Satan: Man's Chief Adversary - Lines & Precepts

Think about this for a moment. Does Satan have allies among men? No! He is the destroyer. His mission is to destroy us if we are good or bad. Not one man or woman upon this earth can go into battle against him without the armor of God. There is no way you can fight with this spirit alone or any spirit for that matter. First of all, Satan and his minions are invisible. The Bible calls this “chains of darkness.” If these evil spirits could appear before man whenever they got ready, man would not have a chance to obtain eternal life. They can only appear when they have permission. These beings have greater wisdom than man, greater strength than an ox, swifter than an eagle, and more fierce than a lion. How can you fight and enemy like that? We can not, not alone. Let’s begin this lesson by showing the only way you can be protected from this powerful enemy. The only way is to run behind his boss, and who is his boss? The Everlasting GOD. Hope and pray that the Lord doesn’t send him after you. If He does you don’t have a chance. Satan will only attack when the Lord God gives the order. Those of us that call ourselves servants of God, do what the book says, stay away from the willful sins. Then the Lord will have no reason to put these evil spirits on you. Let’s get started and see whose power we need to defend ourselves against Satan and his minions.

Ephesians 6:10 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Be strong in the Lord and in His power and His might. And how do you grasp this power that is not your own? Take a look.
Ephesians 6:11 – Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

If we take on the Lord’s armor we will be protected. When a brother or sister argues the Bible, they are locked in the heat of the battle, but not with the person that stands before them. Who are they wrestling or warring with? Let’s see:

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12)

You are not fighting against flesh and blood you are fighting against an evil spirit. To get that spirit out of your face, read the book and the book will shoot holes in all that false doctrine. What we need to do now is take a look at the pieces of the Lord’s armor. Make sure to pay close attention to the parts of the armor that you need. We will see that if you don’t have the entire armor we might as well not have any at all. You will also see that if we have the entire armor on we will also possess an offensive weapon. This weapon is the most powerful weapon in the creation. Let’s take a look at this armor.

Ephesian 6:13-17 – Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
We must have the whole armor on, not half or one piece but all. The enemies’ weapon is bad doctrine; this bad doctrine is all around us. Our faith or belief in the Lord will protect us from all our enemies. How you might ask? By walking in righteousness, which is following the commandments, we will be at peace. Not only peace, if we endure to the end we will obtain salvation. As we have seen, we have an offensive weapon also. The sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. The word of God spoken in truth and in righteousness will defeat any enemy. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

Now that we see what one must have to be protected, let’s see how some of these evil spirits operate. Pay close attention and you will see that they operate through men in this case.

And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority (Revelation 13:1-2).

This beast isn’t Satan. This beast represents the entire Gentile dynasty. From Nebuchadnezzar to the ten nations that will make up the European Economic Community that is gaining power at this very moment. Notice where the beast gets it power? The dragon which is Satan the devil gives this system its power. Let’s back up to the 12th chapter of Revelation and in this chapter you will see the beast is called the dragon (Satan).

And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: (Revelation 12:1) This women represents Israel, this can be found in Genesis the 37th chapter verses 9-10.
“And she is with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.” (Revelation 12:2-4)

Note what’s being said. “And behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.” In the 13th chapter of Revelation it stated the dragon gave the beast its power. This simply means Satan which is the dragon runs the Gentile dynasty or in other words he gave the beast his power. In Daniel chapter 9 verse 26 you will see the children of the prince destroyed Jerusalem. Satan is the prince and the Gentiles are the children.

The Gentiles destroyed Jerusalem in 70 a.d. headed up by the Roman General Titus. Take another look at part of the verses above, this is Satan hard at work. “And the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.” This is what Satan is all about destruction. The child is Jesus; remember when He was born and the angel told Joseph to flee into Egypt because Herod sought the child’s life? It wasn’t Satan standing there himself; he tried to kill Jesus by the hand of Herod. Herod had no idea that Satan was behind this, his concern was his kingship. This is one reason you must try the spirits. How do you try the spirits? With the word of God. (EXAMPLE- Matthew 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,) so, what was Herod about to do? Commit murder.

Now let us take a look at what Satan really looks like:

“And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire enfolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass. And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings. Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward.” (Ezekiel 1:4-9)

These creators have four faces, four wings, feet like a calf, hands like men under their wings and they also look like burnt brass. What does burnt brass look like? What does anything look like burnt. It looks black. Why does it say they turned not when they went? It was no need for them to turn, remember they have four faces. They can look to the north, south, east and west at the same time. That is why they went forward without turning.

