There are no accidents in a Christian’s life. God has a plan for each of His children. Anything that happens is appointed by God, even trials and testing. Verses 3 and 4 tell us that persecution is not uncommon to believers. Yesterday, we learnt how the Thessalonian believers faced great opposition to their faith.

Paul had repeatedly told them about persecution while he was with them (verse 4). As they were babes in Christ who were easily discouraged and defeated, he had to warn them from time to time.

But who is behind such persecution? Answer: S __ __ __ __. He is God’s enemy and ours, too. Verse 5 describes him as the tempter. What does he seek to destroy? Answer: Our F __ __ __ __.That was why Paul desired to know the faith of the Thessalonian church by sending Timothy to them. Let’s see how God’s Word describes Satan.

1. A L _ _ _ (John 8:44). He is the father of lies; the master of deception. Satan has deceived many into worshipping idols and believing there is no God. In Gen 3:1-5, we read of how Satan’s lie caused Eve to doubt God’s Word. Satan uses the same tactic today to cause us to doubt God’s truths. The lie of evolution is one of Satan’s most effective tools in getting people to reject the Creator God.

2. R______ L___(1Peter5:8) Satan is hungry and always on the prowl. He and his army of devils don’t need to rest. They seek only to cause someone to stumble in their faith. Satan does this by seducing and persecuting. These methods have caused people to also waver in their faith. Paul was aware of this and in 1 Thess 3:3, he urged the Christians not to be moved when they faced such afflictions.

Faith in God is precious and that’s why Satan wants to destroy it. Without faith in God, we are defeated.

Thought: Read 1 John 5:4. What overcomes the world?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, keep me close to You lest I succumb to Satan’s lies and temptations. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.