The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.
-Matthew 13:22-23
Since the beginning of time Satan has been “prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” His whole purpose in deceiving Eve in the Garden of Eden was to plant doubt in her mind about God’s true character. He tries to do the same to you and me everyday. The devil doesn’t want us to “die to Christ”. He wants us to die in self-misery and go to hell. Hell is a very real place. Once we have accepted Jesus into our hearts, we will have eternal life in Heaven with God someday. But for now, we need to keep our eyes on Christ and search His Word for truth to stand against Satan’s schemes.
Satan tries to trip us by…
- Temptation: first he will tempt us. Just look at how many billboards you notice on your way to work or school. They all advertise happiness and contentment or popularity with the purchase of their “product”.
- Accusation: once you have messed up and given in to temptation, Satan is going to kick you while you are down. He wants you to believe that you aren’t good enough and that God could never forgive you. That is a lie from the pit of hell. You are never too far from God’s forgiveness.
- Confusion: Satan will bring people or circumstances into your life to confuse you. You must focus on God’s words…..see, His Word IS important!
- Obstacle: of course Satan is going to place obstacles in your way! Keep your eyes on Jesus (how many times can I reiterate that?!).
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. –Ephesians 6:10-13
Don’t take your eyes off Jesus–He is the author and protector of our faith!
Coming up…What’s Your Treasure?
