices--"Ignorant" and "devices" are words akin in sound and root in Greek: we are not without knowledge of his knowing schemes.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us,.... Or make gain of us, or we should be circumvented by him; a metaphor taken from covetous persons, who take every occasion, and make use of every advantage to circumvent and deceive persons in trading with them: Satan gets an advantage of the churches, when church discipline is brought into neglect and contempt, or turned into tyranny; or when he can draw off any person from a church, or keep him out of it: wherefore the apostle's argument is, that since the incestuous person had true repentance for his sin, he ought to be forgiven, comforted, and received into the church; lest by too great severity, and a too long continuance of the censure on him, he should be either plunged into despair, or be drawn into a denial of the faith, or into an open scandalous course of wickedness; and so the church entirely lose a member, that might, by the proper use of discipline, have been an useful one, and Satan gain one: for we are not ignorant of his devices; and cunning stratagems; some of his crafty contrivances and designs are known, though not all of them; and this particularly, that he sometimes transforms himself into an angel of light, and under pretence of showing a just indignation against sin, and keeping up a strict and righteous discipline, destroys souls, ruins churches, and brings religion into contempt. This was one of his devices in former times, that persons who fell into any gross sin after baptism, and a profession of religion, were never to be restored and received into the communion of the church again, let their repentance be ever so sincere. This cruel and inexorable spirit, under the show of strict religion and discipline, is what the apostle here would caution against, as one of the wiles of Satan.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:11 If we exercise forgiveness, as Paul did, Satan will not outsmart us by making us either too lax over sin or too rigorous in punishing offenders. • familiar with his evil schemes: Cp. 11:3, 14; Eph 6:11.
2 Corinthians 2:11
Reaffirm Your Love
10If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And if I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven it in the presence of Christ for your sake,11in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Om Orientation) Real Christian Morals - Part 1
By George Verwer2.9K32:00MoralsGEN 49:4GEN 49:92CO 2:11EPH 5:25EPH 5:321TI 3:7HEB 6:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of sexual immorality and its consequences. He starts by referencing the story of Reuben in Genesis 35, who committed immorality and faced judgment later on. The preacher emphasizes that those who lack control in this area of their lives are as unstable as water and will not know success. He mentions that surveys have shown a high percentage of university girls believing it is reasonable to have sex before marriage. The preacher argues that it is important to have answers and reasons for not believing in this way of living, based on what Jesus taught and what the Bible says. He warns about the effects of such sin and the lifetime of tears and heartache it can bring. The preacher also mentions the importance of not allowing such sins to be named among believers, as stated in 2 Timothy 2. He highlights the moral deluge our culture is facing and the severity of the situation. However, he also offers a message of hope, stating that the power of the Holy Spirit can give strength even to the weakest individuals. The sermon includes references to other stories in the Old Testament, such as the sin of David in 2 Samuel 11, to emphasize the importance of avoiding sexual immorality.
(The Church and Satans Wiles) 2 - as Jesus Is So Are We
By Zac Poonen1.5K1:14:54MAT 6:33MAT 16:18JHN 8:442CO 2:111TI 6:171JN 4:11JN 4:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing and understanding the Bible. He believes that many Christians are unaware of the truth of Scripture and are easily deceived by the lies of the devil. The preacher encourages his audience to live a life of victory and joy, citing 1 John 4:17 which states that as Jesus is, so are we in this world. He challenges the notion that the Christian life is boring and asserts that his own Christian life is exciting and fulfilling. The preacher also highlights the need to persevere and overcome challenges, comparing it to passing grades in education and the pursuit of higher goals.
Skyland Conference 1988 (Two Kingdoms) - Part 1
By William MacDonald1.4K40:10Kingdom Of GodMAT 6:33JHN 12:312CO 2:112CO 4:4COL 1:91JN 5:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the emptiness of the world and how it fails to satisfy the human heart. He references a story about a young entertainer who had achieved fame and success but still felt empty inside. The preacher emphasizes that the world portrayed in media and entertainment is not the reality and urges young people to see beyond its allure. He also highlights biblical passages that speak about the ruler of this world being judged and the need to be aware of the devil's devices.
