If Satan can get you to believe a lie, he can control your life.
A true Biblical worldview presents all of creation locked in spiritual conflict that extends from Genesis to Revelation. As believers, we are aligned with God against the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4). We have been transferred from the "domain of darkness" to the "kingdom of His beloved Son" (Colossians 1:13). In this battle for the heavenly places, the Church is God's method for extending His kingdom and as such is Satan's prime target (see Ephesians 1:3,20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12). The entire book of Ephesians teaches that as believers we already have everything we need to experience spiritual resources through faith and obedience in the power of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual defeat is still a real possibility for believers who still live like unbelievers (see Ephesians 4:17-32).
We are clearly told that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). Therefore, Paul teaches it is our responsibility to put on the armor of God, to stand firm and to resist the powers of evil (see Ephesians 6:10-18). Peter calls the devil "your adversary" and warns believers of his intention to devour them (see 1 Peter 5:7,8). ...
We are told to submit to God and resist the devil and that he will flee from us (see James 4:7). What happens to believers if they don't obey God's Word and choose to resist the devil? All these passages imply dire consequences for believers who ignore Satan, pretend he doesn't exist or fail to stand firm in their faith.
If Satan can get you to believe a lie, he can control your life. We have been clearly warned: "The Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons" (1 Timothy 4:1). ...
|