Do You Realize Satan is in Church… Actually, he Gets a Gold Star for Perfect Attendance

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He’s in the pulpit. He’s in the pews. He’s everywhere. We can find him in church board/business meetings, in the choir, even in children’s ministry…

“These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 11: 13-15

 

“And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.” 2 Corinthians 11: 26d

“If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” James 3: 13

In the parable of the Wheat and Tares, Jesus makes it clear that believers an unbelievers will all be intermixed until He comes back. The question is, how do we make sure we remain standing in spiritual battle? Before we even have coffee in the morning, we must put on the armor that God makes available to us. We’ll see how critical it is to get dressed daily with each piece of armor. The first things we need…

“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.” Ephesians 6: 13-14

The apostle Paul wrote this letter inside a Roman prison. I would think there would be a soldier nearby guarding him, and watching ever move he made. Maybe Paul was looking at the soldier as he was writing this letter. Because of this visual in front of Paul, could it be that this is how God inspired him to relate the armor of God to the armor of a Roman soldier? Think about that… how our God arranges things to accomplish His purpose! Just amazing!

So we need to first put on the belt of truth. Back in ancient days Romans wore long, flowing garments. So if a soldier was getting ready for battle, the first thing he would do is put on a belt. The belt would allow him to tuck in his garment so it wouldn’t get in the way or make him trip while he was fighting. Here’s how the belt of truth applies to us…

We must be prepared. Satan will come along and whisper (perhaps even through other people), “Is that really right, you’re taking the Bible too literally. You’re too spiritual. You need to relax.” Jesus so clearly tells us that Satan is a liar, mixing his lies among the truth.  Satan knows how vulnerable we are. Bottom line is, and I know you probably heard it many times… You will fall for the counterfeit if you don’t familiarize yourself with God’s authentic Word!

And what is the breastplate of righteousness? In battle, the breastplate protected the vital organs, namely the heart. The breastplate of righteousness is God’s holiness as it is manifested in your life. The liar is going to fight tooth and nail to make us believe that it’s better to be happy, not holy. Listen to what James has to say about this…

“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” James 4: 7-8

Our best defense is godliness. If we aren’t living holy lives, we’re fair game to Satan. Is there unrepentant sin in your life? A loose tongue? Your attitude? Unethical or immoral things? Are you at peace with God? Are you yielded to Jesus?

 

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A Blessing in the Storm…