From 2011

Most of us remember this line made famous by Flip Wilson’s character Geraldine on the 1970’s TV program “The Flip Wilson Show.”

But is this really true? Does Satan make us sin? It was a funny line on the TV show but a not-so-funny subject.

Our pastor just started a series related to this idea titled “Wartime” and over the next few weeks I would like to summarize his messages and truly find out if the devil makes us do it.

#1 – We have to realize that there is an ongoing war taking place. Prior to September 11, 2001 most of us in the USA had no idea there was a war going on against the United States and therefore, we had no idea that we had to defend ourselves. This is the same with spiritual warfare – many of us have no idea it is taking place. This is a supernatural battle and until we realize that there is a war against us spiritually we have no chance.

#2 – So who is struggle against? Like with any war if you don’t know who the enemy is you can’t win the war. “Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12-13. So it not a struggle against the flesh – this is just the symptom.

But than enemy is bigger than that, much bigger. According to Revelation 12, “When the dragon fell he took one third of the stars with him.” So this battle is not just being waged by Satan alone but with 1/3 of all the angels.

#3 – How does the enemy attack? Unless you know the enemy’s strategies it is impossible to defeat them. Satan’s army studies us to discover our personal weaknesses, so its warriors can custom design our temptations – those that fit your wants. And they are the same attacks over and over until you defend yourself. He doesn’t even have to get creative.

Now that we know that there is a spiritual war taking place, that the enemy is Satan and his legions of followers and how they attack we can be much better prepared to defend ourselves – this is the topic of part 2.

In His Service,

Ed