Let’s find out what they are called:

This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubim’s. Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings. (Ezekiel 10:20-21)

In the first chapter of Ezekiel we saw the Cherubim’s carrying Jesus around on His throne. Not a space ship as the status quo thinks. These were simply cherubim angels flying the Lord around. Is Satan a cherub angel? Well, let’s find out.

The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God: Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee: With thy wisdom and with thine understanding thou hast gotten thee riches, and hast gotten gold and silver into thy treasures: (Ezekiel 28:1-3)

This is not an ordinary man, notice the clue. Thou are wiser than Daniel? The prince of Tyrus is a Gentile, how can he be wiser than Daniel when it comes to the word of God. Israel possesses the oracles/word of God. Remember that Satan is the god of the Gentiles that have not came under the commonwealth of Israel. This man is Satan; Satan is wiser than Daniel take a look.
Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.( Ezekiel 28: 12-13)

Do you recall the king of Tyrus in the Garden of Eden? I do recall the serpent which is called the devil and also Satan. Let’s see who this really is:

Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. (Ezekiel 28:14-15)

Now we see this is not a man, but a cherub angel. In some cases the Lord calls angels men. But notice something; this cherub which is Satan had some authority. He actually was on the mountain of God, until he sinned. We should pay close attention to that. What happened when Satan sinned against God?

Take a look:

By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty; thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground; I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. (Ezekiel 28:16)
What happened when he got full of himself? He was thrown out. When the Lord blesses us with knowledge, wisdom and also understanding be careful not to get full of yourself and forget whose blessings it is and were it came from. It is the Lord’s, not our own.

We should ask ourselves a question. When the Lord threw Satan out where did he throw him to? Remember this in Revelation 12 verse 4? And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth. Angels are also called stars. You notice it says the earth and not hell. Yes Satan hit the ground dusted himself off along with the other evil spirit and has been raising hell ever sense. Let’s lake a look at this battle…

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:7-9)
No matter how powerful the devil is, the Lord has someone stronger. Now you see Satan and all the other evil spirits or unclean spirits are running around on the earth.

Take a look at what the other angels said after this battle:

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. (Revelation 12:10-12)

Notice how happy the angels were when Satan was cast out. But look how they gave us a warning. “Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Woe is right. We have enemies running around and we can’t even see them. …a 3rd part of an innumerable amount of angels. These are spirit beings they never sleep or get tired, and they were here before the dinosaurs. The Lord will save His people the same way as He did before in Egypt, just on a larger scale. This time He will save them from all over the world. They came out from Egypt with Pharaoh’s army on their heels. Note the similarity below.

And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood (Revelation 12:13-15)

The man-child is of course Jesus. The woman represents the nation of Israel physically and spiritually. When the Lord brought Israel out before He stated, “Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself “(Exodus 19:4).

In Revelation, we have the same statement. “And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle.” This is symbolism; we know Israel walked into the wilderness. This time when the sign comes to pass stated in Matthew the 24th chapter verse 15 through 16 you must find your own means of transportation. Whatever it may be, plane or boat it will be at no cost to you. The same place the Lord took Israel before is where you must be at the time appointed: not before or after. And when those of us that keep the Law get there you don’t have to worry about food or water it will be provided for us. This is why the verse states, “that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. This is the great tribulation, which will last 3 1⁄2 years (time one year, times plural two years and a half of time 1⁄2 year). The flood represents an army; this is none other than EU’s army. But it will be to no avail. This is when the statement used by the so-called Christians today will come into affect, “no weapon formed against me shall prosper.” The angels will have charge over us that make it. If you don’t make it into the wilderness, what ever you do, do not accept the mark of the beast. Now, let’s take a look at how Satan’s city will be defeated.

That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon and say, “How hath the oppressor ceased!” the golden city ceased! (Isaiah 14:4) The golden city is Rome; this is the seat of Satan (Vatican City). Satan has used the Papacy to deceive the whole world. Everything that people call holy has come out of Rome not the Bible. Notice how it says the oppressor has ceased? Who is this oppressor that weakens the nations?

Take a look:

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (Isaiah 14:12- 15)

Lucifer means light bringer or bringer of knowledge. The angel Gabriel has this job now. But, notice what the Lord says, “how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations.” Have any of us seen Satan or Lucifer, as he is called here? No! This spirit works through men. Satan and his army are everywhere. They see everything you do and hear everything you say. If you do not serve the true and living God, you are simply a servant of Satan. There is no in-between. The Lord says if you love Him, keep his commandments. If you don’t keep them you are a servant of Satan. You will join him in the lake of fire; he will not be in charge of it.

