Can you See Satan?
It is a well accepted fact that, in this world, there are two forces:
GOOD & EVIL; RIGHT & WRONG.
We are shown both of these Rulers in the Scriptures of God’s word, the Bible.
Many times he, depending on which one for whom we are looking, may be somewhat obscure.
However, the one who wishes NOT-TO-BE seen is Satan, for he is a coward, a sneak-
thief.
He began his appearances to mankind in the Garden of Eden, in Gen. 3:1, disguised as a
serpent.
From then on, we really do not “SEE” him in the Old Testament, nor is he referred to very
much, except in Job 1:6ff and 2:1ff.
There are various events which certain elements of his handiwork can be seen if we look
closely.
However, when we come to the New Testament, there are several passages which warn us
about this wicked one and show us his devices, revealing him to us if we will only pay close attention to what is said, and then to what is going on around us as we live our daily lives.
For example, Jesus warned, in several places, as are recorded in the Gospel accounts of this
one:
Matt. 7:15.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matt. 24:11.
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Matt. 24:24.
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Mark 13:22.
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
Luke 6:26.
Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
And, both Paul and Peter gave their warnings and told about him:
2 Cor. 11:12-15.
But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.{13} For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. {14} And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.{15} 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.
Gal. 1:6-8.
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: {7} Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.{8} But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach
any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
1 Tim. 4:1-2.
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; {2} Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
1 Tim. 5:14-15.
I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. {15} For some are already turned aside after Satan.
2 Tim. 3:1-7.
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. {2} For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, {3} without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, {4} Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; {5} Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. {6} For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, {7} Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
2 Tim. 4:3,4.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; {4} And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2 Pet. 2:1-3.
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. {2} And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. {3} And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
With all these passages in mind, let’s look at some things, and ask this question;
DO YOU SEE SATAN?
In the world of religion, most agree that Satan has been trying since Eden, to destroy all of
God’s people, especially those whom He set apart for certain and definite works, such as Moses and Jesus.
This evil one tried to destroy each of them in their infancy (Exo. 1:22; Matt. 2:16).
All through the Old Testament we find where Israel continually withdrew themselves into
idolatry and away from Jehovah, being lured, and even LED at times by their king, or some other leader.
In the New Testament, we have the above Scriptures which show us how the same things are
taking place in the Lord’s church.
The really sad thing about this is, the very same things continues today, and from more avenues than many people are willing to admit. It isn’t that they could not see it happening, but rather because Satan does not want it revealed, for then his works would be plain, as John said in 1 John 3:10.
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the evil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
John is referring to “Sinning and remaining-in sin“, as the Greek bears out in a close study of
v.9.
Being EVIDENT is the same as John uses here when he said, “…are manifest,…“
When we examine the word of God, and compare things going on in the world around us, it is
easy for us to see Satan at work.
Just look at all the crimes, of every category.
Look at all the wicked things happening in the world of business: in the world of Education: in
homes where people are being molested, raped and murdered. Families are being torn asunder by various causes. Parents are deserting their families by the score.
All these things happen because of this one, the master of evil, lies and deceit.
Look at all the corruption in government of all kinds, whether National, State, City, or
whatever.
People are doing the very things Satan wants them to do.
Even in the Penal Institutions, where one might suppose things would at least TRY to go the
opposite direction.
Look at all the homosexuality in our world, and being both accepted and condoned by all, in
general.
The government even supports their “Rights“, giving them equal status as anyone else, when
God’s word speaks vehemently against it, in Old and New Testaments alike, condemning all who practice such a lifestyle.
Yet, nothing like this is even mentioned by anyone in the Public-eye.
WHY?
For the same reason as all the other wickedness which is publicly accepted is not spoken
against: Satan does not want it so!
Most can agree on these things, but some may not. However, just because even the majority
want things the way they are {wicked, etc.} does not make it right in God’s sight, for there were times in the Old Testament when even Israel “Did what was evi“ “Did what was right in their own eyes“, etc.
This is what Paul said would happen in his epistles to Timothy.
This is what Jesus said when He said,
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. {Matt. 7:14}
And again in Matt. 7:21-23.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. {22} Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?{23} And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
In these two passages, Jesus tells us that there will be the majority who will not be saved.
And WHY?
You guessed it: Satan wants it this way.
But how can this be, when there are so many educated, responsible people who are in
positions to avert such as this?
The answer is just as simple as answering the last question asked above; ie; Satan!
Are we so naive so as to think that Satan only works in the lives of UN-educated people?
NOT SO!!!
He’s too smart to follow that avenue.
Sure, he does a great deal of his work through the un-educated, but there is a GREAT percent
of it being done through the MORE educated.
Re-read 2 Cor. 11:12-15 and listen to Paul:
But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. {13} For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. {14} And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. {15} 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.
Does this sound like Satan uses educated people?
It sure does, my friend!
And when we think that this is not going on today, in general, in the world of religion, he has
us right where he wants us.
When someone makes the statement, “One Lord, One faith, One Baptism” {quoting Eph. 4:5},
many religious people make fun of them, and deride them to shame.
While on the other hand, there are those who proclaim that “THE church” we read about in the
New Testament is, in reality the “Church Universal“, meaning that “All churches are equal“, and that “We are all God’s children and He accepts us all, wanting us all to conform to His will.”, and they will quote certain verses, taking them out of their context, applying them to their view and doctrine, and many, many Christians are buying into this philosophy and belief, admitting that THEY are right and we are wrong.
If this is, by some chance right, then why are so many teaching so many different ways to be
saved?
If they are TRYING TO CONFORM TO GOD’S WILL, then when are they going to change
their views on this subject, when Jesus Himself said that there is only ONE WAY, and that is Him {John 14:6}.
CAN YOU SEE SATAN at work in these fields?
Are his deeds evident to you?
Where else can you see him and his works?
Just look closely, letting God’s word be your guide, not preconceived ideas and beliefs as so
many are doing.
People are violating God’s word simply to adhere to their traditions and beliefs, which is
exactly as the Pharisees were doing in Jesus’ day, to which He said,
Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, {8} This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.{9} But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. {Matt. 15:7-9}
Read that entire chapter to really get the whole picture of this.
When are we going to really get back to God’s word?
What is it going to take to get this done?
When are Christians going to “Come out of their closets” and take their stand for TRUTH?
When are gospel preachers going to stop preaching “Powder-puff” sermons - “Social gospel“,
if you please?
When are elders of the Lord’s church going to INSIST on the flock being fed TRUTH, and not
“What the people want to hear?
King Saul let this very thing cause him to lose his kingdom and even his soul, as we read
1 Sam. 15:1-35.
Yes, these things happened in the Old Testament, and they happened to people hundreds of
years ago: years before the church ever came into existence.
However, listen to the apostle Paul:
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. {Rom. 15:4}
Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. {11} Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come.
1 Cor. 10:6 & 11.
We use such expressions as, “History repeats itself“, and, “We should learn something from
history“, and justifiably so.
Then WHEN are going to start listening to God’s word?
Are we going to let the “Great Deceiver” keep us with his “Wool” pulled over our eyes, and go
to hell, as it were, with our eyes closed?
We like to look around and SEE GOD. This is good, and we should.
We enjoy praying, “God, bless America!“, but how can He bless a wicked Nation?
A people who are not really trying to please Him?
But, my friends, it’s about time we began believing 1 Peter 5:8!
Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Don’t you agree!?
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