By Aying Godman | Evangelist and Educator | Cofounder of Catholic Front Good News Global Ministry for JESUS CHRIST
Beloved readers, you are welcome to Catholic Front Good News community. In a world of widespread iniquity, Satan is rightly accused as the sower of sin and the tempter of sinners.. However, accusing Satan does not avail the sinners of God’s mercy and his saving grace. For example, Adam and Eve were not acquitted, but excommunicated from the Garden of Eden, when they accused the Serpent of tempting them to eat the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3). Therefore, in order to overcome sin and escape condemnation, this post invites us to outsmart, resist and reject Satan – as the scripture says “Don’t give Satan a chance” (Ephesians 3:27). Once he takes grip of you it is difficult for you to escape. Let us be armed and alert at all times (Ephesians 6:10-18) – for prevention is better than cure.
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1. THE REALITY OF SATAN
Satan’s identity is real. He has a well-defined mission and uses highly tactical and crafty ways to deceive and to achieve. But the truth is that God has already defeated Satan – through the sacrifice of his Son – Jesus Christ – on the cross (Colossians 2:15). Through his Word and his Spirit God has given to believers the means to outsmart and to defeat Satan (Mathew 4:1-11). The Word of God is the weapon of the believer. It is left for us to believe and to act – according to the Word – in order to win. Read this post to the end to know the truth that saves us – so that you will not fall prey to Satan, and regret afterwards.
2. THE IDENTITY OF SATAN
The word Satan is the English translation of the Hebrew word which means “adversary” or “archenemy”. He is referred to as the “tempter” (Matthew 4:3), “the ruler of demons” (Matthew 12:24), “the evil god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), “the evil one” (1 John 5:18), and “a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8). Satan is God’s adversary and the prince of evil spirits. He was the chief angel who rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven with the other fallen angels onto the earth. (Ezekiel 28:14–18, Isaiah 14:12–17, Luke 10:18, Revelation 12:7-9). Satan – who is also known as the ancient Serpent, the dragon or the Devil – is identified as the one that tempted Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, and was thus the catalyst for the fall of human beings. (Genesis 3:1-23).
3. THE MISSION OF SATAN
Satan Roams to See and to Accuse
The work of Satan is to roam the earth, looking for persons to tempt and accuse to God (Zechariah 3:1; Revelation 12:10). His function is opposing to that of the seven Spirits of God (Zechariah 4:10; Revelation 5:6) that roam the earth as the eyes of the Lord. Satan is not happy about human goodness and is, sometimes, permitted to test humans under God’s authority (Job 1:1-12). Although, an adversary, Satan also acts sometimes like a divine prosecutor. In this regard, God and Satan are considered not as opponents, but collaborators. Yet, as the prince of the evil spirits – who takes the guise of an angel of light to deceive and ruin human beings – Satan is the irredeemable enemy of God. He is able to possess people and to act in them or through them. Subordinate demons are Satan’s agents that possess human beings to afflict or use them to afflict others – and ruin souls.
Satan Is Fast Because his Time Is Short
Satan knows that he has already been condemned by God (John 16:11), and that when the time comes he will be bound in chains for a thousand years, before finally being cast into hellfire for eternity. (Matthew 8:29; Revelation 20: 1-3, 10). This is the reason why he acts fast in deceiving people so that they will end up suffering with him in hellfire. It is written, “But cowards, traitors, perverts, murderers, the immoral, those who practice magic, those who worship idols, and all liars – the place for them is the lake burning with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8).
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4. HOW SATAN OPERATES
Scripture says, “For if the gospel we preach is hidden, it is hidden only from those who are being lost. They do not believe, because their minds have been kept in the dark by the evil god of this world. He keeps them from seeing the light shining on them, the light that comes from the Good News about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)
Satanic Offers Glitter Like Gold
Satan uses tricks, lies and glittering offers to deceive and lure people away from God’s plan. He does this in order to possess, rob and manipulate his victims to disobey God, and to cause evil in the world. He plays on human pride, envy, foolishness and naivety to deceive and depower many Christians whom Christ has redeemed and chosen to rule in the world. (Revelation 5:9-10; Ephesians 2:6). When Satan perceives people’s desires, problems and needs; then he uses these as opportunities to get the people, to tell them lies and to place his diabolic offers to “help” them. Satan may reach to his victims through his subordinate demonic spirits or his human agents already possessed by such demons.
God May Wait to Answer Prayers
As Christians, we may pray and for some reasons (it is not yet time, change your ways, come closer to me, it is not my will) God delays to answer us. Let us remain patient and steadfast in faith and prayer – seeking God’s will in all things (Jeremiah 29:11; Proverbs 19:21; Mathew 6:33). For God is more concerned with saving souls than in fulfilling human desires – especially, if our desires conflict with his will for our salvation. But Satan has no such considerations, since his ultimate purpose is to deprive people of eternal salvation.
