It seems that in the world we currently live in, our culture would like to pretend that there isn't any such thing as a devil (except when Halloween rolls around - but that acknowledgement isn't in a good way). But the harsh reality is that there is one. He is real and he is up to NO good. He is our enemy. So let's be aware of what he is about and be ready to fight with God's armor on!
Who is the devil?
He is a sinner. "The one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinner from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil." 1 John 3:8
He is a liar and a murderer. "You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44
He is a deceiver. "But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." 2 Corinthians 11:3
He works to trap people. "with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will." 2 Timothy 2:25 & 26
He is powerful. "in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." 2 Corinthians 4:4
He has angels that serve him. "Then He will also say to those on His left, "Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;" Matthew 25:41
What does the devil do?
He tempts people to sin. "But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?" Acts 5:4
Works to make sure the souls of men are destroyed. (See verse in picture above) "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road." Matthew 13:19
He brings about false doctrine and false worship designed to deceive men. "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 "But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons." 1 Timothy 4:1
He makes war with God's people. "So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus." Revelation 12:17
He accuses Christians before God. "Then I hear a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night." Revelation 12:10
The devil will be destroyed.
"Then He will also say to those on His left, "Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels." Matthew 25:41
"Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives." Hebrews 2:14 & 15
"And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophets are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." Revelation 20:10
How can we overcome the devil in our lives?
Thanks be to God that we have Jesus Christ who was manifested so that He might destroy the works of the devil!!! (1 John 3:8) Through Jesus, God has provided us a way of escape. I am so very grateful!
God has provided it but we must individually use that escape. To aid in doing that we are told to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-20). James 4:7 says "Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." Hebrews 4:15 & 16 adds: "For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
My hope is that you will be on guard against the devil and will be drawing near to the throne of grace each and every day!
4 comments:
What about President Trump? Is he really acting against the devil? Many people in Germany wonder which way America will go in the next 4 years. We do worry about the future in the western world.
Good question. I don't know. I think he has made some good decisions so far but he is concerning for us as well. I am praying for him and our country often. We would appreciate your prayers as well. It is interesting to hear what people in other countries are thinking about our country.
I'm thankful Jesus has conquered him and we have become victors by His blood.
Me too!!
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