Our Sunday School teacher continued his series on the fallen nature of man with a message this morning under the subtitle Temptation of the World. He noted that Jesus’ prayer to the father was to keep the disciples “safe”. John 17:15-17. He didn’t mean physical safety but safety from the evil one who seeks to separate men from faith and relationship with Jesus and God. Luke 22:31-32.
Thoughts are Satan’s tools. He attacks us through our thought life. We survive only with God's protection by staying close in faith and taking captive every thought.
We are in constant battle with the enemy. Satan is not equal to God but he does have power in this world. There are levels of power among angels and demons. Satan is not omniscient. He uses imps, demonic beings. Satan uses our thoughts to tempt us. The reality is that what we think about is rooted in our fallen nature. We are tempted by our own desires. James 1:14. The heart is deceitful. Jeremiah 17:9. Out of the abundance of heart, the mouth speaks. Luke 6:45. God told Cain to “just do the right thing” but Cain was controlled by his anger.
A fish is caught by a “lure”. Satan uses allure. Temptation is always an enticement to act contrary to God's will. We must hold fast against the Devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11-12.
I chose this song "One Step Away", which tells us to come home to God - we're only one step away.
Verses for Today:Ephesians 6:11-12 (NIV)
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Lord, please help me each day to keep my eyes on You and to take captive every evil thought.
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