In the last post we saw how Job grew weary in his seemingly unending trials and, as a result, began to doubt the justice and love of God. His thinking became twisted and he began to believe God was his ultimate Enemy. Instead it was the devil's lies that had fed his troubled mind. In these modern times of world chaos, believers may find their own thoughts going in the same direction. Why? Sometimes it's simply because they listen to the media's coercion, deception, and fear-mongering on a daily basis.  Here are two verses to focus our minds and hearts on to help quench the fiery darts of the enemy:

 Romans 8

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  ⁷ Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  

²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 

Misplaced Anger

 What can we learn from Job's example? Often people mention 'the patience of Job' though his did weaken as time went on. Still, we all definitely could use patience like that. Moreover, we could learn how to keep pursuing a relationship with God despite our doubts and fears. And despite our anger-even at Him! God knows when we're angry and why anyway-so we might as well express it to Him. After all it is supposed to be a relationship. He cares about how you feel but that doesn't mean He will agree with you. Especially if you're slandering His character in the process. 

It's true that at times it seems like the 'heavens are brass'. Job thought God was giving him the silent treatment. He believed he had a right to complain and accuse too. Especially when he had to listen to his three friends judging and putting him down in the midst of his sorrow and pain. Do you remember when Peter rebuked Jesus? How little he knew that Satan, himself, was using his untamed mouth. Now, of course, Jesus was not saying Peter was Satan, but that his words were inspired by the enemy.

 Matthew 16

Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. ²³ But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.   

 

False Teachers/false doctrines

The true enemy of our souls uses various devices in an attempt to sway us from our godly path. He is a cunning strategist.  His false teachers(and false religions) are among the worst and you can find a multitude in this modern day. Outwardly they may look right, smell right, and say what seems right, but inside they're full of corruption. Consistent prayer, studying the Bible, and trust in God will keep us from being destroyed by these imposters or 'angels of light'.

Read-II Peter 2:1-3 & II Corinthians 11:13-15

 Society/Environment

In the Old Testament, if you remember Lot, then you know he lived in Sodom among very ungodly people. God told Abraham that He was getting ready to destroy the place, along with Gomorrah. The society in those two cities was so evil that God had to bring judgment on them. But Lot and his children were delivered from the destruction. Remember-his wife looked back and was destroyed. One day in the future, He will deliver His children from this evil society too.

⁶ And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an example unto those that after should live ungodly;

⁷ And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

⁸ (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)  II Peter 2

 

Unholy Government

Daniel lived under subjection to an ungodly king. Yet, he used faith and wisdom, continuing to honor his God in the midst of his servitude. During this time he used the gifts he had for the glory of God, revealing to the king the meaning of his dreams. What's more he refused to obey the evil law against praying to the One True God-despite the threat of death.  Eventually, Daniel was promoted to a high government position in the kingdom. 

 

Unacknowledged Sin

King David had sinned greatly by committing adultery and then secretly having the woman's husband murdered. Thinking all was well and his deeds were hidden, he went on with life as usual. Until the day Nathan, the prophet came to him, speaking a message from God, revealing his sin. Confronted with the shame of what he had done, David repented with all his heart. Though he was forgiven, he did suffer consequences from the sins.

 

 Pride

Pride is the enemy of all mankind. Satan introduced the concept in the garden of Eden- when he told the first woman that God had lied about the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Plus, he convinced her the reason behind it was to keep them from receiving 'godhood'.  Unfortunately, she soon found out that she had been listening to the Prince of Pride, aka the Father of lies. Satan's plan was to get God's creation to focus on self, which would turn them away from the face of God. He knew this would sow a seed of rebellion in their hearts and produce sin in their lives.

How is pride allowed to take root? It's because we give Satan a place in our mind. The battlefield starts in our thoughts. We believe the lies he whispers in our ears and then pride gets permission to take root. And soon our favorite sins are welcomed into our lives. We become self-righteous and believe we know more than God and that we're above God's law.

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. I John 2:16

²¹ For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,²² Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:²³ All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.  Mark 7

 Poison Root of Pride

When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.  Proverbs 11:2

Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.  Proverbs 13:10

 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.  Proverbs 14:3

 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.  Proverbs 16:18

Like Lot, let us pray to be delivered from the evils of this modern day society. Like Daniel, let us never bow to the wicked rulers, staying faithful to God. Like David, let us humble ourselves, daily repenting of our sins. And let us remember that Satan is the true enemy of our souls..and he is a liar and a deceiver..and a defeated foe.. because of  the One and Only risen King of Kings- Our Lord Jesus Christ!