Resist the Devil by Mario Digangi - Part 2
By Mariano Di Gangi1.2K07:42MRK 14:382CO 2:11EPH 6:11JAS 4:71PE 5:8Peter, drawing from his own experience of failing to watch, pray, and falling into temptation by denying Jesus, exhorts Christians to be self-controlled, alert, and firm in faith. He warns that the devil prowls like a roaring lion, seeking to devour believers. The devil's tactics include insinuating doubt, spreading heresy, sowing discord, and displacing the centrality of Jesus Christ. To resist the devil, believers must keep their faith in God's promises, commands, and person, remaining vigilant and aware of the enemy's schemes.
Setting Fire to Satan's Harvest - Part 2
By Carter Conlon1.2K10:57PSA 28:7PSA 34:12CO 2:112CO 10:5PHP 2:14This sermon emphasizes the need to identify and address the negative influences and complaints that hinder our relationship with God, urging believers to set fire to the harvest of unrighteousness sown by the enemy. It calls for a shift from complaining to worshiping, trusting in God's faithfulness, and choosing fellowship with the righteous. The message encourages a declaration of faith, surrendering complaints, and embracing God's mercy and strength, leading to a life of praise and trust in His divine purpose.
Baptized Into the Spirit
By Rolfe Barnard1.1K49:46Holy Spirit BaptismROM 6:4ROM 8:22ROM 11:262CO 2:11EPH 5:271PE 4:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's plan is not to make believers perfect, but to make them desire perfection and fight against sin. He explains that the battle against sin begins as soon as a person is saved and that the fight is primarily against one's own sinful nature. The preacher also highlights the importance of understanding the specific purpose of Christ and how it relates to the universal salvation of humanity. He concludes by urging believers to show compassion and support to fellow believers who may struggle with temptation, emphasizing the ongoing conflict that Christians face in their daily lives.
An Honest Walk
By George Verwer93327:42HonestyPSA 119:1051CO 15:582CO 2:11EPH 6:102TI 3:16HEB 4:12JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding how seemingly opposite aspects of life fit together in the context of the Christian faith. He discusses how missions work in different countries can be connected to the biblical principle of the local church. The speaker also addresses the need for both hard work and rest in the Lord, highlighting the balance in the Christian life. He shares his own struggles and fears, emphasizing the importance of being real and transparent in our faith. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God's guidance and a desire for true spirituality and discipleship.
Front-Line Folly
By George Verwer80032:50MAT 6:332CO 2:11EPH 5:16EPH 6:111PE 5:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the folly of missionaries who play around with language study instead of taking it seriously. He shares his observations from visiting OM teams for 27 years and highlights the importance of producing results when living on a limited budget. The speaker also mentions a message he shared with leaders from the Muslim world, titled "Front Line Folly," which he couldn't easily share with the public or new recruits. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need for missionaries to be dedicated and focused on their mission.
Two Roads Two Destinies 08 Ireland st.chapel
By Worth Ellis74356:34MAT 6:33LUK 1:512CO 2:11EPH 6:111PE 5:6In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal experience of meeting an old teacher and having a reunion in a crowded restaurant. He then transitions to discussing the weakness of being occupied with worldly things and how it can hinder our ability to receive the word of God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not prioritizing material possessions and desires over spiritual growth. He concludes by urging the audience to be aware of the seriousness of their actions and to be armed against the enemy's schemes, using 1 Thessalonians 5:6 as a reference.
The Christian Life Is a Process
By Michael Catt7031:01:31Christian LifeMAT 6:33ROM 6:1ROM 6:152CO 2:11EPH 6:16COL 2:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not just having knowledge and experiences in the Christian faith, but actually using them to make a difference for God. He warns against the dangers of legalism and being consumed with feelings and emotions. The preacher uses the analogy of marines taking an island to illustrate the process of the Christian life. He explains that while God is working in us, we also need to actively go out and take ground for God, not just staying in our comfort zones. The sermon is based on Romans chapter 6 and highlights the idea that the Christian life is a continuous process of growth and transformation.
