Tag: Satan

Bible Studies

Deliver us from evil – The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus’ teaching on Prayer

Loring Schultz

“And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” Matthew 6:13 KJV

Open Bible glowing with golden light on wooden lectern inside church
A Bible glowing with light sits open on a wooden lectern inside a cathedral

Our Lord’s final example in praying is often misunderstood by many. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray ‘And lead us not into temptation,’ He was not referring to being tempted to sin by God. God does not tempt anyone to sin. The book of James says, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.” (Ja.1:13 esv) The word ‘temptation’ is better translated ‘a trying, or testing,’ and there are several examples of testing in the Bible. Our Lord Jesus Himself was tested (tempted) by Satan in the wilderness, Abraham was tested by God when told to offer his son as a sacrifice, and Job was severely tested when accused by Satan.

There are occasions when God will test us, or ‘put us to the test’ testing our faith in Him. There may be trials brought upon us by Satan permitted by God in order to prove and test our faith as in the case of Job and the apostle Paul. When we pray, ‘lead us not into temptation’ we are praying ‘don’t put us to the test, protect us from the test and from Satan, the evil one.’ Our Lord does not lead us into any testing or trial in which He is not there with us, and He will also make a way of escape for us in Satan’s evil temptations aimed at us. Paul writing to the church in Corinth says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1Cor.10:13 esv)

Jesus teaches that after praying not to be put to the test, we are to ask to be delivered from evil. This is not evil in general but from the evil one, Satan. Many versions of Scripture do reference it as the ‘evil one.’ We are to pray to be delivered from Satan’s schemes, his temptations, and his accusations against us.

It is important to note that not all temptations (testing), trials, or troubles are evil in and of themselves. It was noted Jesus Himself was tempted by Satan. Our Lord passed the test and is our example in our troubled times. Abraham and Job also passed the test and were blessed for it. But when Paul asked the Lord to remove his thorn in the flesh from Satan three times, the Lord did not, but said, ’My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ And Paul responded, ‘Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.’ (2Cor.12:9 esv) Paul passed the test and serves as an example for us to follow.

We are to pray that we be delivered from Satan’s evil temptations and not fall into sin. Jesus prayed for His disciples in His High Priestly prayer in John 17:15, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.” (esv) A. W. Pink is quoted as saying, “To be kept from the evil of sin is a far greater mercy than deliverance from the trouble of temptation.” We may pray not to be put to the test, but the more concerning prayer is ‘deliver us from evil,’ Satan himself.

A Christian Perspective

Are You in Rebellion?    

Loring Schultz

“If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38 NLT

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‘Rebellion’ carries with it a negative tone. The word is defined as, ‘armed resistance to one’s government, or defiance to any authority.’ A rebel is one who takes part in resisting authority. Certainly, this is not what a Christian should be involved in. I agree with that under most circumstances. But Christians have a higher authority to answer to, the Lord God creator of heaven and earth.

Christians are to be rebellious. We are to rebel against the sinful nature of our flesh and the evil Satanic ways of the world. Modern-day theologian David Guzik writes in his commentary, “ Most people think of following Jesus as conforming to the establishment. Actually, Jesus called us to rebel against the established order of this world. We are called to rebel against the tyranny of the flesh, against the fear and conformity of the world, against the traditions of man. Jesus encourages a slave rebellion, where the slaves of sin, Satan, and the world rebel against their masters.” (1)

The current world system is corrupt in every way. Flagrant immorality, thefts, murder, abortion, fraud, deception, and the list goes on. Many of these vices along with others are found in most governments, businesses, organizations, communities, families, and individuals who follow a secular worldview. Satan is influencing every social class and moving people away from the things of God and promoting his Satanic ideals. He is the prince and power of this world system. The apostle Paul makes that clear in Ephesians 2:2, “You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.” (nlt)

We are living in a world between good and evil. Jesus Himself declare this world as adulterous and evil days. It is time for all Christians to rebel against our sinful flesh and the urge to conform to the world system which is under the control of Satan.

