Deceitfulness of Sin
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Satan is constantly at work, but few have any idea of his activity
and subtlety. The people of God must be prepared to withstand the
wily foe. It is this resistance that Satan dreads. He knows better than
we do the limit of his power and how easily he can be overcome if
we resist and face him. Through divine strength the weakest saint is
more than a match for him and all his angels, and if brought to the
test he would be able to prove his superior power. Therefore Satan’s
step is noiseless, his movements stealthy, and his batteries masked. He
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does not venture to show himself openly, lest he arouse the Christian’s
dormant energies and send him to God in prayer.
The enemy is preparing for his last campaign against the church.
He has so concealed himself from view that many can hardly believe
that he exists, much less can they be convinced of his amazing activity
and power. They have to a great extent forgotten his past record; and
when he makes another advance move, they will not recognize him as
their enemy, that old serpent, but they will consider him a friend, one
who is doing a good work. Boasting of their independence they will,
under his specious, bewitching influence, obey the worst impulses of
the human heart and yet believe that God is leading them. Could their
eyes be opened to distinguish their captain, they would see that they
are not serving God, but the enemy of all righteousness. They would
see that their boasted independence is one of the heaviest fetters Satan
can rivet on unbalanced minds.
Man is Satan’s captive and is naturally inclined to follow his sug-
gestions and do his bidding. He has in himself no power to oppose
effectual resistance to evil. It is only as Christ abides in him by living
faith, influencing his desires and strengthening him with strength from
above, that man may venture to face so terrible a foe. Every other
means of defense is utterly vain. It is only through Christ that Satan’s
power is limited. This is a momentous truth that all should understand.
Satan is busy every moment, going to and fro, walking up and down
in the earth, seeking whom he may devour. But the earnest prayer of
faith will baffle his strongest efforts. Then take “the shield of faith,”
brethren, “wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of
the wicked.”
The worst enemies we have are those who are trying to destroy the
influence of the watchmen upon the walls of Zion. Satan works through
agents. He is making an earnest effort here. He works according to a