RESISTING THE DEVIL

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7). Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world" (1 Pet 5:8-9).

Devotion 10 of 15

THE TRANSFORMATION OF SATAN

"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works" (2 Cor 11:14-15).

Resisting the devil is complicated by the fact that he does not always appear as a wicked or perverse one. He often transforms himself into an insightful messenger from God--"an angel of light." He knows how to do this, and do it well. He even has a great number of "ministers"--spiritual hosts--who transform themselves into "ministers of righteousness." They do not appear evil at all. In fact, there is a kind of attractiveness about them. But that does not change what they are. They are impostors who promote a "form of godliness, but deny the power thereof" (2 Tim 3:5). They do not have anything of substance to offer; nothing that faith can grasp. They speak about themselves, and make their boast in things that will ultimately pass away. In the end, those who embrace their message become vassals of the devil--taken captive to do his will (2 Tim 2:26).

Resisting the devil involves the rejection of religious form that lacks power. That is what is advanced by Satan coming as "an angel of light," and his ministers presenting themselves as "ministers of righteousness." Lifeless, powerless religion does not come from God. It is the fruit of Satan's work. It is evidence that his ministers have been active, and have been effective in their diabolical intentions. Do not imagine for a moment that a form of religion that has no power is something with which we must live. Emphatically, that is not the case! The presence of such a phenomenon is not innocent. It is the result of being deceived by the devil. To put it another way, Satan has not been resisted.

The people of God cannot resist the devil if they pay attention to his ministers. We are simply not allowed to "judge according to appearance" (John 7:24). If we do, Satan will deceive us, for he is a master at fabricating good appearances. When religious men boast of their achievements, we ought to be suspicious. Valid boasting is only "in the Lord," and we will tell what great things the Lord has done. Faith can take hold of that! Only unbelief can take hold of Satan's representations--or should I say, misrepresentations.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, deliver us from the evil one!

-- TOMORROW: TALKING TO YOUR SOUL --