We’ve seen examples in Scripture of how Satan is the accuser of Believers, for example Job 1:9-11 “Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.” Rev. 12 confirms that Satan accuses Believers before the throne of God night and day in V10-12 “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.“ The persecuted Believers within this passage provide a wonderful example to follow when dealing with the accusations of Satan.
1. They claimed the blood of Jesus, not righteous works for cleansing 1 John 1:9-2:2 as their shield.
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb,”
2. They claimed the word of God as their sword
“and by the word of their testimony;”
3. They proved willing to lay down their lives for the One who had died for them rather than follow Satan.
“and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
LESSON - This passage closes with the contrast between those who have chosen to follow Christ and those who have rejected him for the pleasures of this world which Satan offers.
“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.”
It’s an unfortunate truth that Believers will suffer throughout their lives because God’s enemy is ours. Our challenge is to make sure that our suffering brings glory to God. Is what you are enduring right now glorifying God?
~Mike
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