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By
Shelby G. Floyd
Our arch-enemy Satan has been cast out of heaven down to the earth. “The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him” (Revelation 12:9). In the book of Job, Satan answered the Lord about his whereabouts, “From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it” (Job 1:7). He is still doing that and we must be on our guard.
Satan’s Soliloquy
My mom told about a man down in Kentucky where she grew up who was always talking to himself. When he was questioned about it his answer was: “I like to talk to a smart man and I like to hear a smart man talk!”
The devil is smart. And let us listen to him talk to himself:
That is one of the best churches in the country. It irks me the way they get along among themselves and progress so rapidly. I have tried every method that I have to destroy that church but they have failed me thus far. However, I am not going to give up nor be dissatisfied until I cause trouble in that congregation.
I wish I had my old loyal servant, Judas Iscariot, back again. If I only had some weak person like he was who would listen to me, I might be able to accomplish the work that is so dear to my heart.
I am just standing here watching the people as they go into the building and trying to see one who I think will listen to me so I can start him talking about the other members, and especially the elders. If I could just get the members dissatisfied, backbiting and talking about each other, I believe the progress of that church would end. I have approached several upon different occasions, but they never seem to listen to me. They seem to remember the words when their leader said “Get thee behind me Satan.” That expression has goaded me for two thousand years. I wish the people would forget it. Oh, for a man inside the church who will listen to me!
The Devil’s Foothold
The devil is always looking to establish a foothold in a person’s life. This we must not allow, “And do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:27). The only way we can be successful against his strategy is to arm ourselves offensively and defensively: “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11).
The Devil’s Trap
Satan will not have any power over us unless we fall into his trap. He is tricky and deceitful. For those who do fall into his trap there is a way of escape if “… they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:26). The devil never gives up. He is still going to and fro to find his prey. But let us always resist.
Be Self-controlled and Alert
We can only resist Satan by being alert. “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” said Thomas Jefferson. This is true politically and spiritually. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Like Christ we must drive Satan away by the power of God’s word.
“Away From Me Satan”
Remember, Satan hates these words, “Away from me Satan! For it is written…” (Matthew 4:10). Submission to God through his word will drive the devil away every time: “Submit yourselves then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
Dear friend, let Satan talk to himself instead of talking to you. He is powerless when he only talks to himself. He is smart but God is smarter!
Copyright © 2008 2015 Shelby G. Floyd, All Rights Reserved
Shelby G. Floyd
Heartland Church of Christ
1693 West Main Street
Greenwood, Indiana 46142