Notice what the Lord says to His apostle in the book of Luke. This backs-up what we just read in Isaiah:

After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. (Luke 10:1)

The Lord sent seventy disciples out to each city, before He went into them. If you have on the Lord’s armor you will be able to do the same thing these Israelites did. If you want to get rid of an evil spirit, read the book on them. But keep your eye on them so they won’t run away until you are finished. There are evil spirits all around us. They manipulate the minds of those that wear the armor in some cases. But, if you don’t wear it at all, you are free game for these spirits. Try this little test and watch how their feathers get ruffled. People that call themselves Christians, tell them “we must keep the law.” Watch what happens, you have a serious battle on your hands. Remember that we don’t war against flesh and blood. Our war is with those evil spirits behind the scenes. Another thing, make sure you have a Bible handy to show them, talk is cheap if you can’t back it up in the book. Now, notice what the disciples say to the Lord.

And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. (Luke 10:17)
Did you notice something very important? They said, “The devils are subject unto us through thy name. In Jesus name devils are subject to us, not in our own. Remember Ephesians chapter 6 and verse 10, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” It is the Lord’s power not our own. Now what was the Lord’s response to their statement?
And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. (Luke 10:18-20)
Remember what the Lord said by the mouth of Isaiah, “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” He says the same thing here; “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” He also says He gives us power over serpents and scorpions. He is talking about evil spirits not actual snakes and scorpions. Pick one up and watch what happens, you will get bit. The Lord broke the covenant with the animals after Noah came off the ark. He will not reinstate it until He is back on earth. What must you have on to have power over these spirits? Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. And if you continue to wear this armor your name will be written in heaven.

Let’s recap what we have learned before we continue. We’ve learned at the beginning of this lesson how to defend ourselves against evil spirits. We also found out how Satan and his minions operate through men and how they were kicked out of heaven and landed right here on earth. We have found out what Satan looks like and what type of angel he is. He is also used symbolically in the book of Revelation as the entire Gentile dynasty. Now, let’s see the fix the Lord put on Satan and his angels so man could not see them.

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; (II Peter 2:4)

Most people will read this and say, “See I told you the evil angels were in hell.” Look at the last part of the verse. It states, “To be reserved unto judgment,” so, if they are waiting for the judgment how can they be in hell? In this case hell represents the earth. We have already read in several places that Satan and his angels were cast out into the earth. Now, notice what Peter says, “delivered them into chains of darkness,” this simply means they are invisible. If a being popped in front of you shining like the sun and able to tell you what’s on your mind, what would you do? You would fall on your face and say, “God just spoke to me.” Luckily they can only appear with permission, if they could appear when they got ready we would not have a chance at salvation. Let’s go to 1st Peter and take a look at a verse where it is said, “When Jesus died, he went and preached to the dead people.” Well, let see if that’s true.

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: (I Peter 3:18)

The spirit that quickened Him or made alive was the Father. Now pay close attention to the next verse!

By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; (I Peter 3:19)
What prison? We just read what prison the Lord went to preach to the spirits in. Let’s read it again.
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; (II Peter 2:4)

This is not the type or prison we perceive with bars and gates. This prison is the realm of invisibility or in other words chains of darkness. Now, take a look at the time when the Lord did this preaching to the spirits in prison:

By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. (I Peter 3:19-20)

This took place in the days of Noah when He and the Father were equal. Let’s see if angels are spirits to clarify this, and also see what their jobs are.

And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, and let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. (Hebrews 1:6-7)

So, you see that the angels are spirits. Now, what is there purpose?

But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? (Hebrews 1:13-14)

All the angels are ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation. The Holy angels will see that you receive the Lord’s word and will protect you in time of trouble. The evil angels are here to try you, and take the word that you have learned or in other words destroy you. If you don’t have the word of God you have nothing. Everything in this world will perish, but the next world is for an eternity.

Let’s go to the Psalm and pay close attention to what David is saying, and see how you can defeat your enemy:

A Psalm of David. Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. (Psalms 35:1)
Let the Lord do your fighting. We are no match for what takes place behind the scenes. The spirits are all around us, and if we do not have the protection the Lord gives, we are free game. Note what David says next.
Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt. Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them. Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them. Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them. (Psalms 35:4-6)

Let the angel of the Lord chase them. This is the protection the Lord gives us. A holy angel that is just as powerful as the evil spirit that is trying to do you hurt through evil men. Remember that the angles are ministering spirits sent forth to aid those who are heirs of salvation.