Spiritual Balance in World Missions
By George Verwer6191:08:09PRO 16:9MAT 6:33ACT 1:8ROM 12:22CO 2:111TH 5:171TI 4:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of personal relationships in spreading the word of God. While mass media and other methods can be effective, they should not replace the personal connection between individuals. The speaker also discusses the balance between social work and evangelism, highlighting the need to reach out to others while staying true to biblical teachings. Additionally, the sermon touches on various tangents that can distract young believers from a Bible-based Christianity, such as the ego trip of success and the debate between teams and the local church.
Knowing Satan's Schemes
By Zac Poonen61750:41ISA 14:12EZK 28:12MAT 16:181CO 3:62CO 2:11GAL 6:3HEB 7:25REV 12:10This sermon delves into the tactics of Satan, focusing on how he deceives through pride, rebellion, accusation, and drawing people to himself. It emphasizes the importance of being alert to Satan's schemes, understanding his origin, and learning from Jesus' humility and prayer for believers. The message highlights the need to avoid pride, comparison with others, rebellion against authority, and the spirit of accusation, while encouraging respect, humility, and drawing others to Christ.
Polish (6)
By George Verwer1381:09:28PolishMAT 6:33ROM 12:41CO 12:122CO 2:11GAL 5:22EPH 4:3JAS 4:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of accepting and forgiving one another in the Christian faith. He emphasizes the need for unity among believers, using the analogy of different body parts working together. The speaker also addresses the issue of criticism and how it can discourage some Christians, even leading them to turn away from their faith. He highlights the significance of understanding and accepting the different gifts that God gives to each individual in the body of Christ. The sermon concludes with a mention of the book "When Bad Things Happen to Good People" and the speaker's personal experiences with loss and suffering in the context of God's work.
Homily 22 on Ephesians
By St. John Chrysostom0ROM 8:38ROM 16:202CO 2:112CO 11:14EPH 6:10EPH 6:122TH 2:7John Chrysostom preaches about the spiritual warfare believers face, emphasizing the need to be strong in the Lord and to put on the whole armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes. He highlights that the battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of wickedness, urging believers to be vigilant and to resist the temptations of the enemy. Chrysostom encourages believers to trample the power of the devil by living a life free from sin and to engage in a relentless war against evil, knowing that victory comes through faith in Christ and obedience to God's will.
All Out War on God's Children
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual WarfareFaith in Christ2CO 2:11JAS 4:71PE 5:8REV 12:12David Wilkerson warns that the devil has declared all-out war on God's children, knowing he has a limited time to wreak havoc. He emphasizes the importance of being aware of Satan's tactics, as believers are not ignorant of his devices. While the enemy may seem powerful, he has been defeated by Jesus, and Christians are called to resist him through faith. Wilkerson encourages believers to remain vigilant and trust in Jesus for protection and deliverance from the enemy's schemes. The sermon serves as a reminder that while the devil seeks to destroy, faith in Christ renders him powerless.
Satan's First Attack
By John Hames0MAT 4:12CO 2:11EPH 6:12JAS 4:71PE 5:8John Hames preaches about the reality of spiritual warfare and how Satan targets newly converted souls, seeking to bring doubt, comparison, false expectations, and discouragement to hinder their faith journey. He highlights the importance of being aware of Satan's tactics and standing firm in the truth of God's Word to resist the enemy's lies and deceptions.
It Is but a Little Sin!
By Thomas Brooks0Spiritual VigilanceThe Danger of Small SinsPSA 19:12PRO 4:23MAT 5:29ROM 6:231CO 5:62CO 2:11GAL 5:9HEB 12:1JAS 1:141JN 1:8Thomas Brooks warns against the deceptive nature of 'little sins,' emphasizing that even minor transgressions can lead to significant spiritual danger. He illustrates how small sins, often overlooked, can infiltrate the soul and grow into greater issues, ultimately leading to spiritual death. Brooks uses vivid analogies, such as a little leaven affecting the whole lump and a small hole sinking a ship, to convey the seriousness of seemingly insignificant sins. He urges believers to be vigilant and recognize that neglecting these 'little sins' can have dire consequences for their souls.
Soul-Killing Plots, Devices, Stratagems & Machinations!
