Satan's Devices

(#920, Imperial, 1962)
Read Joshua 9:1-15.

In our lesson today we find that the Christian life is one of constant warfare.

The Enemy's Attack (v1-2).

Every victory won is an invitation for the full scale attack by the enemy.  Every blessing brings another assault.  We need to remember that as long as sin lasts, conflict goes on.  As long as we are in bodies whose redemption lies in the future, we will know what it means to be tempted.

The Strategy of the Enemy.

We have before us a classic example of the subtlety of the enemy and his wiles.  Satan is a master strategist.  He is not only the roaring lion; he is also the subtle snake.  Note the strategy...

ƒ      Declares his belief in God (v9-10).  Satan knows that a Christian is not going to be trapped by a frontal attack.  So he declares himself to be religious, even a good fundamentalist.

ƒ      He comes in disguise (v4-5).  He "appears as an Angel of light".  "Believe not every Spirit" -- try the Spirits.  He "beguiled Eve".  He is subtle.

ƒ      He speaks concerning alliances that appear to be trifling (v6).  He challenges the necessity of entire consecration.  He indicates a danger of overdoing, suggests we take it a little easier.  Satan will always claim at least a portion of our time, our money, our energy.  He is out to lower our standard of Christian life, to cause us to compromise once in a while, and to cause us to lose the fine edge of our Christian witness.

The Failure of the Israelites (v14).

"Asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord."  They neglected prayer (Joshua 7:3).  They trusted their own judgment. 

Don't move in a certain direction until you have waited on God and you have peace with God about it.