The Devil In The "isms"

The devil in the “Isms”

TEXT: 2 COR. 2:5-11 (from the ESV)

INTRODUCTION:

I want to focus on: “We are not ignorant of his designs,” (KJV devices) where Paul is referring to satan’s designs. Designs is from the Greek word: “no'-a-mä” (nigh’ e ma) and means “a purpose, and specifically, an evil purpose.” Evil is always satan’s purpose and he was well-established in Corinth. Paul had personally founded the Church at Corinth on his 2nd missionary journey. Corinth was an old city, very prominent and influential in the history and politics of ancient Greece, and an important city under Roman rule, which is when this letter was written.

Corinth was filled with idols to the so-called gods of Greece and Rome, the most famous being the Temple of Aphrodite that employed 1,000 prostitutes. It was an evil city and caused Paul some of his worst problems in dealing with the Corinthian converts to Christianity. In our text, Paul is referring to an individual he wrote to them about in his 1st Letter, who had been sinning by sleeping with his step-mother. Paul told them to turn him over to satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (I Cor. 5:5).

In our text, Paul is encouraging the church to forgive this man and love him. He then writes, in verses 10 and 11, “Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” Paul was informing the church that the reason they should forgive and love their formerly sinful brother, is because it is the right thing to do, and it is the right thing to do because Jesus commanded it. Jesus said, “Forgive if you have ought against any, that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses” (Mark 11:25). Paul knew that if this incident were not handled properly in God’s way, satan would use it to hinder the work of God in the Corinthian Church. The main target of satan’s attack is always the gospel, so he knows that if he can sow discord in the church, he can bring dishonor on the gospel.

If we are to be successful as individual Christians, and be successful as a local church, we must educate ourselves about satan’s evil purposes. As Paul says, we must not be ignorant of his designs. I want to make a start at this effort by talking about satan’s work in the world, and specifically his influence in and through the “isms” of the world.

I want us all to learn about his workings in the “isms” of Egoism, Globalism, and right under that, Communism.

I. EGOISM

A. The first thing to know about the devil is that he is GOD’s devil, because he is a created being, created by God as an angel; a specific type of angel called a “cherub,” from the Hebrew, “ker·üv,” which means “flanking God's throne.” He is neither god nor human but is a renegade and fallen angel

B. God named him “lucifer,” which is from the Hebrew word: “ha·lal” (hay lay’ ul), meaning, “light-bearer.” (from Isa. 14:12). But he forgot that he belonged to God. This lapse of memory is described in **READ Ezek. 28:13-15; 17 PINK READ**

C. Notice: he was “created,” and was so beautiful, he literally shined from the precious stones he was covered with. Music projected from him. Timbrels (or in the KJV “tabarets”) and pipes were built into him, meaning he was a walking heavenly pipe organ.

D. The definition of egoism is “the habit of valuing everything only in reference to one's personal interest; selfishness.” Egoism can be thought of as self-ism, the belief that one should act only in their own interests and desires. This is the devil personified.

E. He was the cherub that covered, meaning he was right up by the throne of God. He was given free will, and because of his beauty, his special attributes, and his view as being so exceptional and superior, his ego got so massive that he thought he could overthrow God.

F. His coup attempt against God is described in Isa. 14:12-14. **READ ISA. 14:12-14 PURPLE READ** He wanted to be like God, and more -- even to BE God, but instead, God cut him “…down to the ground.”

G. And he is STILL God’s devil. Everything he does or any power he has is only that which is PERMITTED by God, but God is not the author or the approver of his evil. Yet, at the end of time, even the devil’s workings will be seen as having accomplished the will of God.