30 JANUARY
Satan as himself
‘And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.’ 2 Corinthians 11:14
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Revelation 12:7–12
False teachers are Satan’s instruments: he works in and by them, and can work without them. We may observe from this text that Satan has two general methods: open and like himself, or under a borrowed garb as an angel of light. Consider the first: he uses no disguise upon some occasions to multitudes of sinners, who are so bent upon sinning that they do not put him to the trouble of transforming himself. They are as ready to sin as he to tempt. Shall we say he uses any art or pains with swearers, drunkards, Sabbath-breakers? These are his willing servants that commit uncleanness with greediness. Alas, how many will not have the poor excuse to plead that they were deceived. They know in their consciences that those who do such things are worthy of death. He often acts like himself to poor convinced sinners, inflaming their wounds with his poisoned darts and labouring to persuade them that their sin is too great to be forgiven. He likewise often visits believers with temptations of a dark and black nature, horrid blasphemies, etc., which leave no room to doubt who is their proper author.
FOR MEDITATION:
Forest beasts, that live by prey,
Then, my soul with terror hears
Seldom show themselves by day;
Worse than lions, wolves, or bears,
But when daylight is withdrawn,
Roaring loud in every part,
Then they rove and roar till dawn.
Through the forest of my heart.
Thus when JESUS is in view,
Wrath, impatience, envy, pride,
Cheerful I my way pursue;
Satan and his host beside,
Walking by my Saviour’s light,
Press around me to devour;
Nothing can my soul affright.
How can I escape their power?
But when He forbears to shine,
Gracious LORD afford me light,
Soon the traveller’s case is mine;
Put these beasts of prey to flight;
Lost, benighted, struck with dread,
Let thy power and love be shown,
What a painful path I tread!
Save me, for I am thine own.
SERMON: 2 CORINTHIANS 11:14 [1/2]
Milo 