Satan

by Jarvis, A. G. | Category: Satan | Oct 1960

PURITY! "Keep thyself pure," was Paul's charge to Timothy (1 Timothy 5.22), and how important are his commands to the church in Philippi! (4.8), "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true ... honourable ... just ... pure ... lovely ... of good report; if there be any virtue ... any praise, think (Gr. Take account) on these things".

When instructing Timothy regarding the qualifications of an overseer, Paul writes, "Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil" (1 Timothy 3.7). A snare usually is something to entangle the feet and the word is used here aptly, seeing the walk before the world is in view.

"Look therefore carefully how ye walk," was Paul's charge to the Ephesians (5.15). One false step can be fatal. We need to pray continually, "Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not" (Psalm 17.5, A.V.).

In Psalm 73 the godly man, Asaph, gives us a warning. His steps had well-nigh slipped when he saw and envied the prosperity of the wicked. As he contrasted it with the affliction he was enduring, his mind was led astray. His experience is recorded for our admonition.

Another of Satan's devices is to encourage self-pity. When the Lord Jesus began to tell His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things and be killed, Peter said to Him, "Be it far from Thee, Lord: this shall never be unto Thee " (Matthew 16.22). The Lord traces these thoughts to Satan, who sometimes makes use of our best friends in seeking to turn us aside from doing the will of God. It may not be quite clear what Peter's thought was in so speaking, but as Dr. Young's translation of his words is, "Be kind to Thyself, Lord," and as the Lord immediately gives warning against seeking to save one's life, it may well be that some such thought was in Peter's mind, placed there by Satan. Another of his snares is found in 1 Timothy 6.9, 10 (which please read), from which we select the words, "The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." This statement is often misunderstood and misquoted, and money itself is regarded as the root instead of the love of money, which is a dangerous and often fatal root which bears many bitter fruits. It corrodes the conscience, hardens the heart, leads away from the faith and finally pierces through with many sorrows.

In the main, money is loved because of the many pleasures and comforts of this present evil age that are procurable by its means and which the god of this age makes so attractive. The case of the miser differs in that he denies himself such pleasures and comforts in order that he may add to his store.

In his activities to seduce through the desires of the flesh and of the mind, we think particularly of the mind with all its wonderful capacities. Thus it was that Paul wrote to the Philippians in grief and with tears concerning some "who mind earthly things" (3.18, 19). He also urged the Colossians to set their mind upon the things that are above, where Christ is, and not on the things that are upon the earth (Colossians 3.1, 2). In addition to the deceitful temptations that come from him as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11.14, 15), danger lies in the fact that "your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5.8). The roar of the lion strikes terror in smaller animals upon which he preys, so at times the devil uses the emotion of fear in his attacks upon God's children. In Proverbs 29.25 we read, "The fear of man bringeth a snare," of which we have such sad instances in the case of both Abraham and Isaac. (See Genesis 12.11-18; 20. 11; 26.9.) Our safeguard is provided in "the whole armour of God," so fully detailed for us in Ephesians 6.10-18. Clad therewith we shall be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Reference is made in Revelation 2.24 to "the deep things of Satan," but of these and other references to his activities we do not propose to write.

In this brief survey of the devil and 'h~5 activities it is well that we recall that the Captain of our salvation met and defeated him, both in His life and in His death. Great indeed was the adversary's effrontery as he came into the wilderness to tempt the Lord during His fast of forty days and forty nights, but all his attacks were foiled by the Master's words, "It is written" (Matthew 4.1-11). We also read of the Lord Jesus in Hebrews 2.14, "Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, He also Himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death He might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil."

Also we read in 1 John 3.8 that "the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." Having accomplished the work His Father gave Him to do, He is now invested with "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28.18). The adversary shall yet bow to the Victim of Calvary, even as it is written, "God highly exalted Him, and gave unto Him the name which is above every name; that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2.941). Before the devil is sent down to his eternal doom, he too shall have to confess to the glorious truth that "Jesus Christ is Lord." Then he will be cast into the Lake of Fire, the place prepared for him and his angels (Revelation 20. 10). What a fearful doom for a fearful being! To contend with him every part of the divinely provided armour must be used; no part can be omitted if the victory is to be gained. Deliberate action is called for. "Put on" and "Take up" imply conscious preparation for the conflict.

Then there are the girding of the loins with truth, the putting on of the breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the preparation of the gospel, the taking up of the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, and the accompanying prayer; truly a divine equipment perfectly suited for the safety and triumph of the weakest child of God.

With such adequate provision available we may well be exhorted to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might, and prove the truth of the words of James 4.7, " Be subject therefore unto God ; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Thus armed, to conflict may we go,

And boldly meet the adverse powers;

Thus armed, we shalt not fear the foe,

For everlasting strength is ours.

Jarvis, A. G. | Oct 1960
Satan