Why do evil thoughts occur in the mind of a Christian? Just as the operations of a ship are controlled by the Captain, the operations of the body are controlled by the mind. No single place could be more important in the spiritual battles that take place. Behavior follows belief as a general rule. A devilish strategy that works all too well is to change, sway, or frustrate the beliefs of an individual in order to control him. If those in the darkness can capture the mind of an unbeliever, they can keep him from receiving the truth of God. Likewise, if those in the darkness can sway or influence the mind of a believer, they can interfere with his growth to maturity and frustrate his productivity in the kingdom of God. Deception, then, is a strategy of Satan for all people. The New Testament is replete with warnings to believers about the deceptive practices of the forces of darkness. We are warned: By our Lord Jesus Christ: At that time if anyone says to you, Look, here is the Christ! or, There he is! do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time. (Matt. 24:23-25, NIV) By the Apostle John: Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. (2 John 1:7-8, NIV) By the Apostle Paul: The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. (Col. 4:1, NIV) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. (Eph. 6:12-15, NIV) By the Apostle Peter: Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (1 Pet. 5:8-9, NIV) By Jude: Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. (Jude 1:3-4, NIV)
Posted on: Wed, 16 Oct 2013 03:43:17 +0000
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