Chapter 10—Satan, a Mighty Foe
Fallen man is Satan’s lawful captive. The mission of Jesus Christ
was to rescue him from his power. Man is naturally inclined to follow
Satan’s suggestions, and he cannot of himself successfully resist so
terrible a foe, unless Christ, the mighty conqueror, dwells in him,
guiding his desires, and giving him strength. God alone can limit the
power of Satan. He is going to and fro in the earth, and walking up and
down in it. He is not off his watch for a single moment, through fear
of losing an opportunity to destroy souls. It is important that God’s
people understand this, that they may escape his snares.
Satan in Disguise
Satan is preparing his deceptions that in his last campaign against
the people of God, they may not understand that it is he.
2 Corinthians
11:14
: “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel
of light.” While some deceived souls are advocating that he does not
exist, he is taking them captive, and is working through them to a great
extent. Satan knows better than God’s people the power that they can
have over him, when their strength is in Christ.
When they humbly entreat the mighty Conqueror for help, the
weakest believers in the truth, relying firmly upon Christ, can suc-
cessfully repulse Satan and all his host. He is too cunning to come
openly, boldly, with his temptations, for then the drowsy energies of
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the Christian would arouse, and he would rely upon the strong and
mighty Deliverer. But Satan comes in unperceived, and in disguise he
works through the children of disobedience, who profess godliness.
Satan will go to the extent of his power to harass, tempt, and mislead
God’s people.
He who dared to face, and tempt, and taunt our Lord, and who
had power to take Him in his arms and carry Him to a pinnacle of
the temple, and up into an exceeding high mountain, will exercise his
power to a wonderful degree upon the present generation, who are far
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