“… so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.” – II Corinthians 2:11
Whoever first said that “Ignorance is bliss” was a fool. Ignorance in the Christian life results in being blind-sided by sin, being deceived by heretical teaching, and being sabotaged by doubt. A colossal amount of pain, suffering, sin, and despair is – pure and simple – the result of ignorance.
But in the Christian life, ignorance is no excuse. Paul adjures the church that we are to study how Satan works – his traps, his tricks, his tales – so that “no advantage would be taken of us.”
How do we gain such wisdom and leave ignorance behind us? Through serious study of God’s Word, by seeking godly counsel, by studying the past to learn from it, by reading the wisdom of the saints who have gone before us … there is much that we can do; and more than that, there is much that we must do.
It will require time and effort, but the reward is worth it: “Wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will guard you, understanding will watch over you, to deliver you from the way of evil” (Proverbs 2:10-12).
When have you personally been blind-sided by Satan? What happened? Why and how did it happen?
What are some common ways Satan tries to undermine individuals? Families? Churches? Communities? Nations?
What are you actively doing to gain wisdom to protect yourself from Satan’s schemes?