I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. John 17:15-18 NASB
Just hours before Jesus was arrested, he took the time to pray for his disciples and for all those who would believe in the message of the gospel. During this prayer, Jesus asked the Father to keep us safe from the “evil one”. Considering the urgency of the moment, I’ve no doubt Jesus covered those things he felt to be of utmost importance in this prayer. So why did he ask the Father to sanctify us in the truth? He knew our spiritual success would hinge on our ability to discern truth and recognize the lies of Satan.
“You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44 NASB
Satan is a liar. There is no truth in him. He wants us to serve him rather than God, and since he has nothing of substance to offer us, he pretends to. If we believe his lies, he has a chance to lure us away from God. He deceives us and leads us into sin by promising us satisfaction and pleasure from things that will in the end only destroy us. His promises are lies, cleverly designed to manipulate us.
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14 NIV
He masquerades as something he isn’t. He’s a liar and a fake. Why an angel of light? Because God is light. Satan always tries to imitate God. He clearly sees how awesome God is and he knows he falls short, so he imitates the characteristics of God. Yet everything he promises is based on a lie. So how is this relevant to you and I today? Well, if we can learn to recognize his lies and realize they are empty promises, we will not fall prey to his schemes. What you desire and I desire may be different on the surface, but at the root, we all want pretty much the same things: love, acceptance, peace of mind, contentment and joy. Only God can give us those things. Satan wants you to believe you can find them in other ways. Alcohol may dull your pain today, but will leave you in worse shape then when you picked up the bottle. Sex may make you feel loved today, but outside of the marriage relationship, it will in the end pierce your heart. Money may take the pressure off for a while, but it’s ability to satisfy is temporary at best. What is Satan putting before you today? What are you reaching out for in hopes of finding satisfaction outside of your relationship with God?
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NIV
Never forget that Satan’s out to destroy you! He wants you to play the fool. He wants to embarrass and humiliate you. His ultimate goal is to destroy your relationship with God. He will use anything and anyone in your life to accomplish his purposes. He is a liar and a fake! Don’t be foolish enough to pursue what masquerades as something good, but in reality will bring you and those you love nothing but pain.
But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3 NIV
Determine today that you will not be deceived by Satan’s cunning. Resolve in your heart that nothing will lead you astray from your sincere devotion to Christ. Realize that the allure of other things is a lie. They cannot deliver what Satan tells you they can.
Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Revelation 5:5 NIV
Satan may roar like a lion, but there is only one lion you need to fear! Jesus has triumphed. If you have believed Satan’s lies and are struggling to break out of sin today, call out to the Lion of the tribe of Judah. His promises are true, He really does have the power to help you, to dull your pain, to heal your heart and to satisfy your soul!