Quotation
Some in today's world, promote the idea human nature is hard-wired
by evolution into the human brain and like Baron-Cohen, in the "empathy
circuit." Those who promote this idea, use this for both acts of kindness
and cruelty, depending on who's doing the writing. I do not believe human
nature is impervious to change or that human nature is genetically set to make
us behave in certain ways. I believe demons are at work in acts of cruelty
Barry Denzil Haney
Verse
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a
roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast
in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your
brethren that are in the world.
1 Peter 5:8-9
Reflection
There are two hundred references to darkness in Scripture.
According to Michael Heiser there were three divine rebellions. The first two
framed ancient beliefs about Satan and the origin of demons, the third is the
point of reference for Paul’s teaching on the principalities and powers.
(Heiser)
After study of
God’s Word, the Holy Spirit has taught me to be constantly vigilant from
attacks by Satan and his demons. Spiritual warfare is continuous and ongoing.
We can never relax. As believers, we can be captured by Satan and made servants
of his will.
In 1 Timothy 4:1, Paul warned Timothy about teachings in this
regard:
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some
shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of
devils;
In 2 Timothy 2:26, Paul instructs Timothy to correct opponents to
escape Satan’s temptations:
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the
devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
What is spiritual warfare!
In his book, Demons
– What the Bible Really Says About the Powers of Darkness, Michael
Heiser offers this simple answer:
“spiritual warfare is not about confronting supernatural
entities but about the furtherance of the gospel by committed believers.”
In Ephesians 6:10-20, Paul offers this passage to support this
assertion:
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of
his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against
the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be
able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand
therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the
breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the
gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be
able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of
salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying
always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto
with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that
utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known
the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein
I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Illustration
Satan is a schemer who uses all sorts of tricks to lure people
into sin. One of his tricks is illustrated by a Chicago-area drug user who
became a police informant. As an informant this man’s job was to induce other
drug dealers to sell drugs to him or an undercover policeman, and this
informant was unusually successful.
One of his most successful strategies for duping drug dealers,
according to Ted Gregory in the Chicago
Tribune, was to give them a challenge.
This informant says, “I’d tell them, ‘Everybody says they can
deliver, but you look a little young; or you look a little old; or you look
like a nerd.’ Let the people think that they’re in control …”
This informant succeeded in duping dealers because he understood
their psychology. Satan also understands psychology, and he uses the same
scheme. He dupes people into thinking they’re in control. He challenges their
egos. Only after sin takes its course do people find out that ultimately they
are not in control—that they are suckers. (Larson)
Prayer
Our Heavenly Father,
Help us to overcome the fiery darts hurled
by Satan and his demons. With the Armor of
God, help us to identify the tricks Satan uses
to deceive us and lure us into sin!
Help us realize if we are in control, we are a
fertile ground for Satan to plant the seeds he
uses to deceive us. Instead, with the Armor of
God, supply us with the hope and faith we have
in Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!
In the glorious name of Jesus Christ we pray,
Amen!
Worship
Inner Demons by Julie Brennan
God Bless You,
Barry
Heiser, Michael S. Demons: What the Bible Really Says about the Powers of Darkness. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020. Print.
Larson, Craig Brian. 750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers & Writers. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2002. Print.
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