“Satan’s Arts And Crafts”

Recently a prankster took quite a bit of time to change the sign in front of our church building which read “Satan’s Fiery Darts.” He thought it would be funny to overlay the “D” with a “F.” Well, Satan doesn’t have a problem with gas as we do.  He’s a real spirit being who has a mind (2 Corinthians 2:11), a will (Isaiah 14:13, 14), and emotions (Revelation 12:12). He’s not a joke.  He is God’s enemy and the enemy of true Christians. He has 14 tools in his bag and uses them quite effectively against humans.  With how many of them are you familiar?  They are not to be confused with the temptations that come from our sin nature* (Galatians 5:19-21) or the present world system (1 John 2:15-17; 1 Corinthians 7:31).

Sober. Christians are told to be sober and vigilant because the devil walks about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Will you be his next victim? It’s better to die a martyr’s death and gain the crown of life than to yield to his temptations (Revelation 2:10; James 1:12). Yes, there are people who want to kill those who speak or write the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Some of them even believe that they are doing God a service (John 16:2).  The Apostle Paul thought this way before he became a Christian (Galatians 1:13). By the way, I have a friend in our country who told me recently that he has had death threats for writing the truth. Please supplicate for him. The Devil is a liar and the father of liars (John 8:44). Is he or God your father (1 John 3:9, 10)? Have you been born again from above (John 3:3, 6)?

Rabies. Maybe you heard about the fellow who was told by his physician, “Yes indeed, you do have rabies.” Upon hearing this, the patient immediately pulled out a pad and pencil and began to write. Thinking the man was making out his will, the doctor said, “Listen, this doesn’t mean you’re going to die. There is a cure for rabies.” “Oh, I know that,” the man said. “I’m just makin’ a list of all the people I’m gonna bite.” Many folks live by the rule, “Don’t get mad; get even.” God tells us, “Vengeance is mine saith the Lord, I will repay” (Romans 12:19).

Unforgiving Spirit. This temptation comes to us from the devil (2 Corinthians 2:10, 11). It can lead to the suffering of many innocent people and it can have devastating consequences on the one who maintains this attitude. Are you full of bitterness (Hebrews 12:15) and do you have an unforgiving spirit (2 Corinthians 2:10, 11)? In light of all that God has forgiven believers who have placed their faith exclusively in the Christ of the Scriptures (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 16:31), through the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4), it’s only logical for us to forgive others who have made honest confession and restoration (Ephesians 4:32; James 5:16). Do you have a bitter, unforgiving spirit? Do you know which piece of the armor counters this temptation (Ephesians 6:17)?

Torment. Christians who refuse to forgive others open themselves up to demonic oppression and severe depression (Matthew 18:34) as well as physical and/or mental disturbances and a premature death (1 John 5:16). God disciplines His children during this life only so that we won’t be condemned with the unsaved people of this world in the future (1 Corinthians 11:30-32; Revelation 20:11-15). Once genuinely saved, a believer can never lose his/her salvation (John 10:28, 29; Ephesians 4:30). Do you have such an assurance (1 John 5:13)?

Example. The believers in the church of Corinth were tolerating one of their members who was living in an incestuous relationship with his mother (1 Corinthians 5:1-8). Such vile practices weren’t even named by the pagans around them. To cleanse the church of such sin and the evil influence it would have on others, the Apostle Paul demanded that they expel this brother from the assembly meetings and turn him over to the devil for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit would be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (Rapture). This drastic action on the part of the church resulted in the man’s repenting (2 Corinthians 7:9) and confessing his sin (1 John 1:9; James 5:16). But then the church didn’t want to take him back into the fellowship. So the Apostle Paul told them that they had fallen to the devil’s temptation to have a unforgiving spirit (2 Corinthians 2:10, 11). The purpose of church discipline is to restore a brother/sister after honest repentance and confession have been made.

Stealing. Theft is a real problem in our community and around the world. Have you ever been burglarized or robbed? We’ve had it happen to us. Recently I was told that one of local establishments lost a million dollars over the last year to thieves. By the way, do you know where thieves and other unforgiven sinners end up (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Revelation 21:8)? Do you fit into this category? What is the only unforgivable sin today (John 16:9)?

Taxation. There is no doubt about it – the people try to steal from the government and the government tries and most often succeeds in stealing from the people through excessive taxation (1 Kings 12:11). Yes, we should pay our taxes so the government can do its job to maintain orderliness and protect honest citizens.  God believes in capital punishment and expects the government to terminate the lives of those who murder others unjustly (Genesis 9:6; Exodus 20:6; 21:12-36; Romans 13:1-7).

Robin Hood.  Some folks want the government to steal from “the rich” and give the money to people who can but refuse to work. Such people should be allowed to go hungry (2 Thessalonians 3:10). The government should encourage people to work hard. Consider the ants (Proverbs 6:6-11). Although it’s not the best form of government, God isn’t opposed to capitalism (Ephesians 4:28). We are supposed to work hard so that we can earn money and have things (capitalism) so we can take care of ourselves, our families, and others with real needs. Do you know what God’s Word says about those who refuse to take care of their own family (1 Timothy 5:8)?

Democracies. “A democracy [which the U.S. in not] cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the majority discovers it can vote itself largess out of the public treasury. After that, the majority always votes for the candidate promising the most benefits with the result the democracy collapses because of the loose fiscal policy ensuing, always to be followed by a dictatorship, then a monarchy.” (Attributed to Alexis de Tocqueville)

Questions. Is this the condition of our beloved country today? How close are we to the new world order under the “Antichrist” and the one world church (Revelation 13, 17, 18)? What does the Bible predict about the future? Should Bible prophecy be interpreted normally or allegorically? Are you prepared to meet God and your future? What happens when you die (Hebrews 9:27; Luke 16:19-31; 2 Corinthians 5:1-8)? Where will you spend eternity (John 14:1-3; Matthew 25:41, 46)? Can you be certain (1 John 5:13)?

Help. If you have spiritual needs and want answers to your questions, we’re here to help you discover what God says in His Word. It is God breathed and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that [Christians] may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work that He planned for us to do while we are here on earth (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Ephesians 2:10). We can be reached at 805-238-3549 or you may want to check out our website at www.kelseypeach.com.  If you would like to receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” 

*Sin Nature – http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/doctrine/1natjm00.htm