First of all, just what is an adversary, WILL? “Be sober, be vigilant; because YOUR 1ADVERSARY THE DEVIL walks about like a roaring lion, SEEKING whom he may 2devour.” (1 Pet. 5:8) 1antidikos: Satan our arch-enemy. 2katapinō: to swallow up, destroy. We know a few things about the devil that will help us not to be devoured. First of all, “…the devil does not stand in the truth, because there is NO TRUTH IN HIM. When he speaks a lie, it is consistent with his character, for he is a liar and the father of it.” (John 8:44)
Remember his very first lie to Eve, when Eve reminded the devil that God said not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and said if we eat from it we will die! “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes WILL BE OPENED, and YOU WILL BE LIKE GOD, knowing good and evil.” (Gen. 3:4-5)
Here is the truth of the matter, God created Adam and Eve to live eternally in the specially created Garden of Eden, the paradise of God. When they sinned, they were escorted out of this eternal paradise, separated from God, and gave up their eternal life. Because of their sin they died to God. Satan told them “you will be like (as) God” and we know that no human can ever be as God because there is only ONE GOD! We can and are loved by God, we are protected by God, we are blessed by God but we NEVER WILL BE GOD, which is what the devil is saying here.
Sadly, there many people in very high positions that have this attitude that they are gods. That’s one end of the spectrum, there are many others who feel helpless and worthless and end their own lives. The devil will get us any way he can. Jesus tells us “The thief’s purpose is to STEAL and KILL and DESTROY. My purpose is to give them A RICH, SATISFYING, and FULFILLING LIFE. What did it cost Him? “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd LAYS DOWN HIS LIFE for the sheep.” (John 10:10-11)
Jesus willingly laid down His life for you, Will Sutton. Now He willingly lives IN YOU!!! I wrote this last night Will but the Lord wanted me to add this note FOR YOU!!!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham