Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
...In like manner, if all moral error originates with Satan, then that goes without saying, and we can get down to the real business of dealing with the error. There's really no need to remind people over and over that they've been somehow influenced by Satan or demons, unless the goal is to try to shock them into changing their ways.
I'm not saying it's never appropriate, just that it seems to me the point should be to convince someone of their error, not of the source of their error, since the source, ultimately, is always the same.
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Igzy,
The source of something is always the point. Without dealing with the source, the "error" as you call it, error will continue. I don't think "error" is an accurate term: we're really talking about sin...not "error".
I'm reminded of the old hymn: Glory to His Name
Down at the cross where my Savior died,
Down where for cleansing from sin I cried,
There to my sin was the blood applied;
Glory to His Name!
Is there a need to remind people that they have influenced by Satan? Yes, of course! The gospel of Jesus Christ is all about being saved from the influence of Satan, which resluts in sin, and that the blood of Jesus cleanses from all sin. First we have to acknowledge our sin. God is holy. Where there is sin in our lives, our walk with him is hindered.
I think it's important that people understand that the source of all suffering on this earth today is the result of sin. Where there is sin, Satan and all his demons have legal ground to torment the sinner. Once you deal with the sin through repentance and forgiveness, the ground is taken away from Satan and his demons to torment you. This is not a once for all thing, but a daily matter.
This is not just a mental exercise as you suggest of "OK now I know. Next...." as though there is nothing you can do about it. As though that's just the way it is and it has no relevance in my life today.
The point of knowing the source, and that the source is not God, is to take action in your own life and deal with the gound the enemy has in you to influence your life, your living, and most important, your walk with God. For example, confess the sin of idolatry. In so doing, ask Him to show you all the idols in your life that replace His leading. If that's Witness Lee, fine, if not, what? Maybe there is nothing, but we need light to see what He would say and not just resign ourselves the influence of demons. This is in fact just what keeps the subtle one in control: our own ignorance. In most cases, our choice to remain ignorant.
For awhile, when I first started educating myself to this topic, there was a demon behind every bush. Eventually, I reached the point that I felt like I was giving them too much credit and paying more attention to demons than they deserved. At that point, I felt like I was no longer ignorant to the wiles of the devil, because I knew who he was and what he was capable of in my life. I also knew that God was greater, and my life was not "demon centered" but "Christ centered". I didn't reach this point out of ignorance and resignation to the existance and influence of the spirit world, but out of a clear understanding (I think) of the source.
There will always be resistance to a complete understanding of this truth. We have seen plenty of resistance on this thread---even to the point of mockery. This is an indication that the truth is starting to hit home, and the devil doesn't like it. I say we go forward and expose him and his helpers to their ugly core.
Nell