Beech Tree News Network

Satan is very cunning (Gen. 3:1). He prowls this earth, looking for souls to destroy (I Pet. 5:8). The Bible describes him as a very violent being, and one who is filled with hatred, malice, lies, etc. He has waged war against God and Christ for millennia. Therefore, he tries to destroy mankind, God’s creation, as a by-product of this war. We are “collateral damage” in Satan’s war with God! Among other things, he places temptations before us because he knows that when we yield to his temptations, this leads to sin, and sin results in spiritual death (Jas. 1:14-15; Isa. 59:1-2).

             How does Satan tempt men? He tempts us through the lusts of the flesh and eyes, and the pride of life (I Jn. 2:15-17; Gen. 3:6; Matt. 4:1-11). To follow Satan means spiritual death. The Bible describes this as being separated from God to burn in the lake of fire for eternity (Rev. 21:8; Matt. 25:31-46). Such descriptions ought to scare us and cause us to turn to God who truly loves us and wants us in Heaven with Him one day (II Pet. 3:9; Rev. 21:6-7).

             Part of Satan’s cunning and trickery is that he really does not ask that much of us while we are upon this earth. Thus, we have no idea that the “ease,” and “freedom” we think we have is costing us our souls (II Pet. 2:19)! Think about it! What does Satan really ask of us? It is not a lot. The way to destruction is described by Christ as the “broad way” because it is the easy way (Matt. 7:13-14)! Satan’s appeal is in the fact he asks so little of us!

             What do I mean by this? For example, Satan does not demand our full allegiance. He just doesn’t want our allegiance to God! He is pleased if we would choose the “god of our choice,” so long as it is not Jehovah! He does not demand worship (though there are Satan-worshippers). He just does not want us worshipping God! “Worship as you please, or don’t worship at all,” Satan says, just do not worship God “in spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:24).

             The mantra of this world that says, “Do you as please” and “If it feels good, do it” is truly the mantra of Satan. He does not ask much of us, does he? So long as we remain ignorant of God’s will (see: Hosea 4:6), Satan is well-pleased. He is satisfied with us living as we please. He just does not want us living as I Peter 3:1-6 and other passages say.

             Yes, Satan will tempt us and try to lead us astray and into Hell itself (Jas. 1:14-15). Yet, Satan does not ask a lot of us. Satan is not threatened by folks who act like the majority of the world in our dress and speech, those who “play church,” and dabble in God’s word. He is satisfied when we do not pray. He wants to convince us that we are on the right track if we are convinced that being a “good person,” and having done “more good things than bad,” is sufficient for salvation in Heaven! If we do those things, we are walking right into Satan’s snare! Sadly, there are many people today blissfully walking the “broad way” that leads to destruction (Matt. 7:13-14)! Don’t allow yourself to be one of these people!

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167