Evil    

Dear Brethren,

Satan wants to lead this entire world down the " primrose path" to self-destruction.  This world is on the brink of  self-destruction.   It is an attractive easy path of sin to death, rather than the difficult and uninviting path of the righteousness of God's way.  We must not become deceived ever again.  This entire world is deceived."  The great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world."  (Revelation 12:9)

When Jesus Christ taught His disciples to pray in Matthew 6:13, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil," what did He mean?  A better translation would show that this verse includes the request for protection from Satan the devil.  "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."  It is important that we be knowledgeable about Satan's deceptions.  He is a brilliant deceiver.  Without God's protection - we are no match for the devil.  "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (1Peter 5:8)

We are also warned to be careful not to take the danger of Satan's attacks lightly.  "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."   (2Corinthians 2:11)  The definition of, Satan's devices is this:  It is whatever Satan uses for advantage to accomplish the destruction of God's plan in us.  It is all his wiles, deceptions and tricks.  "I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."  (2Corinthians 11:3)

We must stand against Satan - just as Jesus did when he was on earth.  We must resist Satan steadfast in the faith.  "The devil, taking [Jesus] up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.  And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.  If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.  And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve."  (Luke 4:5-8)

God the Father, through Jesus Christ, revealed to the apostle, John, the way to overcome Satan.  It is a way of life for true Christians.  It is not simply a single Acts of wrong thinking, or accepting that which is ungodly, it is who and what we become.  "They overcame [Satan]  by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."  (Revelation 12:11)

Satan, the master of evil, has set out to undermine God's people. It is important to understand that God distinctly allowed this, to see whether we loved Him and His way of life more than anything else.  "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."  (1John 4:4)  God is more powerful.

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Sermon:  "Satan's Devices"

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