Tag Archives: Satan

Satan – The Thief Who Wants to Steal from You

07 Tuesday Jul 2015

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Spiritual

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Recent statistics has shown that burglaries are fairly common throughout the world. In the United States, it has been reported by sources such as SafeWise.com that burglaries occur every 15 seconds.  Many reports also suggest that most burglary attempts occur via the front door compared to any other entry point.  The goal of every burglar is to gain access to another person’s belongings.  This is so they can obtain what is of value within a person’s residence or even on their person.  To burglarize is to violate a person’s property and personal possessions.  It can leave one devastated should they lose what is of value.

It is very much the same that can occur in our lives regarding our spiritual journey. In John 10:10, there is a scripture which points to the concept of thievery that can occur in all of our lives:

In the first part of verse 10 it says:

(NIV) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;” 

It is important to note that in the first half of John Chapter 10, Jesus is speaking to a group of Pharisees.  In this passage, Jesus mentions that He is the “Good Shepherd” and that He watches over His flock of sheep.  For a full description of this passage, see the previous blog that was written on this topic.  Who are the sheep that Jesus refers to? The sheep represent you and I, which is to say that when we choose to follow Jesus Christ, we are no longer without protection but we have a Good Shepherd to watch over us. In verse 8, Jesus says, (NIV) “All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them.”

Those who are characterized as “thieves and robbers” are those who would seek to deceive. Of course, Jesus completes the portion of thievery when He makes the declaration in verse 10.  Who is the thief that Jesus refers to? Why does the thief want to steal, kill, and destroy? First, we must understand who the “thief” is before we can understand his motives.

The thief that Jesus refers to is none other than satan, who is the enemy of our soul.  1 Peter 5:8 says, (NIV) “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Satan desires to steal from us, and he wants to ultimately destroy us.  However, the focus of this post is to highlight the concept of theft. What is it that satan desires to steal from us?

Satan wants to steal our time, our joy, and our very lives.  The reason why is because such possessions among many others are valuable to our existence. For example, the enemy is cunning and often succeeds at stealing the very time that we have.  There are various distractions and vices that he uses to waste our time, which later leads to a life that was not productive.  As a result, regret along with never accomplishing what God designed for us to do and to be, begins to be the testament of the one life that we were given.

Going back to the analogy, what a burglar seeks to accomplish, it is exactly the same as it relates to satan.  He desires to take from who you are, and what you have. There are so many within our world today, that have lost who they were supposed to be in Christ because they allowed satan to steal from them. Any person who lives in a residence will do what they must to protect their home from an intruder. That is because, what is of value is inside the residence.  It is also because the residence is within the occupiers care.

So, this often means that one must lock every door and window in addition to having an alarm.  These are preventive measures to either deter or ward off anyone who seeks to intrude and to steal.  However, as said before, the common burglar is after a person’s valuables.  The most important thing that satan desires to have is you.  Not only is your time and other parts of your life valuable to satan, but you are valuable because you have a purpose that God has given to you.  Your life is filled with many gifts that God has deposited in you to use for His glory.  However, satan wants to steal what God has given to you, and he ultimately wants to destroy you in the process.

In Luke 22:31, Jesus says to His disciple Peter, that satan wants to sift him as wheat. This means that satan’s goal is to ultimately destroy our lives.  This is done through the process of taking or stealing from us which eventually results in a destruction.  So, what can you do to prevent the enemy from stealing what you possess?  The answer lies in your relationship with Christ.

In John 10, Jesus mentions that He is the “Good Shepherd” and that He protects His sheep.  If you are in your sin, and you have not chosen Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are open to being ravaged by the enemy. You don’t have the adequate protection which is a relationship with Jesus Christ. Our world is in chaos because many have chosen to openly rebel against God, leaving them in a state of vulnerability. However, a life that is found in Christ is one that is not only saved from Hell but saved from what the enemy seeks to do in our lives on Earth.

Secondly, once you have received Christ, you must maintain an active lifestyle that is surrendered unto God daily. Even those of us who are in Christ, we must do as 1 Peter 5:8 says, which is to “be sober.” This means that we shouldn’t be distracted with the lies of the world and our own devices. Rather, we are to be in prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word. Consecration means to be separated unto God through the process of sanctification. To be sanctified means to be set apart for God’s use, and to live in Holiness.  It is also important to have accountability partners who are in the faith. They provide encouragement and can pray for you during times of weakness.

The whole point is to understand that satan desires to steal from you and to destroy you. Satan does not care about you as the individual, but he cares about the impact that you can make for God’s Kingdom.  Ultimately, he wants to deface and destroy God’s creation as a way to tear down God’s Kingdom. Daily he is seeking whom he may devour, and he does so by stealing from us. However, when we choose to surrender our lives unto God, the theft is buffered by a God who protects us.

