Spiritual Warfare

Dear Brethren,

Where is Satan focusing his attention today?  The great deceiver is focusing his attention on us, God’s sheep, trying by any means possible to pull us out of Christ’s flock.  He is not concerned with the whole world which is already deceived.  Satan is stalking God's people.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour...Satan,... deceives the whole world."  (1Peter  5:8, Revelation 12:9)

The result of the apostasy that the Church went through during the late 70’s through the early 90’s was that many of God’s sheep went to sleep, spiritually.  Others, scattered and without proper guidance, sought refuge among flocks which have proven to be quite dangerous due to doctrinal error or mistreatment of the brethren.  Some few sheep, however, have become more rooted and grounded in the faith.  How can we ensure that we are safely among God's sheep and that we will continue to take the right path?  Or, as Paul put it:

"...Holy and unblamable and unreprovable in his sight:  If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel."  (Colossians 1:22-23)

What caused so many to forsake doctrines that they professed to hold at one time?  Is it possible that those who have gone elsewhere did not fervently believe, and were not grounded on the firm foundation - Jesus Christ?  Everyone needs to be aware of the spiritual warfare that is being waged against the brethren by Satan.  How does a Christian prevent being caught up in false doctrines and led out of the Body of Christ?  This war is not easily discernible.  If we are not thinking and living in a spiritual way, we may not even be aware that we have been targeted by the devil.  His devices are so seductive because he knows our weaknesses and proclivities.  Satan appeals to our carnal nature at our weakest point - while seemingly representing God's way!

"Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness."  (2Corinthians 11:14-15)

In appealing to a person's sense of pride, arrogance, vanity or the like, Satan is able to cause self-righteousness to appear as true righteousness.  He is able to cause his false doctrines to appear to be “new understanding” from God.  With many who left the Body of Christ, Satan preyed upon their innermost desires to “fit in” with the world around them.  He enticed them to believe that they were holding onto Biblical teachings by tricking them into accepting his counterfeits.  For example, brethren were deluded into believing that Christians no longer needed to keep the Holy Days of Unleavened Bread.  They became satisfied with the good feeling of "Putting evil out of their hearts," a sentimental version of "putting sin out."  Satan's trick of not keeping God's Feast days, and "putting leaven out" caused them to soon forget God's principle entirely.    And then, step by step, they rejoined their friends in the world as they twisted God's teachings to conform to old Babylon's ways.

"And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man."  (Romans 1:23)

Satan gives an opportunity to anyone who desires to substitute self-centered motives for the will of God.  If someone seeks his own security over that of the brethren - Satan will provide the circumstance.  When someone does not wish to honor his parents - Satan will give him an excuse which will justify his reasons for not doing so.  Some brethren succumb to the seduction of being more special than others.  Satan works on their sense of egotism and causes them to believe that God is choosing a few from the overall Church to receive "special Knowledge" for a purpose that omits the other brethren.  How many have joined groups that believe that their group alone is going to the place of safety?   These people have accepted that they are the “very elect”, and have gone on to assume a superior attitude toward other brethren.  If we desire to be elevated above others, Satan will provide a way.

"But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully, ...In whom [Satan] the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not."  (2Corinthians 4:2,4)

It is critical in these times of separation and confusion that we be aware of our own weaknesses and know that Satan is also aware of them.  If we crave fitting in with our unconverted families and friends, Satan sees that and will try to get us to "let down" and& compromise so that we can be accepted by them.

We must not seek the easy way or the way that is self-serving.  We need to be continually examining ourselves, going to God for insight into our weaknesses, lest we too be drawn away.

***

Sermon:  "Military Service and War"  

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