| Whatsoever
Things Are True
by Pastor Dan Coburn To say “the Devil made me do it” implies he has control or at least some influence in our lives. This is true in varying degrees. I don’t see a demon on every lamp post, but I am convinced they are real and active in the lives of humanity to a far greater extent than the secular world will ever see or admit. The Bible tells us in Eph. 6:12, “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”. This is the fight if you are a Christian. If not, I have good news - the devil and his hosts will likely never manifest themselves to you. Why would they. You probably don’t believe in them either, the last thing they want to do is cause you to believe. And as for taking credit when I am good, the bible says the very best I have to offer is as “filthy rags” to God; Isaiah 64:6. OUCH. The other extreme view is that when I sin, God made me do it. What? Oh Yes. You hear this every day, and perhaps don’t recognize it. For everything from the homosexual movement to alcoholism, we say either to ourselves or out loud, “If there is a God, He made me this way, therefore, it is either all right, or it’s God’s fault”. This too, has been around a long time. You see the devil doesn’t have to keep coming up with new stuff, cause he knows I’m dumb, and will keep biting the same worm as long as he throws it out there. Look at James 1:13 and following. “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”. I’d love to blame the devil, but you see, someone is lying to us. Either it’s the world, or it’s God’s Word. You have to decide. The good news is, that through Christ’s Redemptive work on the Cross, We get to appropriate the Righteousness of Christ - Romans 4:11, and Gal. 3:7. There is one perfect sacrifice for my sin, and it isn’t me. God Bless. |
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