Messenger of Satan

In 2 Corinthians 12:7 Paul said; “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.” In this example shown in Paul’s physical affliction we see how Satan by a messenger can afflict even our physical bodies. But we also see by scripture how some are given over to evil spirits, and a reprobate mind which also are of that wicked one.

But in Paul’s example we see his infirmity of the flesh was given to keep him humble so that he would have a little reminder so that he would not exalt himself above measure. But in other instances we see physical afflictions are given even for the glory of God as in the case of the blind man in John 9:3; “Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.”

In this day and age the mainstream medical profession and science do not recognize mental illness, and physical afflictions as being from the Devil, or of evil spirits. But the scriptures tell us in many instances that these are the works of the Devil and of evil spirits (angels) just as the Lord sent evil angels among the people as seen here in Psalm 78:49; “He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.”

During Jesus’ ministry we saw these evil spirits (devils) being cast out by his Word as seen here in Matthew 8:16; “When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:” I know in this day and age that many in the medical profession would find it hard to believe that there is a connection between mental illnesses and evil spirits, and perhaps even harder for them to believe that even physical afflictions can be caused by Satan.

But we see proof of this spirit of infirmity of the flesh here in Luke 13:16;“And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?” And some might find it even harder to believe that there is a connection between these curses and afflictions and a person who is living in sin. But Jesus warns of it here in John 5:14; “Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.”

So there is a connection between sin and illnesses, be they mental or physical. The Lord foretold of the blessings and curses for following, or for not following His Word to children of Israel for our example. Exodus 15:26; And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that heals thee. And also here in Deuteronomy 7:15; “And the LORD will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee.”

But then we see the warning for not walking in the way of the Lord. Deuteronomy 28:60; “Moreover he will bring upon thee all the diseases of Egypt, which thou was afraid of; and they shall cleave unto thee.”
So we see a direct connection between sin and transgression and being given over to the destroyer, or(Satan) just as Paul mentions here in 1 Corinthians 5:5; “To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. This chastisement and correction was given so that the sinner might repent, and also turn from his sinful ways.

But many, because of the hardness of their hearts would be in bondage to the tormentor until their time of judgment was complete as seen here in Matthew 18:34; “And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. Matthew 18:35; “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses.”

Great post InSpirit the LORD had me looking at a few of these same things today just a little differently. I had posted awhile back similiarly on the spirit of infirmity and Paul's own receiving a messenger of Satan (a thorn in the flesh) before as well. At least the scripture shows these things, even with Job Satan was alowed to touch his "flesh" and bone (but was limited) he would have to spare his life. Even tribulation works patience so all things work together for the good of them who love the Lord, its probrobly why it speaks of "patience of" Job.

Good post bro God bless you

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Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Thanks Sis, your too kind.

Yeah, sometimes we have to bear our reproach for a time until the Lord decides to take up our cause and release us from our bondage.

Micah 7:9
I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.

I was trying to connect bond to "bonds" (plural) I dont think it can be, but the same can sorta be seen in it, have you ever noticed that? His infirmities were of plural form, so were his bonds, speaks the same of being thou partaker of the afflictions (plural) of the gospel. Or them which suffer adversity (in the same bonds). Likewise of Satan casting into prison, the touching of the flesh, Jesus words to Simon, "Satan hath desire to sift thee as wheat". The temptation of Christ in the wilderness, the rejoicing in the same temptations that come to try your faith. To sift is to attempt to over throw ones faith, Satan says of Job (in each attempt) he will curse you to your face (etc). Shows a huge connection to me. I know the infirmity of the flesh the woman had was also called a "bond" (of Satan) Jesus loosing her from hers but in regards to "this thing" with Paul he said no, my grace is sufficient for you. Who through weakness are made strong to live in and through the power of God.

I gotta look at this more closely though, because its inclusive of necessities, infirmities, persecutions (adveristy) reproches and distresses, but man, did Paul get loaded upon. He also speaks of proving themselves ministers in the same things also, had you noticed that?

I return to this again and again hoping for a bigger eyeful here

God bless you bro

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Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Heres one I was looking at before bro, you could have been on that thread not sure, but I was thinking some more on it and adding to it (privately) but just for confimation of some things, or to show where a patern can be seen (somewhat) I'll post these here under yours. Its always good to get some confirmation.

These are what I was looking at and how they were worded...

2Cr 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Job 1:9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?

Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

all that he hath

Job 1:12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

"all that he hath" whereas Jesus says...

Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Or as here... "Sons of God" and Satan coming along "with them"

Job 2:1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.

Mark 8:33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

Whereas again...

Job 1:9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?

Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

Job 1:12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Same, back and forth....

James 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Mat 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Luke 4:14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

Likewise...

Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Chist is the power of God, who prayed for Peters faith

1Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1Peter 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

1Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:


Or this way...


Gal 4:13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.

Even here....

Luke 13:11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

Called a spirit of inifirmity

2Cr 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

The woman had a spirit of infirmity


Luke 13:16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

Called this bond


And likewise...There was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan


Paul was not loosed from that bond His grace being sufficient, and His power being made perfect in weakness

2Cr 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Job 2:4 And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.

