The scope of the discussion was our spiritual warfare with Satan.
Who then is this Satan? Let us take a little time to examine this Enemy :P
according to the bible's descriptions:
- Satan is apparently God's highest created angel and commanded the legion of angels before He fell. Ezekiel 28:12-14 God gave him power and authority
- Lucifer: The name appears to be derived from the same root as the Latin word lux meaning light (the light-bringer or son of the morning star)
- He became arrogant in his beauty and status and decided he wanted to sit on a throne above that of God (Isaiah 14:13-14; Ezekiel 28:15; 1 Timothy 3:6). He wanted to be God.
- He is an accuser (Revelation 12:10)
- He is a tempter (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5),
- He is a deceiver (Genesis 3; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:3).
Why does he do so? Satan's fate is almost predestined to failure according to the bible:(Revelation 20:10). But Satan wanted to be like God. He "loves" us too and wants more people to be with him. He does so by accusing, tempting and deceiving us (trying all ways to steer us from God).
Suppose Satan came to you with a present. Would he put on the label: "welcome dear, I love you as much as God does. I want you to enjoy eternal death with me in Hell. I welcome you to a life of misery, pain and confusion I have planned for you."
Upon seeing this? would anyone take up the offer? What we do know is Satan tempts, accuses and deceives us. He makes things seem good. Remember how he convinced Eve in the garden of Eden that the fruit of Knowledge was good. He made it seem "good" to take up the offer. This has been an ongoing battle for our hearts and mind.
And Satan works through little things: little addictions ( who did not start out gambling, smoking in small amounts till it became an addiction?), little quarrels with people (exploited by Satan), doubts and fears in God (makes us stumble in our faith). If he can convince us of the things he wants us to do, he has gained a foothold in our lives.
The only way to rebuke Satan is knowing God and His words, as how Jesus resisted:
1) And after He had fasted 40 days and 40 nights He then became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." - Matthew 4:2-3 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" - Matthew 4:4
2) Then the devil took Him into the holy city; and he had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If you are the Son of God throw yourself down. For it is written, 'He will give His angels charge concerning you,' and, 'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone." - Matthew 4:5-6
Deceptively, Satan tried inciting Jesus to test the scripture. Jesus addressed the real issue by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16. Jesus said to him, "On the other hand it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" - Matthew 4:7
3) Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory. And he said to Him, "All these things will I give you if you fall down and worship me." - Matthew 4:8-9 Then Jesus said to him, "Begone, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only. (Matthew 4:10)" Again, Jesus quoted Moses; this time from Deuteronomy 6:13.
Jesus has conquered Death with salvation and he stands with us in trying times of temptations of the devil: For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted (Hebrews 2:18). For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
Let us pray and be strong in the Word. Ultimately, establishing a strong relationship in our everyday walk is crucial in helping us to find our directions in life.
0 Response to "Knowing our Enemy:Satan"
Post a Comment