Now, let’s go to the book of Judges, see a reward of a wicked man:

And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother’s brethren, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother’s father, saying, Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh. And his mother’s brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother. And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baalberith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him. And he went unto his father’s house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself. And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem. And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you. (Judges 9:1-7)

Notice one thing above, “he went unto his father’s house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone.” He killed seventy of his brother’s one at a time upon the same stone.

Now take a look at what his brother told him:

(For my father fought for you, and adventured his life far, and delivered you out of the hand of Midian: And ye are risen up against my father’s house this day, and have slain his sons, threescore and ten persons, upon one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother;) If ye then have dealt truly and sincerely with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then rejoice ye in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you: But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech. And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel, Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech: That the cruelty done to the threescore and ten sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid upon Abimelech their brother, which slew them; and upon the men of Shechem, which aided him in the killing of his brethren. (Judges 9:17-24)

For committing this terrible act what did the Lord do? God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech. The Lord sent the evil spirit; this spirit did not just show up on his own. The evil spirit was given an order and he followed it. Now, let’s see the reward of an evil man.
And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and went hard unto the door of the tower to burn it with fire. And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone upon Abimelech’s head, and all to break his skull. Then he called hastily unto the young man his armour bearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, a woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died. And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed every man unto his place. Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his father, in slaying his seventy brethren: And all the evil of the men of Shechem did God render upon their heads: and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal. (Judges 9:52-57)

Notice what’s being said, “Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his father, in slaying his seventy brethren. Did the Lord kill Abimelech? Or, did the evil spirit kill Abimelech? The scripture states, “A woman broke his skull with a mill stone and his armour bearer thrust him through. Did you see the evil angel do the killing? No! This is what Peter meant by chains of darkness. This evil spirit that was sent by the Lord carried out the order that destroyed Abemelech for killing his brethren by the hand of men. Nowhere do you see were the angel killed Abimelech. In this case you see the evil spirit use the men to carry out the Lord’s order.

Now, let’s see another case where Jesus gives the order and the evil angels do exactly what they are told to do. But, this time it will not be by the hand of men. Let’s go to the 78th Psalm and take a look how this evil spirits use the forces of nature:

They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy. How he had wrought his signs in Egypt, and his wonders in the field of Zoan: And had turned their rivers into blood; and their floods, that they could not drink. He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them. He gave also their increase unto the caterpillar, and their labour unto the locust. He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycamore trees with frost. He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts. He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them. (Psalms 78:42-49)

Those verses should have you shaking in your boots. This is one of the reasons we should fear the Lord. He gives the orders to these angels and they carry them out to the letter. These evil spirits are even capable of using the forces of nature. Sisters and brothers, we should not worry about why the Lord does certain things. We should worry about how we must stay on His good side. Remember we are His creation. He can do whatever He wants whenever He wants. Even though Jesus is extremely dangerous He is a loving God. He gives us an operations manual, which is the Bible. It is printed in every language under the sun. There is no excuse for any of us to be ignorant of His word. It gives us instruction how to be members of the God family. Many people do not realize the Godhead is recreating itself. All we need to do is follow the plan He has outlined for us and we will stay in His grace. Nothing is easy sisters and brothers, but we must continue on a day to day basis to walk with the Lord. Sure you we will stumble and fall sometimes, because this flesh is tough. When you do fall get back up and continue the race. Now, let’s continue.

Pay close attention to the next verse, John is giving us a warning:

If any man should see his brother sin; a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. (I John 5:16)

If you see a brother or sister transgressing the Lord’s Law you should correct them and even pray for them asking forgiveness. But, if he or she continues to break the law after they have been informed of the truth and feel comfortable in committing sin, they will sin unto death even the lake of fire. He or she has been given the truth and continue to disobey.

