A Boundless Enemy
In writing the article, “Spiritual Boredom,” I had a revelation. Satan, the enemy, has no boundaries. Many people perceive that there are certain places that the devil will not go. I will surely tell you that is a lie that Satan himself, has used to attack us.
One perception that many people have, for some reason, that Satan is afraid to enter church buildings. We say that the church belongs to God and that Satan will not dare to disrespect what is for God. That is the biggest lie ever created by the enemy. Everything in this world belongs to God, but our spiritual weakness causes us to defile His wonderful creations. Any and everything on this earth, the devil will try to use as an opportunity to devour our souls and spirits.
This also adds to my belief that the body of Christ is not the church physically, but it is Christians who believe in Him as their Lord and Savior that make up the church, which then becomes the body of Christ. With that explanation, it is safe to say the devil enters the physical church setting without hesitation. Satan is a spirit that enters people and plots an evil seed in their minds and the seed doesn’t leave until the evil deed is committed. It is clearly evident that Satan is present in the church. For example, when a young man goes to church in search for young ladies to lead astray with the sin of sexual immorality, which is one of the most common methods used by the devil to devour us. That may be his favorite because while we are supposed to be deep in prayer, deep in worship, deep in the Word of God, we are planning our next sinful act. A greater example of Satan’s presence is when he enters church leaders to deceive the congregation and scandal breaks out.
When there are scandals within church walls, that is the work of the enemy. Satan loves to see prominent church leaders fall because it is a big tool to lead people away from the cross.
The best and most well known example of how Satan devours us is in Luke 22:33 when it starts with “then Satan entered Judas.” After Satan entered Judas, and did the most heinous act of betraying Jesus, he left Judas to deal with the consequences on his own.
First, let’s examine why this happened. The reason Satan so easily entered Judas is because he did not really believe or trust in Jesus. He had one foot in the world and one foot in Christ. As Jesus said “we cannot serve two masters. You will love one and hate the other.” Judas apparently had a love for money causing him to hate Jesus. If you are not fully in Christ, you are in the midst of Satan and you will soon be a victim and he WILL devour you. Judas had had a love for money, and Satan uses our love and desires of the world as a tool against us.
Now, let’s take the example where Judas betrayed Jesus. After Satan left Judas, and Judas saw the results of his sins, Matthew 27:3-4 reads “When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priest and the elders. ‘I have sinned,’ he said, ‘for I have betrayed innocent blood.’ ‘What is it to us?’ they replied. ‘That is your responsibility.’” So Judas attempted to fix things through his own power and understanding. Notice he confessed his sins to Satan, and Satan responded harshly “This is your responsibility.” Yet, if he confessed it to the Lord Jesus, he would have been forgiven. As we know, Judas hung himself. As scripture reads, there is a way that seems right to man but leads to death. Judas is a great example of this.
Let us also take a look at Peter’s denial of Jesus and how he was taken by Satan. A sad part about Peter is Jesus told him that Satan was after him and through his pride he did not take notice. Luke 22:31-33 reads “Simon, Simon! Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you Simon that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” However, due to Peter’s own pride, as I mentioned, he refused to listen and understand what Jesus was telling him. Jesus was trying to make him aware of the situation, and that Satan is after him, just as he is after all of us.
Now, when Peter denied Christ, he was heartbroken and felt unworthy of the Lord just as Judas did. However, the difference between Peter and Judas is Peter went to the Lord for forgiveness. The Lord forgave Peter and redeemed him and commanded Peter to feed His sheep and follow Him.
So my brothers and sisters in Christ, I advise you to stand guard at ALL times and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Lord is praying for you, but Satan is watching you, waiting for you to put down your guard, so he can enter in you like a thief in the night, take your soul and leave you spiritually weak. While living in this world, always take watch. The ONLY place Satan does not have access to is Heaven! When we get to the Kingdom of God, there will be no need to worry. Amen!