A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day – May 21, 2019
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Corinthians 2:11)
The word ignorant comes from the word ignore. When we ignore something we open ourselves up to ignorance.
Serving as Chaplains for several different corporations for decades has given my wife and me some unusual insights into different religious doctrines and teachings from various churches. One of the things that concern us greatly is how some churches never teach about our enemy Satan. In fact, I was recently told by one church member that Satan was a defeated foe and therefore he had no power over us and we did not have to deal with him anymore. Wow!!! What an open door for the enemy!!!
One of the most important things a nation should always do before going to war with another nation is to never underestimate their enemy. Never be ignorant of their devices. Pride always comes before a fall. Just as soon as you ignore or under estimate your enemy, you open yourself up for defeat. So, let’s look at the truth as it relates to Satan, our enemy:
“From the beginning of history, the evil one has battled in the spiritual realm against the Lord and His people. Satan is the great deceiver, the expert at making rebellion look attractive, the teller of lies, and the maestro of doubt. He deceived Eve in the garden by attacking the very Word of God, and he has been working tirelessly ever since to assault the minds and hearts of humanity. This battle continues today. Paul warned the Corinthian church that “we do not war according to the flesh” (2 Corinthians 10:3). We are engaged in a spiritual battle, and spiritual darkness runs rampant. The leader of the forces of this darkness is none other than Satan himself. From the very beginning, Satan’s demise was predicted. In Genesis 3:15, God prophesied that the serpent (Satan) would bruise the heel of the Seed of the woman, but Jesus—the Seed of the woman—would crush the serpent’s head. The defeat of Satan in one sense has already occurred. The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ guaranteed Satan’s doom. Satan awaits the inevitable: he, along with all of the enemies of God, will be thrown into the lake of fire for all eternity.” The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelation 20:10). (Excerpts from www.answersingenesis.org)
We are now living in a time of great deception where the truth becomes a lie and good becomes evil. Many are taught that the enemy (Satan) is either powerless or some sort of fictional character. Where do you think all this comes from? It comes straight from the Father of Lies. If he can get you and me to believe that he has no power or influence then whatever happens (regardless of how evil it may be) is blamed on God. What a sweet deal!
Wake up church!!! Revelation 20:10 has not taken place yet. Satan is not in the lake of fire. He is on planet earth promoting his lies and creating havoc.
The Apostles warned us in the New Testament (after the crucifixion of Christ) that we are still in a war.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11) And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; (Mark 16:17)
As a born again Christian you should not have any fear of Satan, but you cannnot afford to be ignorant. You must be able to identify the lies (you do that by knowing the Word of God). You must know who you are in Christ (you know that by knowing the Word of God) and you must be clothed with the full armor of God. You must then resist Satan at every turn.
Ignoring your enemy is a sign of ignorance and that my friend is an open door to losing a battle.
