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In pop culture, Satan is often portrayed with horns, wearing red tights, and carrying a pitchfork. If only he were that easy to identify in real life! But Paul tells us that Satan sometimes disguises himself as an angel of light (1 Corinthians 11:14). He infiltrates religion with false teachers and seeks to lead us astray in our pride.
When we look at teachers, we need to examine them for a life of fidelity. Their power needs to come not from boasting or comparison with others, but through an interior life filled with Christ.
In order to establish his authority as an apostle against the false teachers, Paul gives his “credentials,” speaking of everything he has endured. In 2 Corinthians 12:1–6, he specifically speaks of a vision he had of heaven. He does not give details of his vision, but he uses it to point to his credentials as an apostle.
Because Paul’s vision was so powerful, a thorn was given to him. This was to point to the fact that it was not Paul’s power that enabled him to have this vision. Instead, it was God’s grace and power working in him and through him. The same is true in our lives today. We have nothing to boast of.
After defending his apostolicity, Paul goes on to encourage the Corinthians to examine themselves for evidence of the faith. If a person claims to follow Jesus but has no evidence or external changes in their life, then they need to take stock of themselves. A living faith is one that makes a difference.
Now, we all grow in Christ at different rates, so we need to be careful to avoid comparison. But the truth remains that God will work in us to mold us into the image of Christ.
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This teaching is based on Ken Boa’s Handbook to Scripture. This devotional is the perfect gift or tool for anyone wanting to dive into Scripture and learn how to study its key themes and chapters. To receive this devotional tool daily in your inbox, sign up for Daily Growth.
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