(1) https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/mark/mark-8.cfm?a=965038

Devotionals

Praying for one another  

Loring Schultz

Read: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 NLT – Paul’s Request for Prayer – Finally, – Bible Gateway

“Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3 NLT

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How often do we pray for one another? Our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as ourselves need prayer because of the days we live in. We all need to make ‘the best use of the time, because the days are evil.’ (Eph.5:16 esv) Paul asks the church at Thessalonica to pray for him and his ministry partners. He prayed particularly that the gospel would spread rapidly. He also prayed for protection from those who did not want that message to be broadcasted. Paul knew the evil one, Satan, was behind all the harassment and threats they had received in preaching the Word.

Satan has not changed his tactics. His evil influence in the world keeps unbelievers right where he wants them in having no interest in the things of God and opposing those who do. Every Christian has the responsibility to live out a life pleasing to God leading others to the savior. This will be met with opposition either outright or subtle. We should follow Paul’s example and ask for prayer from our family in Christ and be praying for each of them in return. He will strengthen us and guard us from the evil.

Paul adds another aspect to this prayer for one another. It is a prayer for a full understanding and the expression God’s love. We can also have confidence in having patient endurance during these days of living for Christ. Standing with Jesus makes us an enemy of world. Jesus said, “And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.” (Lk.21:17 nlt) Therefore, we should be in the habit of praying for one another.

Devotionals

Scarce Faith         

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Timothy 4:1-5 ESV – Some Will Depart from the Faith – Now – Bible Gateway

“……. when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Luke 18:8 ESV

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At the end of the parable of the persistent widow and the unrighteous judge (Lk.18:1-8) Jesus says, “I tell you; he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Lk.18:8 esv) Jesus is fast forwarding to His second coming and is indicating that a spiritual decline will be in progress. The time will be a time of persistent prayer for true believers similar to the woman in the parable.. This will be a time of mass spiritual decline. True faith will be scarce. False teaches will be leading people away from the gospel, and persecutions will be on the rise.

The apostle Paul informs Timothy of the same thing in his letter of instruction of 1 Timothy. “Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.” (1Tim.4:1 esv) As the days get closer to Christ’s return, Satan and his demons know they are running out of time. The day of everlasting torment is getting closer for them. Their only purpose is to lie, deceive, and destroy.

The world has been observing these devilish effects for some time now. There has been a great exodus of people from the church in recent years. Many churches have abandoned their gospel roots of salvation to include unbiblical methods of salvation to get along with the changing culture. It’s not hard to see who is behind this apostasy. The evil one is doing all he can to keep people in need of salvation from hearing the true gospel. Be aware Satan is also in the business of deceiving Christians with false doctrine to keep us from growing in Christ and from evangelizing the truth.

May we be alert to the deception around us, not getting caught up in it, and be in a steadfast position to continue to share the gospel in these ‘scarce faith’ times.

Devotionals

An Opportune Time       

Loring Schultz

Read: Luke 4:1-13 NIV – Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness – Bible Gateway

“When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” Luke 4:13 NIV

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A familiar story in the New Testament of the Bible is the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. Notably the devil offered up three temptations that are recorded in Scripture. It can be assumed that these were the only temptations the devil threw at Jesus but can we be sure. In our text today in Luke 4:2 it says, ‘where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.’ (niv) That language in all translations points to on-going temptations throughout the forty days. We are not told what the temptations were, but they were there. At the end of the forty days Scripture records that Jesus was hungry having fasted the entire time and Satan saw an opportune time to employ a few more temptations on Jesus.

The evil one tempts us at our weakness moments. Jesus was tempted in His weakest physical moment when wandering in the wilderness for forty days and not eating. At the completion of the forty days the first recorded temptation by Satan was “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” (Lk.4:3 niv) Certainly a weak moment for Jesus. His answer, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” (Lk.4:4 niv) Jesus resisted the temptation at His weakness moment. At the conclusion of the last two temptations Scripture tells us the devil left him until an opportune time.

