in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. in order that Satan should not outwit us.This phrase highlights the apostle Paul's awareness of spiritual warfare and the need for vigilance against the devil's tactics. In the broader context of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the issue of forgiveness and reconciliation within the church. By forgiving and restoring a repentant sinner, the church prevents Satan from exploiting the situation to sow discord and division. The concept of Satan as a deceiver is consistent throughout Scripture, as seen in Genesis 3:1-5, where he deceives Eve, and in 1 Peter 5:8, where believers are warned to be sober-minded and watchful because the devil prowls like a roaring lion. The term "outwit" suggests a strategic battle, emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment and unity in the body of Christ to resist the devil's schemes. For we are not unaware of his schemes. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth with pastoral concern and apostolic authority. 2. The Church in Corinth The recipients of the letter, a diverse and often troubled congregation in a major Greek city. 3. Satan The adversary, whose schemes Paul warns the Corinthians to be aware of. 4. Forgiveness and Reconciliation The context of the passage, where Paul discusses the importance of forgiving a repentant sinner to prevent Satan from gaining an advantage. 5. The Offender A member of the Corinthian church who had caused grief, likely the same individual mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5, who is now repentant. Teaching Points Awareness of Spiritual WarfareChristians must be vigilant and discerning, recognizing that Satan actively seeks to disrupt and deceive. The Importance of Forgiveness Unforgiveness can be a foothold for Satan. Forgiving others is crucial to maintaining unity and spiritual health within the church. Understanding Satan's Schemes Satan's tactics often involve deception, division, and discouragement. Being aware of these can help believers stand firm. The Role of Community in Spiritual Defense The church community plays a vital role in supporting one another against spiritual attacks through prayer, accountability, and encouragement. Scriptural Knowledge as a Defense Knowing and applying Scripture is essential in countering Satan's lies and temptations, as demonstrated by Jesus. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we become more aware of Satan's schemes in our daily lives, and what practical steps can we take to guard against them?2. In what ways does unforgiveness give Satan an advantage, and how can we practice forgiveness in our relationships? 3. How does the concept of spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:11 relate to Paul's warning in 2 Corinthians 2:11? 4. What role does the church community play in helping individuals resist the devil, and how can we strengthen this support system? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced a spiritual challenge. How did Scripture help you, and how can you better equip yourself with God's Word for future battles? Connections to Other Scriptures Ephesians 6:11Paul speaks about putting on the full armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes, emphasizing the need for spiritual vigilance. 1 Peter 5:8 Peter warns believers to be sober-minded and watchful because the devil prowls like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Genesis 3:1-5 The serpent's deception of Eve in the Garden of Eden illustrates the cunning nature of Satan's schemes. Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus' temptation in the wilderness shows how Satan attempts to outwit even the Son of God, but is defeated by Scripture. James 4:7 Encourages believers to resist the devil, promising that he will flee from them. People Corinthians, Paul, TitusPlaces Achaia, Corinth, Macedonia, TroasTopics Advantage, Adversary, Better, Designs, Devices, Fear, Gain, Gained, Gaining, Ignorant, Lest, Outwit, Over-reached, Satan, Schemes, Thoughts, UnawareDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Corinthians 2:11 5589 trap 6655 forgiveness, application 6746 sanctification, means and results Library The Triumphal Procession'Thanks be unto God, which always leadeth us in triumph in Christ and maketh manifest through us the savour of His knowledge in every place.'--2 COR. ii. 14 (R.V.) I suppose most of us have some knowledge of what a Roman Triumph was, and can picture to ourselves the long procession, the victorious general in his chariot with its white horses, the laurelled soldiers, the sullen captives, with suppressed hate flashing in their sunken eyes, the wreathing clouds of incense that went up into the blue … Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V) The Two Effects of the Gospel Since These Things are So, Because it were Too Long to Treat Thoroughly Of... "But if Ye have Bitter Envying," &C. There Resulteth Then from all These this Sentence... On the Study of the Evidences of Christianity. Of the Matters to be Considered in the Councils. Epistle xxxv. To Leontius, Ex-Consul. How the Rude in Sacred Learning, and those who are Learned but not Humble, are to be Admonished. The Preparatory Service; Sometimes Called the Confessional Service. The Comforts Belonging to Mourners Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards was Archdeacon of Langres A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized. Things Pertaining to the Kingdom. Elucidations. Letter cxx. To Hedibia. And for Your Fearlessness against them Hold this Sure Sign -- Whenever There Is... 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