As you might know, there are 3 phases to Satan’s attack.
(Attack # 1.) Satan attacks the message. The message of Paul’s “my gospel,” “the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery of Christ” (Rom. 16:25). WHY? in hopes to produce doctrinal corruption in the minds of the believers. (Eph. 4:14). Example: # 1. “Men who lie in wait to deceive,” teaching that all scripture is for, about, and too you. # 2. And keeping corrupt versions of the Bible (NIV etc) in the hands of believers. Or using the KJB and not “rightly dividing the of word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15). Thus, keeping the believer under Israel’s Kingdom program, observing the law & Blind. (Rom. 6:14; 2 Cor. 4:4). “If our gospel be hid.” Luke 6:39. “Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the Ditch.” Beware of men who don’t rightly divide truth!
(Attack # 2.) Satan attacks the Messenger. If this first attack of the message does not produce (doctrinal corruption), and does not discourage the Messenger or his hearers, and cause them to back down from the message, Satan then attacks the Messenger himself. This second attack is designed to produce intimidation “a spirit of fear, and shame.” Example: (2 Tim. 1:5-7). WHY? To silence the Messenger and the message of the “mystery of Christ.”
(Attack # 3.) Discredit and discourage the Messenger. This strategy is used by Satan while still utilizing attack number one, and two. This third attack is utilized by Satan, in hopes to eliminate the audience of the Messenger. How? By discrediting him in the minds of his audience, they will not want to hear him, hopefully discouraging and provoking the faithful Messenger into quitting and saying, “oh well, what is the use?” (2 Tim. 2:9). Example: Reproach (disgrace), gossip, slander, name calling, silent boycott. (2 Cor. 2:11), Paul tells us: “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. “
1. Listen Folks, especially young men, one of Satan’s “all time” greatest hits, or devices, deceptions, traps, is fleshy temptations, or “the lust of the flesh,” (the
lust of a woman). Satan has brought down many great men, Kings, Rulers, men who wield great power. Remember, David and Solomon, & Sampson, to mention a few?
John records in 1 John 2:16, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the father, but is of the
world (devil).“ Fleshy temptations are designed by Satan to bring the faithful Messenger down, into disrepute (dishonor), disgrace, and shame. And I am a living witness, if the Messenger is not careful, this device works! If you have never read Proverbs the 5th chapter, Solomon talks about “The Lips of a Strange Woman.” And then go to the 6th Chapter beginning at Verse 24 -35, “A Whorish Woman Will Bring a Man to a Piece of Bread.” And finally read the entire 7th Chapter of Proverbs, “The Ways of the Harlot.” You should come away with some wisdom and understanding, to stay away from fleshy temptations & corrupt doctrine.
2. This device, this cunning deception, this temptation, is associated with phase three of Satan’s policy of evil. WARNING: by succumbing, giving in, submitting, yielding,
or winking at, blinking, flirting with this crafty deception of the satanic policy of evil, the faithful Messenger can fall into reproach, dishonor, disgrace and bring scandal upon himself, along with also being discredited. But that is not all, that is not even the worst part of it all. Christ and the BOC are discredited too! And when this happens, the church, the body of Christ suffers loss. And there is no escaping this.
3. The issue of the special impact (our influence), that God has designed for us to make right now, in the face of Satan, bringng him & his principalities and powers to open shame, in the heavenly places (Eph. 6:12), Is gone! And when we fall into reproach, dishonor, disgrace, scandal, SIN, along with it, ceases the ability for you and I to bring honor and glory to the manifold wisdom (eternal purpose) of God, it is now lost! *Remember David’s prayer (Psalm 51:10-12).
4. What is also lost is the ability to grow in the knowledge of the manifold wisdom of God. Rejoicing, celebrating, God’s genius plan in taking Satanand his principalities and powers in their own craftiness, making a show of them
openly, triumphing over them, in the battle on the cross, is now lost when we fall into reproach!
What is also lost is the “joy” of making known “the unsearchable riches of Christ” along with “making all men see what the fellowship of the mystery” is, because of the “motions of Sin!”