Satan did not give up on Jesus but looked for another opportunity to tempt Him or trap Him through the schemes of the Pharisees. As Satan waited for an opportune time to tempt Jesus, he waits for just the right time to tempt us, usually in our weakest moment. We need to have our guard up at all times. The devil will not give up. He will wait for the weakest moment. Peter warns us “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1Pt.5:8 niv) Don’t give the devil an opportune time.

Devotionals

Fight the Good Fight     

Loring Schultz

“This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience.” 1 Timothy 1:18-19 NASB

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All Christian believers are in a fight whether we like it or not. You may say, I’m not a fighter, but that is beside the point. If you stand for Jesus you’re in a fight. This is not something new in our day but has been the case since the early days of  the New Testament church. Christians throughout the centuries have been battling Satan and his demons. Satan is not giving up in case you haven’t noticed but he is in full attack mode as he sees the end of his days approaching.

The Lord God does not leave defenseless in this spiritual battle. He has given instructions through the writings of Paul such as in Ephesians chapter 6 where it says, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (6:11 nasb) The best part of this fight is we only need to stand, but to ‘stand firm.’ We are to put the battle armor on to fight the good fight by standing firm. Paul encouraged Timothy to fight the good fight with holding to the truth (keeping the faith) and living a pure life (a good conscience). Satan is a liar hating the truth and certainly despises one who is living a pure godly life. So be aware, Satan’s eye is on us too.

Notice Paul said it was a ‘command’ to ‘fight the good fight.’ Timothy didn’t have a choice, and neither do we. Let us stand firm and fight the good fight.

“This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never-in nothing, great or small, large or petty-never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” Winston Churchill

Devotionals

Stay Alert!  

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Peter 5:6-9 NLT – So humble yourselves under the mighty – Bible Gateway

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 NLT

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Traveling through areas we haven’t been before requires caution. Whether it’s traveling by automobile with the most sophisticated GPS or strolling a scenic countryside on a Sunday afternoon walk, if you haven’t been that way before, a little caution is recommended. It is that way in our lives as well. Every day we wake up to a new day where we have never been before, caution is needed.

For the Christian, each day is a particular challenge. We have never ending responsibilities between family, work, and other household chores among those extra curriculum activities we add on ourselves. Managing it all is a struggle and by the end of the day we’re wiped out. We have a to tendency let our guard down, in fact it may have started to slide midway through the day, and when we’re most vulnerable the enemy attacks. With all of our responsibilities each day we must add the essential one to our list; ‘stay alert.’

1 Peter 5:8 says, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (nlt) Just as traveling a road we haven’t been on previously requires some attention and staying alert, each day is a road we haven’t traveled on, and Satan is prowling around looking for that opportunity to pounce on us. Staying alert is vital from morning until night. Satan knows our weak moments as they occur, and we would be smart to recognize them ourselves and stay alert. (have that cup of coffee) If we are not paying attention, Satan and his minions will take advantage of our lapse and before we know it, he got us. Remember we haven’t been this way before, caution ahead, so stay alert!

A Christian Perspective

Are you trained for war?          

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 144 NLT – Psalm 144 – A psalm of David. Praise – Bible Gateway

“Praise the Lord, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle.” Psalm 144:1 NLT

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The Bible contains a lot of tough verses we wrestle with. Several publications are offered with the sole purpose of answering questions and explaining these tough verses. Our key verse today is one tough verse. “Praise the Lord, who is my rock.” That’s not tough to comprehend, in fact it’s quite refreshing. What follows confuses us. Training for war? “He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle.” (Ps.144:1 nlt) Many Christians have a passivist view of war for many reasons. I’m not going to stir the pot of debate on the world’s wars, but I am going to state that every Christian is in a war whether we agree with it or not. So, my question is, are you trained for war?

King David, the author of Psalm 144, was the king in the theocratic government of Israel. The Lord God empowered David to overcome his enemies, all who were against the God of heaven and His people. This was war against unholy idol worshipers with no regard for the true God and who continually fought against Israel. The Lord God thoroughly trained David in every way to fight against the enemies of the Lord. Ultimately David knew God was his rock and fortress. “He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my rescuer. He is my shield, and I take refuge in him. He makes the nations submit to me.” (Ps.144:2 nlt) But he was still trained to subdue the enemies of the Lord.

