Satan opposes us both by open violence, and secret treachery.
1. Satan opposes by open violence -- so he is called the Red Dragon. He labors to storm the castle of the heart; he stirs up passion, lust, and revenge.
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
These are called "fiery darts," because they often set the soul on fire.
Satan in regard to his fierceness, is called a lion, "Be self-controlled and alert.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour!"
1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Not Whom He May Bite - But Devour!
Yes, there is "a lion in the way," but we must resolve upon fighting.
2. Satan opposes by secret treachery--so he is called the Old Serpent. What he cannot do by force, he will endeavor to do by fraud.
Satan has several subtle devices in tempting:
Satan suits his temptations to the temper of the individual...
Satan studies our dispositions, and lays suitable baits.
He knew Achan's s covetous heart,and tempted him with a wedge of gold. He tempts the youthful man with lust.
Satan tempts to sin gradually...
He steals into the heart by degrees. He is at first, more modest.
He did not say to Eve at first, "Eat the apple!" No! but he goes more subtly to work.
He puts forth a question, "Has God said?
Surely Eve, you are mistaken; the bountiful God never intended to debar one of the best trees of the garden.
Has God said?
Surely, either God did not say it; or if He did, He never really intended it." Thus by degrees he wrought her to distrust God, and then she took of the fruit and ate.
Oh, take heed of Satan's first motions to sin, which seem more modest.
He is first a fox, and then a lion.
Satan tempts to evil in lawful things...
It was lawful for Noah to eat the fruit of the grape; but he took too much, and so sinned. Excess turns that which is good into evil.
Eating and drinking may turn to intemperance.
Industry in one's calling, when excessive, becomes covetousness.
Satan draws men to an immoderate love of the creature, and then makes them sin in that which they love...as Agrippina poisoned her husband Claudius, in that food which he loved most.
Satan puts men upon doing good out of evil ends...
If he cannot hurt them by scandalous actions he will by virtuous actions.
Thus he tempts some to espouse religion out of ulterior motives.
He tempts others to give to charity, for applause, that others may see their good works.
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
We must resist the devil by faith. Faith is a wise, intelligent grace.
Faith can see a hook under the bait! Faith keeps the castle of the heart, so that it does not yield.
Faith beats back the temptation. Faith holds the promise in one hand, and Christ in the other.
The promise encourages faith, and Christ strengthens it; so faith beats the enemy out of the field!
We overcome Satan upon our knees!
A Christian by prayer fetches in auxiliary forces from Heaven.
In all temptations, go to God by prayer.
Lord, teach me to use every piece of the spiritual armor - how to hold the shield, how to wear the helmet, how to use the sword of the Spirit.
Lord, strengthen me in the battle; let me rather die a conqueror than be taken prisoner, and led captive by Satan!"
Remember that Christ has given Satan his death-wound upon the cross.
He has bruised the head of the old Serpent!
He is a chained enemy, and a conquered enemy; therefore do not fear him.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Romans 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
~Thomas Watson~
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