5. The faithful Messenger is intended to make his impact in the heavenly places before Satan and his fallen Angels, and the elect angels. According to Ephesians
3:10, “To the intent (PURPOSE} that now (RIGHT NOW) unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church, the manifold wisdom (eternal purpose) of God, (11) according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
6. You remember Jesus told Simon, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may “sift you as wheat,” (Luke 22:31). Satan’s MO has not changed, he still desires to slander body members today in the age of grace. Satan delights to speak evil of us both before God and his principalities and powers in heavenly places. Satan is your enemy! Satan delights to carry out “spiritual wickedness against us in high (heavenly places).”
In contrast however, while God is speaking well of us in Christ Jesus, Satan’s policy of evil is after speaking “spiritual wickedness.” When we grace believers succumb, surrender, to his cunningly, deceptive, devices and or get caught up in his storms of blinding contrary, corrupt, doctrines that obscure, or pervert the truth of what God’s program is today (like the Galatians), Satan is afforded such opportunity (to slander us). (Ephesians 4: 27) “Neither give place to the devil ” (a way for admission, an opportunity, this is a favorable combination, time, and place that the devil seeks.
7. 1 Tim. 5:14-15, Paul says,” Give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully (disgracefully, dishonorably, discredit, or shamefully) of you. For some are already turned aside after Satan.” Baked in with his policy of evil Satan, our adversary, is constantly looking for opportunities to speak slanderous, ridiculing speech toward the grace believer. Unfortunately, as in (1
Tim. 5), some saints were giving Satan an opportunity by their departure from the truth.
8. The problem is clear Brethren. Some saints were not walking consistent (in harmony) with the doctrine of grace in this present dispensation. They were guilty of abusing their liberty of their sanctification, for the flesh. They chose evil things! “They were carnal minded, walking after the flesh, and not after the Spirit. (Gal. 8:4-9). Make no mistake about it, Satan has declared war on the message of “the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery,” and he waits on time and place (opportunity). (He is OK with preaching “the gospel of the Kingdom,” by the way)! Israel’s gospel!!
Satan has counseled in his darkened, prideful, selfish, violent, sinful heart, to darken the mystery of Christ’s glorious light, in both the Messenger, and the hearts and souls of God’s people, by any means necessary!
9. Listen, one thing I know, I have learned when you are not walking consistent, in harmony with the doctrine of grace, in this present dispensation, you are only giving Satan an opening, an opportunity to slander you. If it (the doctrine) is not working effectually in your Inner man as you believe, if it (the doctrine) is not working in the details, every fiber, and particle of your life, you are leaving the door open to Satan. And it is still true, St John 10:10, Jesus said: “the thief cometh not, but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. 1 Peter 5: 8 says: “be sober:
be vigilant: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour.” And that’s why Paul said six times, “Brethren I would not have you ignorant.” (2 Cor. 2;11), “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
10. Ephesians 6:10, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (11) Put on the whole armor of God, that you might be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness
of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, WHY? that you might be able to with stand in the evil
day, and having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15) and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the
wicked. (17) And take the helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the spirit which is the word of God.”
Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit (the inner man) and of the joint and marrow (the outer man) and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart
Ephesians 6:18, AND ABOVE ALL: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for All Saints.
(19)” 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, (20) “For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Eph. 6, PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD!
1 Thess. 5:16-23. 16. Rejoice evermore.
17. pray without ceasing. 18. in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19. Quench not the spirit. 21. prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22. Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23. And the very God of peace sanctify you holy; And I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. Gal. 5:1, “Stand fast therefore in the Liberty wherewith Christ has made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage (Sin).
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Gal. 5:13, “For brethren, you have been called unto Liberty; only use not Liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
2 Tim. 2:19-26 “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knows them that are his. And, let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
20. But in a great house (BOC) there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor.
21. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he should be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, prepared unto every good work.
22. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
24. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; But be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25. In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure (perhaps) will give them repentance (godly sorrow leads to repentance) to the acknowledging of the truth.
26. And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”
Colman J. Gilliland 