the basic message # E53
Genesis 3:1
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”
If the serpent, now known as Satan, was crafty way back then, he must be an absolute genius now. The name Satan means deceiver, and he has earned the name fair and square. I’ve recently realized that in the year 2000, Satan is winning the battle. How is that possible? First, let me explain my statement. If the battle is winning souls, and the side winning the most souls is winning the battle, I maintain that Satan is winning. Look around at our world. Considering the Godlessness all around us, is it any wonder that Satan’s agents outnumber us? Thankfully, we Christians have the knowledge and confidence that God will ultimately claim the final victory, but what about today? Can we even remotely think that God’s people outnumber Satan’s?
2 Corinthians 11:3
But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
Paul was concerned about the stability of the people in the church at Corinth, and we should be just as concerned today in our own churches. It’s bad enough to come face to face with an agent of Satan at work, but man!, to face him within the walls of our churches is beyond my comprehension. How does he manage to do this? Consider what might happen if your favorite football team went out on the field to play their opponent and the referee allowed the other team to play without any rules. Who do you think would win? God is absolute truth, and cannot lie under any circumstances, but Satan isn’t under that restriction.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
Who are Satan’s servants? At one time, they were our friends, neighbors, teachers, mayors, brothers, sisters….in essence, every type of person is in Satan’s army. How did they get there? In the US Army, certain benefits can be earned by recruiting a friend to join. In Satan’s army, his best soldiers are always looking for new recruits. Are you familiar with the motto of the US Marine Corps? “The Marines are looking for a few good men.” The Satan Corps might have a similar motto: “Satan is looking for a few billion weak souls.” I believe that Satan can borrow a person’s body temporarily to further his purpose. Have you ever said something or done something so evil that after you did it you were shocked at your action? Perhaps Satan borrowed your unguarded soul for a few minutes to hurt another individual. It’s kind of scary when you realize how vulnerable we are when we aren’t in God’s protective zone. How can you be safe?
Ephesians 6:10-11
Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.