5. WHY MANY SUBMIT TO SATAN
Satan takes advantage of the spiritual weaknesses, ignorance and worldly desires of people to manipulate and rule over them.
The “Gallery” of Human Weaknesses
The following human weaknesses cause many people to fall to the deceptive tricks and lures of Satan: pride, lust, laziness, lack of endurance, fear, unbelief, impatience, greed (intense and selfish desire for wealth, power and food), carnality (submission to desires of the flesh), and the unwillingness or lack of zeal to fast and to pray (Galatians 5:13-25). These human weaknesses are often aggravated by the ignorance or misunderstanding of the Word of God, the lack of love for God and for fellow human beings, the lack of faith in God, and disconnection from the Holy Spirit – the Sanctifier and Helper of believers.
Pride is a Capital Sin
Of all human weaknesses, pride is the most grievous because it hinders the believer from receiving the needed knowledge and grace of God in times of temptation. Pride is a capital sin. For it is written: “But the grace that God gives is even stronger. As the scripture says, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. So then, submit to God. Resist the Devil, and he will run away from you.” (James 4:6-7)
6. THE COMMON SATANIC TACTICS
Satan began his work of blindfolding and misleading people from Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-7). But Jesus, the New Adam, showed believers how to outwit and to defeat him – by rebutting Satan’s claims, rejecting his offers, and rebuking him. (Matthew 4:1-11). But why do believers continue to fall to the temptations of Satan?
The Luring Tactics of Satan
(1) Satan gives people what they want, but not necessarily what is good for them and for others. That is why selfish and foolish people follow him.
(2) Satan gives people what they want and at the time they want. That is why impatient people run after him.
(3) Satan gives people what they do not work for, and helps them to reap where they did not sow. That is why lazy people worship him.
(4) Satan is the adversary of God and grants favors to people who hate God. That is why pagans and unfaithful Christians follow him.
(5) Satan strikes, without mercy – followers who violate his rules or instructions. That is why those who worship him give perfect obedience.
Satan is a Robber, Killer and Destroyer
But let’s take note that Satan neither creates nor owns what he gives to his followers. He is only a robber, killer and destroyer’ (John 10:10. Luke 8:23, 1 Peter 5:8). He robs the weak in faith to pay his followers.
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7. WE DON’T KNOW WHO WE ARE
Knowing Our Christian Identity
Our freedom from satanic enslavement and manipulation begins from knowing who we are, as believers. In the sacrament of baptism, as revealed in the scriptures (1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 5:10), we are initiated into the priesthood and kingship of Christ. Then we are called to serve God: as prophets – by proclaiming the Word of God, and as kings – by living and acting in that Word. The Holy Spirit is our Helper. (John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8).
Exercising Our Authority as Believers
Through baptism in the Holy Spirit, God has given to the believer absolute authority and power over Satan (Matthew 3:11; Acts 2:1-4). The scripture says, “Listen! I have given you authority, so that you can walk on snakes and scorpions and overcome all the power of the Enemy, and nothing will hurt you.” (Luke 10:19); also “Believers will be given the power to perform miracles: they will drive out demons in my name; they will speak in strange tongues.” (Mark 16:17). There is almighty power in the name of JESUS, but because many people call this name in vain (Exodus 20:7), the power does not manifest.
Hiding Our Life with Christ in God
The scripture says, “For I have died and my life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3) and “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20). This calls for true repentance of believers and their total dependence in the sacramental graces flowing in the Church – especially, from the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation and Penance. These graces help us to live a constantly perfecting life in the imitation of the life and works of Jesus Christ on earth. For it is written: “Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old has gone, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
8. LET US REPENT AND MAKE REPARATIONS
Repent and Come Near to God
After examining our consciences; we should repent and confess our sins – sacramental confession is invaluable (John 20:22-23). We also have to make necessary reparations in prayers and restitution – for the wrongs we have done to others. Scripture says: “Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners! Purify your hearts, you hypocrites! Be sorrowful, cry, and weep; change your laughter into crying, your joy into gloom!” (James 4:8-9). Let us hear and keep it!
9. LET US PRAY WITHOUT CEASING
Pray Every Day and Night
It is written, “At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One. And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you. Do all this in prayer, asking for God’s help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God’s people.” (Ephesians 6:16-18). With the help of the Holy Spirit we have to constantly worship God and pray to him – for Mercy. Through the Holy Rosary or spontaneous prayers, we will win spiritual warfare, and break curses and satanic covenants. We have to deny and rebuke Satan in our prayers and actions. Our prayers should express our desire to love God and fellow human beings. We must forgive others.