If you don’t know Jesus in the pardon of your sins, you cannot experience the protection that God offers.  Various addictions and self-destructive behavior are a result of a life that is in need of a savior. You cannot save yourself, but you need a savior.  Jesus Christ is the one who can save you from destruction.  Lay down your pride, your devices, and seek Jesus Christ for forgiveness.  In doing so, satan will no longer have the same ability to steal the valuable items that God has deposited into you.

Spiritual Blindness – Visually Impaired Without Christ

08 Monday Jun 2015

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Spiritual

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

Imagine that you are blindfolded while attempting to get from point a to point b. All you see is darkness while you hear the sound of movement around you. You find it difficult to navigate to your destination as your eyes are impaired by the blindfold. It becomes a struggle just to find your way as you stagger from one place to the next. Then you realize just how dangerous it is to venture out into the world while blindfolded. So, you decide to take the blindfold off, and you realize that your vision is no longer impaired.  Now, you have the eyesight to see where you are and where you are going.  You are no longer stopped by the blindfold nor are you staggering, but you have a clear direction.

Spiritual blindness is akin to wearing a blindfold – it is the unawareness and impairment that is caused by the very sin that exists within our lives.  The timeless hymn “Amazing Grace” contains the following words which have become a staple in the lives of many Christians:

“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.”

This age-old hymn was written by a clergyman by the name of John Newton. It was first published in 1779 and has become a song that epitomizes the very essence of salvation and coming to the knowledge of God’s love. The words to take note of are “Was blind, but now I see.” The writer of the hymn wanted to put an emphasis on the notion that once those who were in sin experienced salvation, it became the same as one’s eyes being opened from blindness.

In 2 Corinthians 4:4, Paul further points to the element of spiritual blindness when he says the following:

(NIV) “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” 

Who is the “god of this age”?  Ephesians 2:2 refers to as some translations have put it, “the prince of the air.”  The prince of the air is satan – he is the ruler of darkness which means that he has a certain amount of influence in the Earth. The Apostle Paul mentions in this passage that satan or the “god of this age” has the ability to blind those who are unbelievers. In, 2 Corinthians 4, Paul is speaking to Christians and giving words of encouragement.

In doing so, Paul gives a contrast of those who are spiritually blinded by satan, and the light that can be seen which is the gospel of Jesus Christ. When it comes to spiritual blindness, there is an unawareness and even a deception that comes at the hand of satan.  There are many examples that we can see today, in which various forms of deception have been used to blind the masses.

For example, the media continues its daily onslaught of accepting sinful behavior and projecting that acceptance onto its viewers and listeners.  Now, homosexuality, drug use, sexual promiscuity, and even transgender living has become culturally acceptable. Anyone who dares to speak out against such behavior is labeled as a religious heretic. However, the truth of God’s word remains which states that the wages of sin is death according to Romans 6:23.  However, the other half of that scripture says that the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.

The unfortunate part about spiritual blindness is that when one is in their sin, they are unable to see the damage that their disobedience and sinfulness causes.  Daily, satan uses multiple means to fleece the majority through social media, television and radio broadcasts, and even print media.  As a result, there is a generation of individuals that are raised not to have a reverence for the things of God or Holy living.  However, what God promises is to illuminate the eyes of the spiritually blinded through Jesus Christ only if the choice is made to repent and surrender one’s life.

Satan doesn’t want those in darkness to come to the exposure of God’s marvelous light.  He understands that if we as humans ever become free from sin, then we are no longer bound to the power that sin exerts against us. Essentially, those who are spiritually blind, they are separated from knowing who God is through Jesus Christ.  We are not able to know the creator in His fullness if we are blinded by our sin. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says that the person without the Spirit of God, cannot understand the things of the Spirit. Basically, those who are in their sin and refuse to yield to Jesus Christ, they are unable to receive spiritual sight.

However, once you and I have been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ and have accepted His sacrifice, we become new creatures.  Our spiritual eyes are then made to be clear with vision. Millions of people are walking in spiritual blindness every day.  There continues to be an assault on Holy living, the principles and standards of God, and anyone who stands true to the allegiance of Jesus Christ.

The times that we are living in are indeed critical.  It is becoming increasingly difficult to live in a society that promotes a godless lifestyle while those who are in Christ stand for God’s righteousness unashamedly.  The truth is, as decades pass it will only become more challenging. However, the hope that humanity has is in Jesus Christ.  The great thing about God is that He gives everyone an opportunity to be released from their spiritual blindness.

Just as a person who is blindfolded has an opportunity to be released from the blindfold, every human being that is willing can also see clearly.  It is spiritual blindness and sinful living that keeps humanity locked in a state of unawareness and confusion. So much damage is caused against those who are blind and those who are being led by the blind. Every day, governments are lying and deceiving their citizenry because the politicians themselves are spiritually blind.  Many who are unaware follow their words and accept the laws that are put into place.