Job 2:5 But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.

Job 2:6 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.

There was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan

Job 2:7 So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

2Cr 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.


Exalted above measure sitting down in the ashes


Job 2:8 And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes. ..

2Cr 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong


Still ordering these better takes time, but you can see a threaded patern in them

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Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Yeah Sis we can see in scripture that these spirits of infirmity are delivered for various reasons. Sometimes for proving as in Jobs case, and sometimes to keep one humble as in Pauls case. But we also see that Satan is allowed to afflict for chastisement, correction, and even to carry out God's judgment upon the wicked. Just as Jesus also declared the judgment of this world, and the coming of the Prince of this world long ago.

But in Jobs and Pauls case Satan only afflicted their flesh (outward) but could not corrupt their minds (inward.) I think thats important to note because it was those outward afflictions (flesh) that would then strengthen their inward man (when the flesh is weak, then the Spirit is made strong.)

Peter on the other hand had not as yet received the Holy Ghost and was deceived inwardly by Satan when he denied Jesus, that was until Peter was converted as Jesus said. And being then converted by the Spirit of God he would then be given a sound mind (inward) and be able to feed the flock the gospel of Christ. But yet, as we also know, all the apostles would be afflicted outwardly(flesh) because of their faith, just as all those who cease from sin shall also suffer in the flesh.

But yet as the scriptures show those who are born of God's Spirit are not given over to that wicked one (inwardly) and the deadly poison of his doctrine shall hurt them in no way. In that respect we who are born of God's Spirit are given that power over the enemy (to resist and overcome inwardly) but to those who are without can, and will be corrupted, and given over to a mind of confusion.

We are told the flesh is of little profit, just as physical fitness is of little profit; but it is the Spirit that makes alive. And that is also why we are told to make no provision for the flesh, but seek the Kingdom first and foremost and the rest shall be given unto us. Just as Jesus also said we need to clean the inside of the vessel first, and then the outside of the vessel shall also become clean as well.

Good job bro Still looking at this myself.

Ever notice these two (how they are worded)?

2Cr 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

2Thes 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

Theres that exalting above ones measure between the two (contrasted) and the LEST I be (in respects to the same) the thorn in the flesh would appear to be that which keeps it somewhat in check (or so it seems). Without that (perhaps in the other picture) could appear to loose the same.

I keep thinking about these two for some reason, wish I knew, but dont yet.

Good post though bro

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Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Yes, and that is exactly what man has done by reason of his own carnal knowledge, he has become proud and lifted up in his own heart. That fleshy mind (spirit of covering) has caused him to trust in his own wisdom above that of God's.

And we know pride comes before the fall as is also spoken of in the spirit of covering (covering cherub) who causes men to seek after the pleasures of the flesh, and covet merchandise, and be filled with violence, and all sorts of sinful behavior. Man serves the flesh, and the lusts of the eye, and has pride in his own knowledge and way of life. (self praise and justification). By which he exalts himself.

1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Originally Posted by InSpiritInTruth

Yes, and that is exactly what man has done by reason of his own carnal knowledge, he has become proud and lifted up in his own heart. That fleshy mind (spirit of covering) has caused him to trust in his own wisdom above that of God's.

And we know pride comes before the fall as is also spoken of in the spirit of covering (covering cherub) who causes men to seek after the pleasures of the flesh, and covet merchandise, and be filled with violence, and all sorts of sinful behavior. Man serves the flesh, and the lusts of the eye, and has pride in his own knowledge and way of life. (self praise and justification). By which he exalts himself.

1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Yeah, like the thorn in his flesh (which kept him from being so corrupted) by being lifted up (in his heart)

Sorta reminds me of here
Ezekiel 28:17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.

James 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

Or just as here...

Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.

Speaks of "the sum" as does Hebrews, Christ (is made unto us), says, "learn of me I am meek" and lowly of heart and the meekness of wisdom.

Been looking at these differently here and there, as Christ come in the flesh (condemning sin), even as it speaks of perfect until inqiuty was found in you, and the pride that comes before a fall (the devils condemnation also) but yeah, of the carnal man, man in his wisdom. Looking at both brightnesses, by reason of one's brightness, and of Christ (light from heaven) Paul saw and by reason of His brightness fallen to the earth (the scales falling off the eyes) speaks in Job of pride also.

Lots of little connections, just started relooking at this again.

Good post bro, God bless you

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Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

good posts! the true treasure in our hearts / minds belongs to God and for His glory though Jesus Christ our Lord ,2Cr 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
we have no right to boast except in the Lord !
it seems spiritual pride with Gods riches is what would cause anyone to be exalted and for this cause the Lord makes sure our flesh is weakend on this purpose
the spirit is ready to recieve Him but the flesh is weak


Mar 14:38Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly [is] ready, but the flesh [is] weak.Rom 8:3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh
2 Corintians 4


Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy,

we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.