Does the Bible point to what it is that causes so much conflict?
Scripture very accurately describes what we call human nature or “the works of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19-21). We are told succumbing to the pulls of our human nature is a problem for everyone: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
The Bible also reveals that a powerful spirit being exists who actively influences us to fail, beginning with Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. This unseen power is identified as Satan, the Devil, who currently mainly works behind the scenes, trying to shape our world to his agenda.
Although the Bible clearly warns against succumbing to his influence: “Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11) Satan can be most effective if we do not believe he really exists.
In fact a recent Barna survey, called the American Worldview Inventory 2020, found almost one half of Americans aren’t fully confident God truly exists. This indicates a spiritual crisis that is not just limited to America, but has spread throughout the world. Romans 1:28 tells us, “… they did not like to retain God in their knowledge…“
As a reminder of Satan’s power to influence the way we think and act Revelation 12:9 warns that Satan “deceives the whole world.“
The Apostle Paul also described how Satan projects his moods, attitudes and impulses:
“You once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the Spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves, in the lust of the flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.” (Ephesians 2:2-3)
Satan has even got his foot in the door of churches and, when he can, he influences what is being taught so that it does not match clear biblical instruction: “Satan himself, transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore, it’s no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)
Christ warned against counterfeit beliefs insinuated into Christian churches by Satan, who is the enemy of truth and righteousness: “Take heed that no one deceives you for many will come in my name and deceive many.” (Matthew 24:5)
The Apostle Paul clearly describes the battle against Satan that Christians are up against in Ephesians 6:12: “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.“
We can, however, take heart because God assures us the time is coming when Satan will be removed and the suffering, misery and anguish he brings will end. So draw close to God and don’t let Satan destroy what God is doing in your life. James 4:7 reminds us of that if we “submit to God…and resist the devil…He will flee from you.“
Be sure to click on the link below to read or order our free brochure Is There Really A Devil? to learn more about the enemy of humanity and be alerted to his devices.
