An article crossed my desk yesterday about yet another pastor who succumbed to sexual sin, whose ministry was wrecked. The writer said that the usual response is to attempt to put such sad and sordid episodes behind us as quickly as possible, trying to forget they ever happened. He suggested a different response - "I want to put it on a twenty-by-twenty foot plasma screen in high definition for every set of eyes." What's up with that? Is he some kind of voyeur? Does he take a perverse interest in such sin? Not at all. He explains that he wants disciples to understand that there is a real Satan, who is very evil, who seeks to destroy them if given the slightest opportunity.
We, who belong to Jesus Christ and who are committed to His cause, must find the proper balance between real respect for our Adversary without falling into terror. A serious student of the Scripture comes to understand that the devil is not imaginary or a shadow in our psyche!
- Jesus variously describes him as "the prince of this world," "a murderer," and as "a liar and the father of lies."
- Paul calls him "the god of this age."
- Peter uses a powerful metaphor saying he is "a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
- John, with bright, bold strokes, reveals his diabolical nature and plans in the book of the Revelation.
That said, we must not marginalize the devil to such an extent that we become unaware of his schemes so that we become a pawn in his plans. The Word tells us that we must not "unwittingly give Satan an opening for yet more mischief—we’re not oblivious to his sly ways!" (2 Corinthians 2:11, The Message) Paul, in one of his letters, asserts that devil continues to exploit every opportunity he can find. He wrote, "Brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us." (1 Thessalonians 2:17-18, NKJV)
The trumpet of Truth sounds out loudly with this great assurance, however. "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (1 John 4:4, NIV)
So, disciple, retain a healthy respect for the adversary, but never cower in fear before him. "Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." (Ephesians 6:13, NIV)
How can we keep our confidence and be found faithful until the end?
First, we put our full confidence in Christ Jesus, our Savior, not on our skill, experience, or intelligence.
Second, we learn the Scripture and let the Truth set us free!
Third, we say the same thing about sin that God says. We don't excuse it. We don't allow ourselves to put a veneer of acceptability on anything offensive word or action.
Fourth, we walk in obedience right now! Dealing with temptation by dying to self is so much easier than cleaning up the mess that results from falling into sin.
Fifth, we forgive constantly so that no bitterness finds root in our heart to produce evil fruit!
And, we live prayerfully before God's Throne, so that the Spirit fills us, anew, each day.
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Come, Thou Almighty King.
Help us Thy name to sing.
Help us to praise.
Father, all glorious,
O'er all victorious.
Come and reign over us,
Ancient of Days.
Come, Thou Incarnate Word,
Gird on Thy mighty sword,
Our prayer attend.
Come, and Thy people bless,
And give Thy Word success.
Spirit of holiness,
On us descend.
Come, Holy Comforter,
Thy sacred witness bear
In this glad hour.
Thou who almighty art,
Now rule in every heart;
And ne'er from us depart,
Spirit of power.
O Lord, our God, to Thee
The highest praises be,
Hence, evermore;
Thy sov'reign majesty
May we in glory see,
And to eternity
Love and adore.
Charles Wesley
© Public Domain
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