By Thomas Brooks0Spiritual WarfareAwareness of TemptationMAT 4:1JHN 10:10ROM 7:212CO 2:11EPH 6:111TH 5:62TI 2:26JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 5:19Thomas Brooks emphasizes the necessity of understanding Christ, Scripture, our own hearts, and the devices of Satan to safeguard our souls. He warns that Satan, filled with malice and envy, seeks to ensnare humanity into eternal misery, using our weaknesses against us. Brooks highlights that the devil's plots are numerous and tailored to exploit our inclinations, making vigilance essential for Christians. He urges believers to be aware of these soul-killing strategies to avoid falling into temptation and to remain steadfast in faith.
Are You at the End of Yourself?
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual WarfareDiscouragementPSA 38:10PSA 42:11ISA 40:31MAT 11:28JHN 14:26ROM 15:132CO 2:11PHP 4:62TI 1:71PE 5:8David Wilkerson addresses the spirit of discouragement as a powerful weapon used by Satan against believers, emphasizing that it can lead us to doubt our worthiness to serve God. He references the apostle Paul's warning about not being ignorant of the devil's schemes and highlights King David's own struggles with feelings of emptiness and disconnection from God. Wilkerson shares his personal experiences of discouragement following spiritual victories, noting that even great preachers like C. H. Spurgeon faced similar battles. He encourages believers to remember the promises of Jesus, as the Holy Spirit works to counteract the lies of the enemy and bring divine encouragement. Ultimately, those who wait on the Lord will be filled with hope and strength.
Therefore, Be Serious
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual WarfareVigilance in FaithMAT 4:1LUK 22:31JHN 10:102CO 2:11EPH 6:12JAS 4:71PE 4:71PE 5:81JN 5:19REV 12:9David Wilkerson emphasizes the urgency of being serious in our spiritual lives, warning that those who follow Jesus are marked by Satan for destruction. He cites 1 Peter 4:7, urging believers to be sober-minded and vigilant in prayer as the end times approach and the enemy intensifies his attacks. Wilkerson highlights the reality of the devil, countering the notion that he can be ignored or reasoned away, and stresses the importance of recognizing his presence and tactics. The sermon calls for Christians to resist the devil with steadfast faith, as outlined in 1 Peter 5:8-9, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. Ultimately, it is a call to take our spiritual battles seriously and to remain alert in our faith.
The Worst & Most Infectious Plague in the World
By Thomas Brooks0SinTemptationPRO 4:142CO 2:11Thomas Brooks warns about the dangers of sin, describing it as the worst and most infectious plague in the world. He emphasizes the importance of keeping a safe distance from sin and avoiding the temptations that Satan presents, using the examples of Joseph's wisdom and David's downfall to illustrate the consequences of proximity to sin. Brooks highlights that sin not only affects the individual but can also spread and infect others, urging believers to recognize its serious nature and to flee from all appearances of evil.
Intelligence and Diversity in Unity and Unity in Diversity
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual WarfareUnity in DiversityACT 26:172CO 2:11T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical role of spiritual intelligence in overcoming the tactics of Satan, who seeks to keep humanity in ignorance and blindness. He illustrates that just as military intelligence is vital for victory in warfare, spiritual enlightenment is essential for believers to recognize and counter the enemy's schemes. Sparks also discusses the importance of diversity within the body of Christ, where each member has a unique role that contributes to the overall mission, highlighting that the Holy Spirit equips every believer for their specific function. He concludes that a sense of vocation and service is crucial for spiritual growth and fulfillment, urging believers to actively engage in their calling.
Painted and Gilded Over
By Thomas Brooks0Deception of SinSpiritual VigilancePRO 14:12ISA 5:20MAT 7:15ROM 12:22CO 2:112CO 11:14GAL 6:7EPH 5:6JAS 1:141PE 5:8Thomas Brooks warns against the deceptive nature of sin, emphasizing that Satan disguises sin with the appearance of virtue to lead us astray. He illustrates that sin remains vile and abominable, regardless of how it is presented, much like a poisonous pill gilded in gold or a wolf in sheep's clothing. Brooks urges believers to recognize the true nature of sin, which can often be hidden beneath attractive exteriors, and to remain vigilant against its allure.
