As believers, we are often tempted to measure success by the world's standards. We may look at those who have achieved wealth, fame, and power, and assume that they are living the "good life." However, the Bible warns us that those who are successful by the world's standards may actually be slaves to Satan.
The Bible Warns Us About the Deception of Satan
In 2 Corinthians 4:4, the apostle Paul writes, "whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them."
Here, Paul warns us that Satan, the god of this age, has blinded the minds of unbelievers, preventing them from seeing the truth of the gospel.
Successful Worldly People Are Often Slaves to Satan
Despite their outward appearance of success, many worldly people are actually slaves to Satan. They may have achieved wealth, fame, and power, but they are still bound by the chains of sin and deception.
In 2 Timothy 2:26, Paul writes, "and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will."
Here, Paul warns us that those who are captive to Satan's will are actually slaves to him, doing his bidding and fulfilling his purposes.
The Characteristics of Those Who Are Slaves to Satan
So, what are the characteristics of those who are slaves to Satan? Here are a few examples:
1. They are driven by pride and ambition: Those who are slaves to Satan are often driven by pride and ambition, seeking to elevate themselves above others and achieve success at any cost.
2. They are controlled by their lusts and desires: Those who are slaves to Satan are often controlled by their lusts and desires, seeking to fulfill their own selfish desires rather than seeking to please God.
3. They are blinded to the truth of the gospel: Those who are slaves to Satan are often blinded to the truth of the gospel, unable to see the light of Christ and the freedom that He offers.
How to Escape the Snare of the Devil
So, how can we escape the snare of the devil and avoid becoming slaves to Satan? Here are a few principles to keep in mind:
1. Seek God's wisdom and guidance: Seek God's wisdom and guidance in all that you do, asking Him to give you discernment and insight (James 1:5).
2. Walk in the Spirit: Walk in the Spirit, seeking to please God and fulfill His purposes rather than seeking to fulfill your own selfish desires (Galatians 5:16-26).
3. Resist the devil's temptations: Resist the devil's temptations, standing firm in your faith and refusing to give in to his lies and deceptions (James 4:7).
In conclusion, successful worldly people may appear to have it all, but they are often slaves to Satan, bound by the chains of sin and deception. As believers, we must be careful not to measure success by the world's standards, but rather by God's standards. By seeking God's wisdom and guidance, walking in the Spirit, and resisting the devil's temptations, we can escape the snare of the devil and live a life that is pleasing to God.
