satanic Temptations # 3

satanic Temptations # 3

Perhaps all Christians are aware of the reality of such painful imaginings, which are indeed like fiery darts shot into the mind, by some cruel hand; and on account of which they go sorrowing, as if they were the evidences of a wicked and unrenewed heart. Let them not, however, on this ground doubt their conversion, or conclude unfavorably against themselves. We are not criminal for those evil thoughts which come into the mind - but only for those which we keep and encourage there! If we invite them, do anything that leads to them, or welcome and entertain them, there is in this case an act of the will in reference to them, and they enter into the matter of our accountability. But thoughts which come unbidden and unwelcome, the presence of which occasions alarm and distress - like a thief, the discovery of a serpent, or a fire in the house - and which like these are expelled or extinguished in all haste, may be matter of condemnation with Him who "knows our frame, and remembers we are but dust."

I question, however, if, in this expression, the apostle does allude to these furious suggestions exclusively, and am of opinion, that he intends the whole range of satanic temptations.

I now go on to point out in what manner we are to carry on our conflict with satan. And here I would remark that we are not to call in the aid of our imagination, and attempt  in any way to embody before it any personification of the evil one; so neither are we to think of any direct and immediate personal conflict with satan himself, as if we could come to engage in battle with him, and to resist him in any other way, than by opposing all our own evil thoughts, feelings, and propensities. People of an enthusiastic and visionary turn of mind, have gone so far from sobriety of judgment, as to imagine that in their spiritual conflicts, they have been in such immediate, conscious struggles with the temper, as almost to persuade themselves they have seen him. But this is only the effect of a heated, and misguided imagination. We can in no other way oppose satan, than by opposing our own evil inclinations, or the enticements of people and things around us - for there is no other way in which he attacks us; or in which we can be sensible of his attacks. We can in no manner distinguish his influence from the workings of our own corruptions,so as to be able to say for sure - what is definitely the workings of satan, and what is definitely the operation of our own corruption. We know nothing of his approach - but in some movement of our mind or heart against the will of God; and it is by resisting that movement that we are to resist the devil.

The means of opposition are clearly pointed out in the Scripture. "Whom resist steadfast in the faith," says one apostle, "above," or over "all, taking the shield of faith," says another, "whereby you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." As one great part of our Christian conflict is with him, so the principal means by which he is to be resisted is FAITH. The figure employed by the apostle in comparing faith to a shield is a very beautiful and instructive one; and his direction to put it on over all the other parts of the armor is equally striking. The shield was useful in covering every part of the body - if the foe aimed his arrow at the head, the warrior could raise the shield to protect this important part; if he aimed at the heart, the defence could be in an instant lowered to cover this also. And thus whether satan aims to tempt our mind with plausible error, or our hearts by seductive sins, faith is equally useful.

By faith, we realize the existence and presence of God, as the spectator and helper of our souls in the conflict, warning us by His holiness and justice against compliance with temptations, and encouraging us by His grace and truth to resist them. Faith helps us to realize a present God, as well as a present devil; compels us to say, "How shall I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" and assists us to "endure as seeing Him who is invisible."

By faith, we repair to the Cross, and bring to our aid all the power and might of the great atonement that was there made for sin. The Cross of the Saviour is the shelter and defense, to which the poor tempted soul betakes herself when severely beset by the great adversary. There we see the evil of sin, in opposition to all the disguised lies with which the enemy endeavors to deceive and entrap us. There we see how God is engaged to our side by the great sacrifice of His Son, and are encouraged to expect His gracious support. There we see how completely we are rescued from the power of satan, and are no longer his captives. There we learn that we are bought with a price and belong to Christ, and are bound to obey Him as our faithful Lord, and to give up all the unfruitful works of darkness. There we see the power of the Spirit provided for us, to assist us in all our spiritual conflicts. There it is, that the believer, in holy indignation, and in magnanimous defiance, exclaims, "Get behind me, satan; every drop of my Saviour's blood proclaims my blessed freedom from your dominion, and my obligations to serve the Lord. I am more than a conqueror through Him Who has loved me."

By faith, we partake of the fruit and effect of Christ's victory over satan. He gained a twofold conquest, one personal, in the wilderness to which He was led up by the Spirit to stand the shock, and where He was victorious, by Himself - but not only for Himself. It was as our Redeemer He endured that conflict, that He might, as it were, beat the enemy first, and lead us to battle with a conquered and humbled foe; thus extending to us the fruit of His victory, as well as teaching us how to gain one for ourselves. Christ's second victory was upon Calvary, when, upon His Cross, "he spoiled principalities and powers, making a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it," (Col. 2:15). It was then "he bruised the serpent's head," and "through death destroyed him who had the power of death, that is, the devil," (Hebrews 2:14). Then He broke the power, and destroyed the dominion of satan. satan may now molest us - but cannot at will destroy us. It is a vanquished foe we fight with. Faith in this blessed truth gives courage, confidence, and spirit to the believer in resisting the wicked one.

~John Angell James~

(continued with # 4)