Answer To Judy's Response

Thanks, Judy for your thoughtful comments. I have always taught that we as Christians fight a three front war. Believer’s war against our flesh (the carnality of the flesh), the world (see John 15:18-19; 16:8, 33) and the devil (you aptly noted his role in your response). Understanding the tactics and strategies of the affects of rebellion and sin greatly aid us in our triad of battle to which we are now called to persevere. We need to acknowledge Satan’s reality and take his opposition to us very seriously and recon on a continued warfare with him this side of glory. We ought to daily “armor up” (Eph. 6) for the battles we will inevitably face in opposition to the devils design.

The devil, however, is like humans in one respect. He is a creature. Still, though he is super human he is not divine. He has a great deal of knowledge and far more power than a mortal human but he is not omniscient, omnipotent or omnipresent. All I am saying in my original post is that I think too many believers are caught up in the mystic of the devil giving that creature far too much credit or blame. Yes, he can disguise as an angel of light thereby displaying evil as good; he is certainly a devouring lion, the foremost liar whose very name translates “adversary” and “accuser”. But we must remember that he is already defeated having no more power than God will allow him and he is to be cast, finally, into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10).

I think that most Christian’s would be diligent to “work out their own salvation with fear and trembling” and focus more effort on the enemy within our fallen carnal nature than to fixate upon the works of Satan. James gives us specific insights into this saying in James 1:14-16 “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. [15] Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. [16] Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.” The believer is uniquely empowered to be able to stand in the evil day by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This does not mean she will stand in all circumstances only that she is enabled to so stand. In our struggles in the world I think the greater struggle is in our own falleness; with the remnant of carnality that pulls us away from Christ. I think Paul understood the nature of this struggle when he encouraged the Corinthian church saying in 1 Cor. 10:12-13 “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”

How can we apply to this? Paul again gives us encouragement in Col 3:1-2 “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” As we “armor up” and avail ourselves of every means of grace; as we focus upon the satisfaction in Jesus and deeply contemplate his cross – we find greater strength to fight and persevere. For Paul knew the source in believer’s which aids them in working out their salvations saying further in Phil 2:13 “…for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” I just think that too many professing believer’s attempt to escape responsibility at some level by blaming the devil’s attention on them rather than recognizing the depths of their own sinfulness. Calvin once said that if we knew the tenth of our sinfulness we would be destroyed (paraphrased). It is easier to place blame than to take responsibility.