Dance and Dine With the Devil
By Thomas Brooks0SinTemptationPRO 14:12ROM 6:232CO 2:11GAL 6:7JAS 1:15Thomas Brooks warns against the deceptive allure of sin, emphasizing that what appears sweet will ultimately lead to bitterness and destruction. He illustrates this through biblical examples, showing that indulging in forbidden pleasures can lead to spiritual ruin. Brooks stresses that one cannot engage in sinful behavior and expect to enjoy the blessings of heaven, as the consequences of sin are severe and inevitable. The sermon serves as a reminder to be vigilant against Satan's schemes and to recognize the true nature of sin's temptations.
The Practical Way of Victory.
By Watchman Nee0Spiritual WarfareFaith and PurityMAT 5:372CO 2:112CO 11:3EPH 4:271TI 3:6Watchman Nee emphasizes the importance of maintaining simplicity of faith and purity of thought towards Christ to avoid being beguiled, as Paul warned the Corinthians. He highlights the necessity of careful speech and the act of forgiveness to prevent giving Satan an advantage in our lives. Nee points out that even innocent believers can fall prey to the enemy if they allow pride or unforgiveness to take root. He stresses that Christians must remain vigilant and not give any ground to the devil, as he has certain rights over those who do. The sermon serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare believers face and the need for constant awareness and adherence to God's principles.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Lest Satan should get an advantage - If the man who has given sufficient proof of the sincerity of his repentance be not restored, he may be overwhelmed with sorrow, and sink into despair; and then the discipline of the Church will be represented, not as emendatory, but as leading to destruction. Of this our enemies would most gladly avail themselves, as they wish to discredit this ministry; and there is always at hand a devil to suggest evil, and prompt men to do it; for in this respect we have thorough acquaintance with his devices. Let us therefore be careful to remove, both from Satan and his partisans, all those occasions which might turn to the disadvantage or disparagement of the Gospel of Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Literally, "That we may have no advantage gained over us by Satan," namely, by letting one of our members be lost to us through despair, we ourselves furnishing Satan with the weapon, by our repulsive harshness to one now penitent. The loss of a single sinner is a common loss; therefore, in Co2 2:10, he said, "for your sakes." Paul had "delivered" the offender "to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the Spirit might be saved" (Co1 5:5). Satan sought to destroy the spirit also: to let him do so, would be to give him an advantage, and let him overreach us. not ignorant of his devices--"Ignorant" and "devices" are words akin in sound and root in Greek: we are not without knowledge of his knowing schemes.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us,.... Or make gain of us, or we should be circumvented by him; a metaphor taken from covetous persons, who take every occasion, and make use of every advantage to circumvent and deceive persons in trading with them: Satan gets an advantage of the churches, when church discipline is brought into neglect and contempt, or turned into tyranny; or when he can draw off any person from a church, or keep him out of it: wherefore the apostle's argument is, that since the incestuous person had true repentance for his sin, he ought to be forgiven, comforted, and received into the church; lest by too great severity, and a too long continuance of the censure on him, he should be either plunged into despair, or be drawn into a denial of the faith, or into an open scandalous course of wickedness; and so the church entirely lose a member, that might, by the proper use of discipline, have been an useful one, and Satan gain one: for we are not ignorant of his devices; and cunning stratagems; some of his crafty contrivances and designs are known, though not all of them; and this particularly, that he sometimes transforms himself into an angel of light, and under pretence of showing a just indignation against sin, and keeping up a strict and righteous discipline, destroys souls, ruins churches, and brings religion into contempt. This was one of his devices in former times, that persons who fell into any gross sin after baptism, and a profession of religion, were never to be restored and received into the communion of the church again, let their repentance be ever so sincere. This cruel and inexorable spirit, under the show of strict religion and discipline, is what the apostle here would caution against, as one of the wiles of Satan.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:11 If we exercise forgiveness, as Paul did, Satan will not outsmart us by making us either too lax over sin or too rigorous in punishing offenders. • familiar with his evil schemes: Cp. 11:3, 14; Eph 6:11.