Thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ we have escaped the devil's influence
As we look at the world today we will find that mankind has a great fascination of and appreciation for those who are able to remove themselves from perplexing and troubling situations. The world has a great romance with the Harry Houdinis and David Copperfields of history, men who according to the human eyes have seemed to magically escape confinement although wrapped in chains, straight jackets, and handcuffs.
Our theaters reflect our attraction.
There are many movie titles that glorify the subject including: "Pappion", "The Great Escape," "Escape from Alcatraz" and others. These pander to our imaginations and feed and desire for allowing us to escape the pitfalls prepared for us by Satan to go over the Jordan and see a new and brighter day.
But there is no escape greater than the one shared by all believers; the escape from the grasp of the devil and his influence over our lives.
Even today, the devil wants to trap you in his grips, but thanks to Christ, the devil will be proven a liar once again. Always remember that Satan is a defeated foe.
A Christian who does not sharpen his or her spiritual understanding will not foresee the evil and is sure to get snared by Satan. This verse also tells us that those who are simple or biblically ignorant of Satan's devices will fall prey to them. (Eph 6:16 KJV) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
The word "darts" comes from a word which means "something that is thrown." In ancient times, one of the most capable weapons was the javelin which was thrown. The fiery darts come from both the wicked people and the wicked one (which is how the word is best interpreted). Even though we are saved, Satan will attempt to marshal his forces against the people of God. He is such a great deceiver, that even though he knows he is a defeated foe, he believes somehow he will be the victor. His greatest victim of his deceit is himself.
Satan's reasons for doing what he does
• To discredit God
• To deceive Christians
• To blind as many as he possibly can to truth
• To cast aspersions on the word of God
• To adulterate God's salvation plan by making the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ a part of salvation instead of all of it
Satan's Methods
(Eph 6:11 KJV) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
The word "wiles" is the Greek word "methodeia" which carries with it the meaning of "strategy, scheming, or planned deceitful procedure."
This is why it is so important that we recognize early enough in our Christian walk some of the methods Satan uses to attack us in our Christian life.
Satan can never have us nor can he indwell us but he sure can cause havoc in a believer's life, however, nothing can happen to any child of God unless God approves it first and then whatever is approved, will work out for our benefit and spiritual growth. Let us now attend to some of the methods Satan uses.
1) He contradicts God's Word(Gen 3:4 KJV) And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
God told Adam and Eve that if they eat from the Tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil, they would surely die. Here Satan offers Eve a total contradiction of God's word. Notice Satan can only offer an idea as he does not have the power to force anyone to accept his lies.
(Josh 1:7-8 KJV) Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. {8} This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
These words are not just idle words in that "turn not from it to the right hand or to the left" carries with it the meaning of "not turning aside the Word." The Lord can protect your mind!
2) He counterfeits God's word(Gen 3:5 KJV) For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
3) He persuades or entices(1 Chr 21:1 KJV) And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. Satan has many methods to deceive anyone and everyone. He is a defeated foe and is not to be feared.
He's gonna get his just you wait and see.
(Rev 20:10 KJV) And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
