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Victory Over the Deceiver 

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  Have you ever been lied to?  Have you ever lied to someone?  The answer to both questions is usually yes.  Lying to deceive someone has an origin.  It began in the Garden of Eden. 

    

   Eve acknowledged to the Lord, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”  The devil’s opening line was, “Did God actually say . . . .?”  He still uses this line, and it still works. 

    

   It works so well that Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:3 writes, “I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”

    

   John 1:14 tells us that Jesus is full of grace and truth.  In John 8:44, He explained that the devil “was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand for the truth, because there is no truth in him.  When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” 

    

   Furthermore, Revelation 20:10 says, “The devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

    

   I believe that in the light of the devil’s evil character and his ultimate destiny in the lake of fire, it is befitting to say that misery loves company.  Also, since he was kicked out of heaven, he doesn’t want you there with Jesus in everlasting bliss but with him in eternal torment. 

    

   Therefore, his goal is to deceive you concerning who Jesus is as Lord and Savior of mankind.  He vehemently hates you and contends with you on every step you take in becoming all that Jesus desires you to be for God’s glory by his empowering grace.

    

   Would you like to have victory over this deceiver?  It starts by taking personal responsibility for all your own actions and attitudes. Your victory proceeds by believing in all that Jesus has done for you on the cross and applying it to your life through humility and deep repentance.  Next, with a thankful spirit, actively receive God’s cleansing and empowerment.   Your victory continues as you submit yourself to God and resist the devil.  He will flee. 

    

   Finally, make it your habit to live in the light with Jesus.  John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

 

  Remember, you are deeply loved by Jesus, who is your victory, Pastor Roger