Matthew 13:24-30 is a warning to the first-century Christians from Jesus that the Devil plants false brethren. Verse 24 begins, “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.” When the weeds…
We have probably heard the saying as a child, “An idle mind is the Devil’s workshop.” Although this is not in the Bible, the idea of filling any void, whether the mind or the illustration of a house swept and cleaned from evil spirits, either must be purposely filled with the things of God, or…
The Bible presents answers on how to understand and manage evil, and there areseveral approaches that, when linked, will expose satanic influences that shapeworldviews and uncover God’s plan for humans to deal with satanic influences. Having an ear to hear God’s will, renew the mind, and study the Scriptures with a fresh heart will provide…
Human beings have a way of presenting their sin as less significant and sinful than other sins of which they are not guilty. An alcoholic and the family of an alcoholic may refer to their loved one’s addiction with a similar explanation as, “Well, he’s not an alcoholic; he just drinks a little too much.”…
If David is proud of his people, Satan will provoke him to number them, that he may be yet prouder (2 Sam. 24). If Peter is slavishly fearful, Satan will put him upon rebuking and denying of Christ (Matt. 16:22; 26:69-75). If Ahab’s prophets are given to flatter, the devil will immediately become a lying…
The attack of the evil one has a counterattack straight from God’s word. When we recognize the devices of the devil coming against us, then we can put to practice these seven things. We can sum these practices up in one phrase, abide in Christ. When we stay in fellowship with Jesus, we are safe from Satan’s…
Matthew 18 records Peter coming to Jesus and asking, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive mybrother or sister who sins against me?” The context of the rest of that chapter is on the topic of forgiveness. After sharing a parable of the wicked servant who was treated mercifully and given more time to pay…
The first thing that we must learn to do is make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts (cf. Romans 13:14). Once we have identified the temptation and the weakness of the flesh, do not seat up the scenario for failure. Whatever context, setting, environment, or class of people that is associated with…
A method used by Satan is to simply present the golden cup but keep the poison in it undisclosed or to present the bait and hide the hook. The focus is on captivating the mind by presenting that which is alluring and pleasant to the senses or the mind. The bait is that which appears…
Revelation 2:24 gives Christ’s words to Thyatira. He says, “But unto you I say, and unto therest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak, I will put upon you no other burden but to hold fast till I come.’ The lies…