Now, let’s see an example of a sin unto death. We will take a look at King Saul, the first king of Israel. God gave him several orders through the prophet Samuel. Saul continued doing what he felt was right instead of doing what the Lord said to do. This sin brought about a physical death. Notice what the Lord says to Samuel:

And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. (I Samuel 16:1)
Note what the Lord says, “How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel.” Saul has simply crossed the line and the Lord has cast him away from Him. But, Samuel loved Saul and tried to get Saul back into the graces of God. This is what Peter is talking about when he says, “There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.” Samuel should have no longer prayed for Saul, he knew Saul wasn’t following the commandments of God. This happens today also. We all have someone we care for dearly. We do the same thing Samuel did. We mourn for them, but if they continue after they have been told several times, we should be very careful because the Lord might turn on us. Remember that we plant the seed and the Lord gives the increase. Take a look what happens if you cross that line.
Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. But the spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. And Saul’s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. And Saul said unto his servants, provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me. (Samuel I 16:13-17)

Note what took place after Saul continued to transgress the Lord’s commandments, “the spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.” The Lord put an evil spirit on Saul and this spirit rode Saul until he was killed in battle.

Let’s hope sisters and brothers, that this never happens to us. So here is a little advice from the Lord’s chief apostle, Peter. Take heed to these verses:

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (I Peter 5:6-7)

So, when trouble strikes cast your care upon the Lord. He is the only one that can protect you, and you have seen He is the only one that can hurt you. You have no choice but to obey. Remember that the Lord has the lake of fire for those who transgress His law. What must we be while we walk in this flesh?

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (Peter I 5:8)
Be alert, and the only way to be alert is keep the Lord’s commandments in your face at all times. Each decision you make, weigh it with the Lord’s Law. If we start feeling stupid and want to do something contrary to the Lord’s Law, resist steadfastly in the faith, because the same afflictions are accomplished in our brethren that are in the world. If you do this, the Lord will not have to put His watchdog on you for breaking His law. But, when we turn to the Lord in truth and in righteousness we will be tried. It is better for us that the Lord beat us up now, instead of later. If He collects from us later, we may be in the lake of fire.

When things begin to go wrong, hang on, and take a look back and remember some of the crazy things that we have done in the past, and you will say to yourselves, “I deserve chastisement for my past sins.” Remember, stay in the Lord’s law, and the trouble will past. If we endure after the Lord has roughed us up a little bit, He will consider us as sons and daughters.

Take a look at this verse and we will move to the prophet Job and get a prime example of a person being chastened by the Lord through Satan. Notice what Paul says:

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. (Hebrews 12:6-8)

With that being said, let us take a look at the prophet Job. The Lord called him a perfect and an upright man. Why did the Lord allow Satan to destroy his house? Remember the verses in Hebrews sisters and brothers. Let’s take a look at who chastened Job, was it the Lord or was it Satan?

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, “Whence comest thou?” Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, “From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.” And the LORD said unto Satan, “Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and eschewed evil?” Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, “Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.” And the LORD said unto Satan, “Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand.” So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. (Job 1:6-12)

Who is doing the chastisement? It is not the Lord Himself, He has Satan to destroy Job’s house. Note what’s being said, “But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. Did the Lord put forth His hand? No! Satan was used by the Lord to chastise Job. Notice what the Lord says, “Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand.” You see, the Lord gives the order and the angels carry it out. There is something else within these verses.

What is the hedge that Satan spoke of? Let’s go to the 34th Psalm and find out:

The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. (Psalms 34:7)
The Lord did say Job feared Him, correct? What is fear? The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7) If you have any knowledge of the Lord the word FEAR means FEAR! You have already seen in this study that the Lord is worthy to be feared. He simply runs everything. If you fear Him you are as wise as Job. Read the book of Job, this brother was a son to the fullest extent.

Let’s go to the book of Luke and notice what Jesus says to Peter:

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (Luke 22:31-32)

Note what the Lord says, “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” Sound familiar? Why must you have faith or belief? With the shield of faith, we shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Notice something else the Lord said, “I have prayed for thee.” He is letting us know what we should do when the wicked one comes around. Pray to the Father that He may protect you. If you have done something that is contrary to His word, admit your fault and pray to the Lord that He will have mercy on you when He sends an angel to collect your debts. Stand fast keep your eye on His commandments no matter what takes places. When the dust clears and you have continued on that narrow path, peace of mind will come.

Now, let us go to the book of James and see what he says about being tempted and enduring the temptation:

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (James 1:12)

Note what’s being said, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation.” If you endure you will receive a crown of life, meaning eternal life. But, there’s a stipulation to receiving the crown. Here it is, “the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” The crown is promised to those that LOVE HIM. Is this love an emotion or a condition? Let’s see what the Lord says about loving Him. If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15) If you love the Lord you keep his commandments. If you don’t keep them you don’t love Him, plain and simple. If you keep the Law the Lord will not send the death angel after you.

