Satan Is Busy

I. Satan Is Real

1. Many today do not believe that the devil is real.

a. However, of those who hold a positive faith, not a few think that belief in a devil is passed, out of place in our modern times or a belief needed only by the unsophisticated. The person who claims Christ as savior might well be tempted to disregard Satan because Christ will overcome in the end. (1Cor. 15:55-57) But, in writing to Christians, the apostle exhorted, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Pet. 5:8)

b. Yes, Satan is real and he is at work today! That fact should invoke more than passing concern among those who seek for eternal life. The devil is a very powerful being. He is a god, not some dumb stone idol, but a deity (2 Cor 4:4) who can blind minds to the truth, work signs and wonders and cause people to be utterly deceived. (2 Thes 2:9-10)

II. Resistance Requires

1. Ability

a. People have the ability to resist Satan. It isn’t that people have no way of fighting against Satan. Unlike the idea portrayed in some T.V. and Motion Picture Films, there is a simple defense. James 4:7 says. “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

2. Recognition

a. Ministers One needs to recognize that Satan has ministers, who these pretenders are and where they are working. There is always the possibility of a serious attack! Many a battle has been lost because the enemy was not seen or the aggression not detected until the arrow of defeat struck its mark, leaving only the dying. Satan is the greatest when it comes to deceiving. Thus, Paul issued a warning in 2 Cor 11:14-15: “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness.” That means that Satan and his ministers present themselves as men of God, preaching salvation. “While they promise them Liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption.” (2 Pet 2:19)

3. Love For Truth

a. Satan can be withstood if one has a love for truth. If they do not they will be condemned to be deceived and devoured. (2 Thes 2:9-10)

b. Realize What Truth Is - God’s word. (Jhn 17:17)

c Realize What Truth Is Not – That it is not found in denominationalism. Since denominations are denominated because of their differing beliefs and since varying beliefs produce confusion, there is cause for concern. 1 Cor 14:33 says that God is not the author of confusion. Thus, God did not author denominationalism, Satan did! God authored but one faith. (Eph 4:5)

Conclusion

Let us never forget the power and influence of Satan and the warfare we are called to be actively engaged in!

By Dean Blackwell

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