This verse, 2 Corinthians 2:11, speaks about the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation within the Christian community to avoid being manipulated by Satan. Let's break it down:
"That no advantage may be gained over us by Satan;": The word "advantage" speaks of the way Satan uses opportunities against the body of Christ.
"for we are not ignorant of his schemes.": This verse provides the reason we ought to forgive. Knowing that Satan aims to harm us, we must prevent him from doing so through the way that we interact with one another.
Essentially, Paul is saying:
We must be mindful of Satan's tactics (schemes, devices, strategies).
Satan can exploit situations where there is unforgiveness, bitterness, and division within the church. He can use these negative emotions and conflicts to further disrupt and damage the community.
By choosing forgiveness and reconciliation, we prevent Satan from using these opportunities to harm us.
In context, the verse is urging the Corinthian church to forgive a person who had caused them grief, likely the individual mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5. By extending forgiveness, they prevent Satan from using the situation to create further division and bitterness within the church.
Here's a practical way to think about it:
Imagine a sports team with internal squabbles. If they are busy arguing with each other, they are less focused on the game, and the opposing team (Satan) has a better chance of winning. Forgiveness and unity, on the other hand, make the team stronger and less vulnerable to attack.
This verse, 2 Corinthians 2:11, speaks about the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation within the Christian community to avoid being manipulated by Satan. Let's break it down:
"That no advantage may be gained over us by Satan;": The word "advantage" speaks of the way Satan uses opportunities against the body of Christ.
"for we are not ignorant of his schemes.": This verse provides the reason we ought to forgive. Knowing that Satan aims to harm us, we must prevent him from doing so through the way that we interact with one another.
Essentially, Paul is saying:
We must be mindful of Satan's tactics (schemes, devices, strategies).
Satan can exploit situations where there is unforgiveness, bitterness, and division within the church. He can use these negative emotions and conflicts to further disrupt and damage the community.
By choosing forgiveness and reconciliation, we prevent Satan from using these opportunities to harm us.
In context, the verse is urging the Corinthian church to forgive a person who had caused them grief, likely the individual mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5. By extending forgiveness, they prevent Satan from using the situation to create further division and bitterness within the church.
Here's a practical way to think about it:
Imagine a sports team with internal squabbles. If they are busy arguing with each other, they are less focused on the game, and the opposing team (Satan) has a better chance of winning. Forgiveness and unity, on the other hand, make the team stronger and less vulnerable to attack.
