Are YOU Blind To The Truth?

William Hamilton, the retired theologian who declared in the 1960s that God was dead, died on February 28th at the age of 87. (It's funny how God seems to outlive all the people who have declared his death.)

Hamilton created a firestorm of controversy when he was featured on the cover of Time magazine for his "radical" God-is-dead theology. Hamilton put it this way: "The death of God is a metaphor. We need to redefine Christianity as a possibility without the presence of God."

Hamilton was trying to wrestle with the presence of God in light of horrific suffering, but I'm not sure how you redeem the presence of suffering by proclaiming the absence of God. -The Christian Century, March 2, 2012, Nancy Haught

When Paul wrote his second epistle to the Corinthians, he alluded to the possibility that Satan might take advantage of them: "lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." (2 Corinthians 2:11)

Informed Christians, however, need not be in a position to be caught off guard. Satan's advantage is based upon one being "ignorant of his devices." But if we are aware of the methods Satan uses to lead people astray, we can resist him successfully!

How can we defend ourselves against some of these devices of Satan? We begin by noticing a "device" of Satan that Paul described later in this same epistle. This particular "device of Satan" is to blind the minds of the people.

In regards to this device of Satan, there are some whom "the god of this age" has blinded (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4). The Spirit warned this would be done through "doctrines of demons" (1 Timothy 4:1-3).

Today, many minds are blinded to the truth. They are blinded...

a. By the doctrine of ATHEISM - there is no God
b. By the doctrine of EVOLUTION - we are simply animals
c. By the doctrine of HUMANISM - man is the measure of all things, and in him alone is the solution to our problems.

Those who are so blinded are hindered from receiving the truth!

How can we defend agains this device? Our best defense against it is actually a strong offense, involving a war for the "thoughts" of men (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Our greatest weapon is TRUTH, which can defeat the false arguments and free those who have been blinded into captivity (cf. John 8:32).

Thus the need for discussion and debate, in order to cast down "arguments" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Consider the example of Paul, who "reasoned" with others (Acts 17:2-3; 19:8-9). Other weapons involve CHRIST-LIKE ATTITUDES that are "mighty in God". For example, the meekness and gentleness of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:1-4), and patience and humility in correcting others (2 Timothy 2:24-26). By "Speaking the truth in love" (Ep 4:15), we can be defeat this "device of Satan"!

Another device of Satan is to get people hooked on the "things of the world." Regarding this "device of Satan," I am referring to those things described in 1 John 2:15-17:

a. The lust of the flesh;
b. The lust of the eyes;
c. The pride of life.

Satan used these tactics against EVE (cf. Genesis 3:6). Satan also tried these tactics in tempting Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11). Today, Satan uses these tactics with a vengeance, tempting people through:

a. Immorality (lust of the flesh)
b. Materialism (lust of the eyes)
c. Arrogance (pride of life)

What can we do to defend ourselves against this device? We can saturate ourselves with the Word of God! Develop a strong love for the Father! (1 John 2:15; James 4:4; James 4:7).

But don't think for a minute that Satan will give up easily; there are other "devices" up his sleeve, including persecuting those who try to do right!

Peter warned that the devil sought to devour Christians through persecutions (1 Peter 5:8-9). Paul worried that afflictions brought about by Satan might tempt the Thessalonians to give up (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5). Even today, Satan persecutes Christians! Some literally, through great suffering as Christians. Others through social pressures that are often equally effective, such as: 1) Peer pressure; 2) Ridicule and; 3) Ostracism.

We can defend against this device by encouraging one another! This is what Peter sought to do (cf. 1 Peter 5:8-10). Paul sent Timothy to do the same (cf. 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3). We can also adopt the proper attitude: Rejoice! Knowing that trials can make us stronger (cf. James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-4). And, knowing that those who endure are blessed by God (cf. 1 Peter 4:12-14; Matthew 5:10-12).

In addition, commit yourself to God in doing good (cf. 1 Peter 4:19). God is a faithful Creator. He takes note of our suffering, and will one day repay those who trouble us (including Satan himself!), and give us rest (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:4-8; Revelation 20:10).

I caution here that this is not an exhaustive list, rather only a sampling of "The Devices Of Satan." The Scriptures certainly reveal much more about how the "Great Deceiver" works.

I trust this study has been sufficient to show, however...

a. That our adversary is indeed strong;
b. That ignorance of his devices make us susceptible;
c. That if we are not diligent, he can indeed take advantage of us!

Let's pray...

Blessed are you, Creator of heaven and earth,
--you made the world and offer it life.
May we do what is useful for our brothers and sisters,
--and together build a world that is pleasing to you.
To us and all whom we meet today,
--give your joy and peace. Amen

May the Lord be with you always!

Phoebe