God Always Makes us Triumph over Satan’s Schemes

II Cor. 2:10-14; Genesis 3:1-13

Believers must march & fight by God’s winning strategies; we know Satan’s schemes (vs. 10-11).

• Review Paul’s difficulties and the example he set to overcome Satan’s scheming to stop him and the church at Corinth.

• Contrast the following schemes and strategies as well as Genesis 3:1-13; Genesis 50:18-21 and Ephesians 4:30-32.

  
  

II Cor. 2:1-3 Satan’s Scheme

1. Discourage (vs. 1-2)

2. Detach (vs. 4)

   1. Be shallow, surface, closed.

3. Divide (vs. 5-11)

   1. Cause grief when slandered.

   2. Right doctrine without love.

   3. Keep score like Peter suggested in Matthew 18:21-22 – 70 x 7.

   4. Blame God for letting it happen.

4. Distance (vs. 12-13)

   1. Delays, disappointments, loneliness

   2. Restlessness, anxiety, worry

5. Defeat & Doubt (vs. 14-16)

   1. Trust self & question God.

   2. Doubt God’s promises.

6. Delight in the world (vs. 15).

God’s Winning Strategies

1. Plan ahead to make each glad (vs. 1-2).

   1. Share the same joys (vs. 3) What joys do believers share?

2. Express vulnerability, emotional struggles, fears, tears and love for each other. (vs. 4, 8)

3. Believe what God knows and says about you (Psalm 139).

   1. Forgive and help to restore.

   2. Forgive as Christ did (Eph. 4:32; Matt.18:23-35).

   3. See the benefit God intends (Genesis 50:18-21).

4. Assume the best when people are missing.

   1. Put ministry plan on hold to reach out.

   2. Help fellow-laborers in their time of need.

5. Praise God NOW at all times, thanking Him for causing us to triumph no matter what.

   1. Pray with thanksgiving (Phil. 4:4-9)

6. What is life-giving and sweet to God? How can you "manifest" His knowledge in all places (vs. 14B)?