King David had the nations’ armies against him, and Christians today have Satan’s armies against us. The apostle Paul instructs us to put on the full armor of God to stand against the devil. (Eph.6:11-17) The one major difference here is we’re not to fight but be trained in putting on the armor. Once on, we stand! No matter your view on war, Christians are in a war as Paul states, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Eph.6:12 nlt) Paul then tells us to ‘stand our ground.’ Having on the full armor of God we are now fully trained for war by standing firm.

A Christian Perspective

The Unseen World Shows Itself         

Loring Schultz

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 NLT

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I awoke the other morning to an all too familiar headline from ‘6abc news’ in Philadelphia. “8 shot, 1 killed across 4 neighborhoods within 3 hours in Philadelphia.” I realize this happens in virtually every major city in the United States and across the world. Some are not as bad, some worse, but it is on-going. It hits close to home with Philadelphia being the closest major city to where we live. People across the U.S. experience those same feelings frequently if they reside near a major city. It has become a way of life to digest these news stories daily.

Government officials and law enforcement are fighting a losing battle as they attempt to curtail crime in their major cities. It is made harder when politicians spread their wings, and the root of the problem is not acknowledged or even discussed. The root of all crime is the fallen sinful nature of every human being. Until this is realized, and we seek the help and guidance of God in governing according to His standards, this will continue to escalate. There will still be crime in the fallen world as Satan is the prince and power of the air in our sinful world (Eph.2:2) but as we turn back towards God there will be less of it.

The apostle Paul states clearly that Satan is at work in this world. It is not only the physical world, but it is the unseen spiritual world where Satan does his best work. This manifests itself in the news headline we just witnessed from Philadelphia this week. The unseen world of evil rulers and authorities with their mighty powers shows itself every day in the violence we face. This is the root of the problem.

So, what are we to do? Know that God is a just God. Know He will make everything right. Know that God has a plan for a future heavenly kingdom on this earth. Know that this kingdom will be ruled by Jesus Christ. Know that when that future day comes and you want to be sure you are there, you need to accept Jesus as your savior. Know that Jesus died for your sin and know that He defeated Satan at the cross. Satan’s rule of the unseen world and its influence on earth will end. In the meantime, let us work at governing as God has commanded us according to His Word, understanding the root of the problem.

Devotionals

Wisdom, Righteousness, and Devotion to God

Loring Schultz

Read: Titus 2:11-14 NLT – For the grace of God has been revealed, – Bible Gateway

“We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.” Titus 2:12 NLT

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The greatest news of all to the world today is that God’s grace brought salvation to all people. Salvation is not restricted to a certain class of people, but is available to every person regardless of race, gender, ethnic group, age, or social class. Satan uses his influence in our fallen world to divide people, while God through the Holy Spirit unites people together and to Himself. Living the Christian life in a fallen broken world is not easy, but the Lord gives us instructions on how to live in today’s world as we look forward to that future day of the Lord.

The first thing Christians are to do is to throw off our old ways we engaged in before we accepted Christ. Admittedly this is not always easy, but it is necessary. God refers to them as ungodly living and sinful pleasures. Scripture also says Christians are a new creation in Christ with the old ways gone and new ways beginning. (2Cor.5:17) The apostle Paul writing to Titus says, “We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.” (Titus 2:12 nlt) All three things Paul instructs us to do are doable through the Holy Spirit we received as a new creation in Christ.

The fact that we live in an evil world is even more reason to rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us. The Spirit will help us remember the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Pr.1:7) We can only live in righteousness (doing right on a consistent basis) through the Holy Spirit. And when our lives are totally devoted to God it will keep our focus where it needs to be and not on the pleasures of this world.

The evil one does not give up in his attempts to influence us or divide us once we have committed our lives to Christ but will ramp up his efforts. But if we’re living with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God we can live free from his tactics.