Message from Scripture: 5/6/2020

Good day! A timely passage of Scripture is found in Heb. 3:13. “But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.”

In 2 Cor. 2:11, Paul wrote his desire was “that we may not be taken advantage of by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his schemes.” In the matter of sin, ignorance truly is not bliss. To be victorious in overcoming sin, we must be aware of how Satan attacks us. The Hebrew writer mentions two fundamental ways Satan takes advantage over us.

First, he deceives us. Sin is a delusion, that what is wrong is really right. Every temptation he offers is a cheap imitation of God’s blessings, which can never offer what only God’s will provides. In Gal. 5:19-23, Paul contrasts the fruit of the Spirit God offers with the works of the flesh Satan tempts us to do instead. They’re a knock off of God’s good will, physical perversions of the holiness of God. This is the nature of sin; carnal substitutes for the spiritual, which can never deliver what the devil promises. He can even appear as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14).

Second, the very nature of sin is to keep us in sin. It hardens our hearts against the truth, searing a conscience where it embraces error over truth, unable to discern the good of God’s will from the destructive nature of sin. It’s designed to keep us in sin so we can be condemned! We must be ever vigilant to examine ourselves, in thoughts, words, and deeds, to ensure we truly stand with God, and not with Satan. Even Peter thought he was right when he corrected Jesus, but found out otherwise (Matt. 16:23).

One person has said to spend time in Scripture is great for the soul. Don’t give Satan any advantage. Spend time with God in His word, and make today great. God bless.

Robert