RPG Adults
BEWARE OF THE DEVIL
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
1 Peter 5:8-9
Deuteronomy 6:6-12
“At midnight I will rise
to give thanks unto thee…”
BEWARE OF THE DEVIL
For the first time in his Epistle, Peter brought up the subject of the Church’s major adversary. We are taught in Scripture that the confusion on the religious scene today comes from Satan. Those who follow false religions are actually worshippers of Satan and his demons (Deut 32:17; 1 Cor 10:20). Throughout the ages, Satan has endeavoured to lead mankind astray through these false religions and their teachers. In a final act of desperation, it was the Devil who tempted the Lord in the hope of keeping Him from finishing the work of salvation (Matt 4:1).
Having failed to keep Christ from the cross, Satan then endeavoured to keep the Church from witnessing to its power and purpose. He can do this most effectively by rendering the believer unfit or disinterested in bearing witness. Like a roaring, hungry lion, our adversary looks for ways in which to overpower us (1 Pet 5:8). He lays snares and traps to catch the unwary as they walk along life’s way. Christians who neglect church attendance, spend a large amount of their time in close friendship with the unsaved, and allow themselves to constantly be near the sinful pursuits of the world, are open to Satan’s traps. Such traps will cause them to lose their Christian testimony and effective witness (1 Tim 3:7).
It is the duty of every believer to steadfastly resist Satan by the power we have in Christ (1 Pet 5:9). We are encouraged by the knowledge that the power of God which is in us is far greater than that of our adversary (1 John 4:4b). As we live in obedience to Scripture and have fellowship in a Bible-believing church, we are strengthened by God and are able to resist the attacks of Satan. When we walk in obedience, we can resist him in the power of God, knowing that he has no choice but to flee (James 4:7).
THOUGHT: How does Satan endeavour to keep the Church from its appointed tasks?
PRAYER: Father, in order that Satan may flee from me, may I always resist him in Thy strength.