Wearing the Armor of God
“Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil’s evil tricks. For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this Dark Age.” (Ephesians 6:11-12). This scripture invites us to identify the channels of divine power. The elements God’s armor are: (i) the knowledge of God in his Word (Ephesians 1:17), (ii) the benefit of partaking of the Holy Eucharist (Luke 22:19-20), (iii) the power of God in the Holy Eucharist – as the memorial of the Crucifixion (1 Corinthians 1:18), (iv) the power of our faith in God (Ephesians 2:20; 6:16; Matthew 16:17-18); and (iv) the power of the Holy Spirit, who is given to us, as Helper. (John 14:16-17)
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10. LET US LEARN FROM OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
Scripture says: “So then, submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will run away from you.” (James 4:7). In order to resist the Devil we must have four things: (i) adequate knowledge and understanding of the Word of God (ii) true love for God and for neighbors (iii) faith in the will and the ability of God to save and to bless us; and (iv) surrender to the Holy Spirit as our Helper.
Jesus Taught Us How to Defeat Satan
Jesus’ testimony in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11) is eloquent and powerful enough to help true believers overcome Satan. Let us assimilate the meaning of his rebutting statement to Satan: “The scripture says, ‘human beings can’t live on bread alone, but need every word that God speaks’” (Matthew 4:4). This means that we must examine every action or reaction in the light of scriptures, before taking it. That is to say, for us to overcome Satan we must live and act in the Word of God – that is Christ himself (John 1:1, 14). He is the one who defeated Satan on the Cross (Colossians 2:15) – he will always do it for us.
The Love of God is Our Shield
“For our love for God means that we obey his commands. And his commands are not too hard for us, because every child of God is able to defeat the world. And we win the victory over the world by means of our faith. Who can defeat the world? Only the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:3-5). This scripture teaches us that our love for God automatically encloses us in his shield of protection – and this love is justified by our obedience to his commandments (John 14:15).
11. WE SHALL WIN THE PRIZE
The Race to Salvation is Constant
Salvation is like an open and constant race for believers to struggle in their optimum efforts to claim the prize that Jesus has already won for us on the Cross. That is why Saint Paul says: “I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to himself. Of course, my friends, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God’s call through Christ Jesus to the life above.” (Philippians 3:12-14). This scripture teaches us that there is no perfect human being; but that this fact should not be a pretext for people to remain stagnant, but a challenge for us to strive for spiritual elevation and perfection.
The Rewards for Victory
Our rewards for spiritual elevation and victory over Satan are definitive. Scripture says, “Those who win the victory will receive this from me: I will be their God, and they will be my children. I heard a loud voice speaking from the throne: Now God’s home is with people! He will live with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God. He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared” (Revelation 21:7; 3-4)
12. HERE ARE TESTIMONIES OF FAITH
Salvation is not something that we hope to find only in heaven. The following testimonies are palpable evidences that the salvation of the faithful begins here on earth.
The Testimony of Joseph in Egypt
Because Joseph refused to commit adultery with Potiphar’s wife, she falsely accused him of attempting to rape her (Genesis 39:10-19). For this reason Joseph was imprisoned in Egypt (Genesis 39:20). But in a turn of events, God made Pharaoh to appoint Joseph as the Governor of Egypt (Genesis 41:40-44).
The Testimony of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into a hot furnace for refusing to worship the idol of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. But when God sent his angel to rescue them, the king became converted and believed in the Almighty God. Then he promoted the three heroes of faith – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego – to higher positions in Babylon (Daniel 3:14-30).
The Testimony of Paul and Silas
Paul and Silas were praising God, having been tortured and thrown in jail for proclaiming Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of the World. Then the Holy Spirit came down upon them and the chains fell off their feet. For this reason they were released from jail, and the jailer and his family became converted to Christianity. (Acts 16:22-26). Paul and Silas rejoiced – with other believers – giving glory to Jesus for using them to convert sinners.
Hear the Wisdom of St Augustine
Now we know who Satan is, and how he orchestrates his plans to deceive and to ruin the lives and souls of human beings. We have a choice between life and death, and between blessings and curses. Let us choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19). St Augustine wrote, “God who created us without our help will not save us without our consent.” Let us keep this!
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Let us pray:
May the triumphant grace of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Holy Cross (Colossians 2:15), perpetuated in the Eucharistic Sacrifice for our salvation (Luke 22:19-20); and the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), enable us to resist Satan and every temptation to sin; Amen!
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Copyright (c) Aying Godman | Evangelist & Educator | Cofounder of Catholic Front Good News Global Ministry for JESUS CHRIST
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