Let’s continue in James:

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (James 1:13-15)

God does not tempt any man; He sends an evil spirit to tempt us. We have seen that throughout this study. But, is the evil spirit the blame every time lust is in our hearts? No! Like James says, “every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” And when we begin to lust or covet something what happens? It bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. This is the second death that James spoke of.

Let us go to 1 Kings and see how sin also brings about a physical death. We will also see how an evil spirit comes into the picture and bring forth this death. At this time the kingdom is split into two nations, Judah and Israel. Israel is at war with the Syrian army. Let’s take a look:

And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel. And it came to pass in the third year that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel. And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we be still, and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria? And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramothgilead? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses. (I Kings 22:1-4)

Ahab who is the king of Israel is trying to pull the wool over Jehoshaphat’s eyes. But, watch what takes place. Jehoshaphat makes a wise decision:

And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Inquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day. Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said; Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king. And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides that we might inquire of him?” (I Kings 22:5-7)

Jehoshaphat knew these were false prophets, and asked the king of Israel if there was a real prophet of the Lord. Note what Ahab says:

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say so.” Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten hither Micaiah the son of Imlah. And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah sat each on his throne, having put on their robes, in a void place in the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. (I Kings 22:8-10)

Take heed sisters and brothers, just because a person stamps prophet this or prophet that on the front of their name, doesn’t mean they are of the Lord! Watch carefully what happens:

And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good. And Micaiah said, “As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.” So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, “Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we forbear?” And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king. And the king said unto him, “How many times I shall adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that which is true in the name of the LORD?” (I Kings 22:13-16)

The messenger tells Micaiah what to say. Micaiah being a true prophet of the Lord makes it clear what he would say. He states, “What the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.” This goes for us today also. Those of us that call ourselves servants of God speak only the words from the Book and not what we feel. Ahab knew Micaiah wasn’t serious when he told him to go up and prosper. Now, take a look at what the Lord had Micaiah to say:

And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, “These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.” And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil? And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. And the LORD said, “Who shall persuade Ahab that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead?” And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner. And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. And the LORD said unto him, “Wherewith?” And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, “Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also, go forth, and do so.” Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee. (I Kings 22:17-23)

Who persuaded the prophets that Ahab called? It was an evil spirit sent by the Lord. As you can see the Lord gives the order and the angels carry it out. Let’s see if the Lord’s prophecy came to past:

And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded. And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the wound into the midst of the chariot. (I Kings 22:34-35)

This certain man that drew a bow at a venture and pierced Ahab in the heart wasn’t by chance. Remember what James said, “when sin is finished it brings forth death, even the second death.” Take a look at this verse in John, and see whom this spirit is that did all this lying.

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. (John 8:44)

At the beginning of this study I asked the question, “Does Satan have allies?” We see he does not ally himself with an evil person. He goes about to destroy the evil along with the good. Let’s pursue this for a moment, take a look at what Paul has to say about false prophets:

Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. (II Corinthians 11:1-4)

What does Paul mean preaching another Jesus? He is giving us warning. The warning is if your preacher or pastor does not teach according to what’s written in the Bible he is simply preaching another Jesus, in other words a false Jesus. For example; if a minister says the commandments are nailed to the cross, he is preaching another Jesus. Note what Paul says in the next set of verses:

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (II Corinthians 11:13-15)

Remember the so-called prophets in the book of I Kings how they prophesied in the Lord’s name. Don’t allow today’s false apostles and deceitful workers get you cut off.How will you know them by their works? If it is not according to the scripture they are not of God. Let’s go to II Corinthians chapter 10 and close out:

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:3-5)

Note what Paul says, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God.” Imaginations, that’s correct! The status quo has people believing the word of God is a joke. They have no true knowledge of God. If most of us did our actions would be different. People have put in their minds that they do not have to be obedient to the word of God. They fantasize that no work must be done. They have imagined vain thoughts that all we have to do is believe on Jesus and we will make it into the Kingdom of God. They speak lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. By not knowing the truth the evil spirits take advantage of them.

Why does the Lord allow this? They received not the love of the truth that they might be saved. For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. Instead of giving attendance to reading, exhortation and to doctrine from the Bible, they believe in everything but the truth. Remember that if you LOVE the Lord you keep His commandments. So, remember sisters and brothers put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Peace unto all that fear God and keep His commandments, in Jesus’ name.

Author: The Israel of God

More Lessons: http://www.theisraelofgod.com/textlessons.html

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