How to Defeat Satan
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they will be enabled to understand and perform those of which they
are now in doubt.
Satan can present a counterfeit so closely resembling the truth that
it deceives those who are willing to be deceived, who desire to shun
the self-denial and sacrifice demanded by the truth; but it is impossible
for him to hold under his power one soul who honestly desires, at
whatever cost, to know the truth. Christ is the truth and the “Light,
which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”
John 1:9
. The
Spirit of truth has been sent to guide men into all truth. And upon the
authority of the Son of God it is declared: “Seek, and ye shall find.”
“If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.”
Matthew
7:7
;
John 7:17
.
The Source of Spiritual Strength
The followers of Christ know little of the plots which Satan and
his hosts are forming against them. But He who sitteth in the heavens
will overrule all these devices for the accomplishment of His deep
designs. The Lord permits His people to be subjected to the fiery
ordeal of temptation, not because He takes pleasure in their distress
and affliction, but because this process is essential to their final victory.
He could not, consistently with His own glory, shield them from
temptation; for the very object of the trial is to prepare them to resist
all the allurements of evil.
Neither wicked men nor devils can hinder the work of God, or shut
out His presence from His people, if they will, with subdued, contrite
hearts, confess and put away their sins, and in faith claim His promises.
Every temptation, every opposing influence, whether open or secret,
may be successfully resisted, “not by might, nor by power, but by My
Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”
Zechariah 4:6
....
Satan is well aware that the weakest soul who abides in Christ is
more than a match for the hosts of darkness, and that, should he reveal
himself openly, he would be met and resisted. Therefore he seeks
to draw away the soldiers of the cross from their strong fortification,
while he lies in ambush with his forces, ready to destroy all who
venture upon his ground. Only in humble reliance upon God, and
obedience to all His commandments, can we be secure.