The Warning

I am very fortunate to be blessed with a group of wonderful ladies who love to gather on Sunday evenings for Bible Study. Each is beautiful and unique and I thoroughly enjoy them all. Currently, we are in a study by Beth Moore called "When Godly People Do Ungodly Things". It deals with spiritual warfare and it has truly been an eye-opener. I have been encouraged to be alert at all times to the schemes and lies of the enemy who is roaming and roaring like a hungry lion to devour me - or more specifically my testimony. Here a the prin3But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.ciple questions listed in the first week's homework under the title of: The Warning.

1. 1. What does 2 Corinthians 11:3 say Paul feared for the Christians of his day?

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your
minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to
Christ

Paul was concerned that the Christians of his day would be deceived by the serpent and led astray just like Eve was. It is important to note that Paul is taking about people who are devoted to Christ, not people who are living an ungodly life. We are all in danger of seduction and we must be ever watchful and alert.

2. What does Luke 10:18 suggest about Satan's present power?

He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

Satan is the prince of this world. He is like a lame-duck president who has temporary authority but will give his power up Jesus returns. Satan is angry because he knows his reign is temporary.

3. According to 2 Timothy 2:26 what is Satan's objective?

and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will

Satan wants to make the clean feel unclean. He wants to take Christians captive to do his will. He does this through temptation and trials. We can fight against the influence of the enemy by choosing to behave out of what we know is truth rather than how we feel.

4. What does Hebrews 10:24-25 tell believers to do?

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching

Many who report beging seduced by Satan describe feeling isolated and alone. Clearly the enemy loves isolation. He wants nothing more than to draw the believer away from the healthy relationships with other believers. Afterall, other believers might recognize the seduction and warn the one under attack of the danger. Hebrews tells us to meet together often so that we can encourage each other and cheer each other on. If we are involved with anything that is separating us from godly people, we must beware.

5. According to 1 John 5:18, how would you explain the difference between Satan's being able to attack us and not being able to grasp us?

We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.

A born again believer cannot continue in sin because the seed of God is in him (I John 3:9) The enemy and his demons can attack and have some temporary control but it won't be for eternity because God keeps his children safe. It is the diving presence of Christ within the believer that preserves him against all evil. The wicked one cannot grip, grasp, or lay hold of the true Christian.

Father I pray that I will always hang on to the simplicity that is in Christ who is the one ultimate influence. Keep me awake and watchful. May I walk continuously in prayer and daily surrender. Amen