THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS

1 PETER 5:5–11

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour

(1 Peter 5:8).

Whenever we come to the subject of Satan, we must avoid two extremes: giving Satan too much credit or giving Satan not enough credit. One extreme sees Satan around every corner, possessing every person, even Christians. The other extreme either sees Satan as an evil “force” that deserves little attention, perhaps believing him to be a personal being as the Bible says, but ignores his influence and power in this world.

Satan, who is a personal, individual, and powerful being fulfills a variety of roles. He tempts, he possesses, he destroys, and he corrupts. But one thing we must remember about him: he is a creature under God’s control. Satan does not have the power to do anything he wishes. He cannot thwart God’s plan. No matter how he tried, he could not cause Christ to sin, he could not step beyond the boundaries set by God. We see this manifest in the account of Job. Satan had to ask permission to act, and he could only exercise his schemes within the parameters God had set.

Because Satan is bound by the power of God, we do not need to fear him. But this does not mean we should ignore him. He has great influence. If he could tempt the innocent and righteous Adam and Eve to sin, he can certainly do a number on even the most sanctified saint. The Bible warns us to be on our guard, for Satan roams about the earth looking to devour us. He knows our weaknesses. He observes our actions and listens to our conversations. He can tempt us at those points wherein we are most vulnerable. We need to be watchful of our own hearts and lives so that we can repent of our sin before Satan uses it against us.

Another thing about Satan is that he does not make us sin. We won’t get away with saying “Satan made me do it.” Never use Satan as an excuse for your own wicked heart. He can tempt you, he can manipulate circumstances that will make it very difficult to resist, but he cannot make you sin. That is your own doing, and you will be answerable to God. Blaming Satan did not get Adam and Eve off the hook and neither will it excuse any of us. God has promised that for every temptation there is a way out. Look to His grace, find strength in Him, and overcome the evil one.

CORAM DEO

1 Chronicles 28–29

John 11:47–57

WEEKEND

2 Chronicles 1–6

John 12

Read Ephesians 6:10–20. According to the teaching in this passage, how are you to overcome the evil one? Can you do it by your own strength? Go through each of the points starting in verse 14 and write down a specific method you can use to apply that particular teaching in your life to strengthen you against Satan.

For further study: Job 1:6–12 • Matt. 4:1–11 • Acts 5:1–11 • 2 Cor. 11:14–15