Our Weekly Bulletin
The scriptures are very straight forward when it comes to the devil. We are to take him seriously so that we “do not give the devil an opportunity” (Ephesians 4:27). At the same time, we need to remember that God has already defeated the devil through Christ and given us the tools to help us resist his influences in our lives “so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes” (II Corinthians 2:11).
Scripture also tells us that the devil is not just some representation of evil, but that he is a real being who desires, who acts, and who seeks to hurt anyone and everyone who belong to God. Remember that Jesus warned Peter, “Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat” (Luke 22:31). The devil wanted Peter specifically, and Peter of all disciples knew the danger of the devil when he wrote, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (I Peter 5:8-9).
While the devil is dangerous and powerful, he is not equal to God in any way. He does not have the knowledge of God or power of God, and he is, in fact, both defeated and defeatable. This defeat was affected by Jesus Christ: “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).
The devil cannot make us sin, he cannot make us become unfaithful to God, he cannot make us do anything we truly don’t want to do. He knows how to keep attacking our faith. He tempts us openly through “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 Jn. 2:16). He also works on us through physical weaknesses, such as illness and injury. He works on us when we’re dealing with relationship problems and when we face any kind of setback. If we’re not careful, such life-challenges can weaken us spiritually and leave us vulnerable to his attacks. He cannot win against our will and our faith if we resist him. James wrote: “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (Jamess. 4:7).
God Bless -Todd
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