Text:  James 4:7

By: Bro. Stephen Umukoro

INTRODUCTION

Biblical teaching that reveal Satan as a powerful spirit creature (a person) who was responsible for the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, and who still exerts great influence on mankind is regarded by some as an allegorical story that is a symbol that represents an idea. The existence of Satan has generated a lot of controversies .The outcome is that a lot of erroneous concepts has been propended and propagated by various bodies. Some philosophies, mystics, occultist, spiritualists, some religious body and some school of thoughts have their own idea of Satan, some theorize that Satan is just a symbol of evil, to some Satan merely represents evil tendency that reside in human. There are groups that believe in existence of spirit dwelling in spiritual realm, but have nothing to do with human. They all deny the existence of Satan as a spirit creature. All this wrong idea about Satan is also has handiwork, covering up his identity to continue his subtle deceptive manipulation of human to follow his directive and suggestion. In Colossians 2:8 Apostle Paul warn Christians ‘Beware least any man spoil you with philosophy and vain deceit after tradition of men,  the rudiments of the world and not after Christ’. The Bible describes Satan speaking to the Almighty God and Jesus respectively John 2:1-7, Matt 4:8-10 considering this two instances was God and Jesus speaking to something inside themselves?

WHO IS SATAN?

In the highest heaven, after Jehovah God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, Lucifer (NOW SATAN) was next in power and command. He was the son of the morning. He was highly favoured by God he held an exalted position among Angels, until he committed the sin of covetousness   and insubordination, as he covert for Worship. Which is exclusively offered to Jehovah God the sovereign Lord of universe, let us peep into a scenario which took place in heaven according to the scripture, Rev 4:2-4, 8-11. Some question raised by some person is why God would create an evil, malicious and wicked being like Satan. The bible does not say God created such an evil being .The point to consider is whether a perfect intelligent creature can choose to be good or evil. The fact is that God would not have granted his creature’s moral freedom and at the same time prevent them from doing evil should they choose to do so. The devil was originally a perfect creature who made himself an adversary of God and man.

SATAN IS TRICKERY

Like a criminal boss, Satan always concealed his identity in other to achieve his objective. Remember what happen in the Garden of Eden when he spoke through a serpent, he concealed his identity Gen. 3:1-5, Jesus describes him as a manslayer who did not stand fast in the truth, when he spoke lie he spoke according to his own disposition because he is a liar and the father of all lies John 8:44. So throughout human history Satan has continued to exert great influence and manipulation of mankind to do his will considered the Israelites 40 years in the wilderness. Think of their abominable acts, turning away from the true God who has delivered them from the land of bondage to serve or worship other strange gods. Think of how often they tempted and murmured against God Deut. 32:16-17, Exo. 32:7-10. Can we not honestly say that their actions were the result of manipulation by unseen wicked force? Thus Apostle Peter warned Christians saying ‘’be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil is a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour’’ 1 Pet. 5:8 like carbon monoxide Satan is invisible, very hard for human to detect. As a deceptive manipulator he is dangerous like any leader of a well organized crime, he sees to it that his will is accomplished through his cohort the demons especially in his last days. Matt. 24:1-4. In his last days the bible foretold critical times that will be hard to deal with II Tim.  3:1-5, Matt. 24:1-14 as Satan is expelled from heaven and confine to earth, thereby having a short time to operate. Apostle John relates how Michael defeated the devil and his demons. He also told us of the disastrous consequences that will result from their expulsion from heaven. Rev. 12:7-12. Now Satan and his demons are fully out they have increased their activities, so determined to turn as many human as possible away from doing the will of God nor worship him in spirit and truth. John 4:24. As we Christians strife out our salvation by doing the will of God through submissiveness and obedience. Apostle Paul draws our attention to an impediment, he wrote “we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places’’ Eph. 6: 12-13. He also recommended remedies Eph. 6: 13-18.

A CARING FATHER

God has not left us with help. He is aware of Satan’s objective and activities. 1 Pet. 5:8, Matt. 4:1-10. God knows our potential limitation and weakness as imperfect being. He is aware that without his help man is helpless in the hand of Satan God demonstrates his love toward us by sending his son couple with the bible his inspired word II Tim. 3:16-17,1 Pet.1:20-21. The teaching of the bible if put into practice elevates our thinking improve and conduct help us to be spiritually minded and alert in other to defeat Satan subtle way of deception and manipulation we must use the sword of the spirit which is the word of God in Psalm 114:105 David acknowledge Gods word as his guide ‘’Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path’’.

When the devil tempted Jesus Christ after his forty days and night fasting, he quoted the scripture to convince Jesus to do his will. Jesus defeated him by quoting the scripture too. Matt. 4:5-7. If we must succeed in this narrow path, we must use bible principles to guide our actions, deeds, thoughts and utterances. 

SATAN FOCUS ON CHRISTIANITY

Today, Satan attack on Christianity is obvious, this achievement is conspicuous as denomination (churches of men) littered every corners and crannies of our cities and villages during infancy of the church, his attack was through persecution. But today, it is through religious lies, signs and wonders, through his minister. The bible says he keep transforming himself into an angel of light. 2 Cor. 11:14-15, 2 Thess. 2:3-4, 9-10. We members of the Lord church who are in the truth are not exempted from his attack, to pull us away from the truth or faith. 1 Tim. 4:1. Thus we must be very careful. The devil is watching us, we must also be on watch “Resist him and he will flee from you”. James advised in James 4:7.

CONCLUSION

Examine your ways, if your behaviour or attitude that is supposed to show spiritual and high moral standard is falling, Know it that you are under manipulation, draw strength from prayer to overcome your weakness.

May the Lord bless His word in our heart in Jesus name – Amen.