More and more, we are being prodded to give up the very principles that God has instituted for the sake of humanity and for His glory.  Yet, there must be a generation that will rise and proclaim that Jesus cures spiritual blindness and that He is the answer. If you haven’t accepted Christ as your savior, you have an opportunity to be set free from your blindness.  Then and only then will you be aware of satan your enemy, and you will be able to lead others to Christ.  Receive your spiritual sight by accepting Christ and you will see how God will lead you.

The Unpopular Road – The Road to Life

30 Saturday May 2015

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Spiritual

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

ID-100186694We are living in a time in which there are many who are rejecting the truth of God. Many examples can be seen which involve the masses who have turned their back on God, to embrace secular humanism.  It is the rapidity of such change in the world culture that brings to light the scripture which can be found in Matthew 7:13-14.  It simply reads:

(NIV) “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

In this chapter, Jesus was teaching on various topics, which included the principle of the wide and narrow pathway.  What Jesus mentions is the unfortunate fact that there will be many who will choose the opposite of life which is eternal damnation.  1 Corinthians 2:14 says, (NIV) “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”

It is the individual who is entrenched in their sin that does not accept the commands and precepts of God.  The thing about sin is, sin within itself is pleasurable and enticing. However, the joy that can be found in a sinful lifestyle only lasts for a season.  Sin not only brings pleasure, but negative consequences are a result of practicing a life that is sinful.  When Jesus refers to the wide and narrow pathway, He is essentially making the declaration that most will choose the path that goes to destruction. Only a few will choose the path that leads to life.  Why is this so?  Why is it that the majority will walk in a path that is more populous than those who do not?

The answer lies within a few considerations:

1. It is easier to walk in the way of the majority – Anti-conformity has become less and less in the sense of deciding to live for Christ in a godless society.  The truth is, authentic Christians who not only claim Christianity but live it has become less common.  Now, pressure from a growing trend of those who are secular humanists and who believe in the “live and let live” mentality, has been applied to those not willing to bend.  One reason why the gateway to destruction is so broad, is because the road to pleasure and acceptance from society is easier.  It isn’t popular to stand up for Jesus Christ and it never was.  Even more so now, taking a stance against “gay marriage”, abortion, and other sins that have become socially acceptable puts one on the fringes of society. However, Jesus understood that even if society chooses to perish, the way to life would yield eternal security in addition to a better life on Earth.

2. Sin is enjoyable – As mentioned, living in a life of sin appeals and pleases the flesh.  If sin didn’t feel good, then most wouldn’t engage in it.  It is our sinful nature which calls out to us to fulfill the desires of the flesh.  Often times, sin entices us through temptation.  As James 1:14 says in the NIV, “but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” Sin resides within us because of the original nature passed down from Adam & Eve.  It is the sin that brings pleasure in the perspective of one who is walking in ungodliness.  There are many who entertain and even allow the pleasures of the flesh to direct their lives – however it eventually leads to a destructive lifestyle.  The results of living in a life of sin is one of a depraved mind, a seared conscience, and ultimately a spiritual and physical death.

3. The lies of satan are accepted as truth – Satan is a crafty individual who understands how to use various tactics to deceive.  John 8:44 describes satan as the “Father of lies.” In fact, in the very beginning satan lied and deceived Adam & Eve.  In Genesis 3:4-5, satan in the form of a serpent is speaking to Adam & Eve.  In the exchange, satan attempts to manipulate them by twisting the word of God.  God’s original command to Adam & Eve was not to eat the fruit from the tree of The Knowledge of Good and Evil, or they would die.  However, here is what satan says in response to this: (NIV) “The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Satan told a half truth when he said that they would not die.  He was correct in that Adam & Even would not die after eating the fruit.  However, what he did not say was that there would be a spiritual death that would be the result of their disobedience. Satan often twists God’s word in order to deceive those who are willing to accept his lies. As a result, many walk in a path that is full of those who are also deceived.

So, these three elements play into the reason for a wide path to destruction. As the Bible says, there are few that find the path to life.  Most follow the trends of a world that is living in sin, however there is a cost that comes with disobedience.  Jesus Christ died for that cost, so that you wouldn’t have to pay it.  Satan will not tell you the damage that can be done when you sin and remain in disobedience.  Instead, he withholds the truth and speaks lies so that he can ensnare those who are willing to follow.

All of us have a choice of whether to surrender to God through Jesus Christ, or to remain in our sinfulness.  The reward for turning to Christ is life and life abundantly. You have been redeemed because of Jesus Christ, but it is up to you to accept His gift of salvation.  You can live under the grace, protection, and love of God once you have turned from your wicked ways.  Walking in the popular path is what brings pain, confusion, and chaos.  Choose life, and choose the less popular road to life.