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The Pilgrim Path (9-25-2020)

The Pilgrim Path---Luke 22: 31, 32 

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

SATAN’S WAYS…

The devil has had thousands of years of practice dealing with and deceiving people. He is the one we resist by the Master’s power. We are to resist the devil, and he will flee from us (James 4: 7). Now, it may take him a while to retreat as we use the Word of God to repel him---it was not an immediate “retreat” when the Son of God dealt with him in Matthew chapter 4. So, do not always expect some easy engagement with the opponent of our souls. He is a defeated foe because of the Cross work of the Savior---but he does harass the saints---and sometimes most grievously. Be aware of some of his ways. Be aware of some of your “own” inclinations toward sin---and be better prepared for spiritual battles we encounter.

Please consider these sermon notes from the Rev. James M’gready (1800)---delivered in a message entitled, “The Devices of Satan”---

As the Devil is an intelligent spirit, retaining his angelic powers and faculties, more crafty than all the human race collectively, doubtless he is thoroughly acquainted with every disposition, and adapts his temptations to the weaknesses of the children of God.

Is one man of a proud and ostentatious disposition? The Devil tempts him to display his attainments in religion. He is often more anxious to acquire a great name than to advance the divine glory. When he feels happy in religion, the Devil whispers in his ear, all the Christians are noticing you; they will talk as a lively Christian. When he prays or exhorts with power and liberty, the Devil whispers, well done, you are the greatest Christian of the day. Hence, spiritual pride arises, and kills every spark of divine comfort in his soul. Is another disposed to be close and industrious? The Devil keeps him at work late and early---driving and pursuing the world---often to the neglect of his private devotions or family prayer. At the end of the day he is so tired, that he cannot go to prayer meeting. If a sacrament comes on, he fears he will lose his crop, his servants will trifle and do nothing until he comes home; and, if he overcomes all these difficulties, the Devil suggests that new clothes are necessary, and he dreads the expense.

Is another of a peevish fretful disposition? The Devil brings about a thousand little provoking circumstances, which torment his soul and keep him grumbling and complaining, until he loses the spirit of prayer, and every sense of religion.

If there is any one of a resentful temper, the cunning enemy of souls instigates some of his gadding neighbors to poison his mind with tales of what others have been saying of him. Attempts have been made to injure his character; to take low and mean advantages of him. Thus, his passions are excited; malice rages; his mind is miserable, and he loses the enjoyment of religion.

Many are easily persuaded by the Devil into sin, because they fear giving offense to their friends. If invited, they drink, engage in foolish conversation; and, if persuaded, they dance and frolic; and, at length, they become fond of all worldly amusements…

In short, such is the cunning of that old serpent, the Devil, that he well knows how to take advantage pf the foibles and peculiarities of every character…

In general, he commences by presenting some “small” sin as it is called. In an innocent form, he offers to the mind some poisonous bait. It is often presented as a duty---as a matter of necessity---and if he succeeds in his first attempt, a second will be made, and a third, until his attacks will become so frequent and powerful as scarce to be resisted. Thus, David beholds Uriah’s beautiful wife, while walking upon the roof of the house. The first temptation succeeds. Lust conceived brings forth sin. Then follows temptation to adultery; and, finally, he is drawn into commission of murder…

We must remember as Thomas Brooks used to say, “All the Devil’s baits---no matter how pretty---have a hook inside!” Diabolical and destructive is the Devil---in all his ways!

Some points to recall from Brooks--- on Satan’s Devices:

---Small sins brought great wrath upon the world---“Just the eating of the tree in the midst of the Garden…”

---The giving way to a less sin---often makes way for the committing of a greater sin. Sin is of an encroaching nature; it creeps on the soul by degrees…

---When a man hath begun to sin, he knows not where, or how he shall make a stop of sin…

---“A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” I Corinthians 5: 6---Little sins can work secretly and undiscernibly in the soul, till they come to be so strong, as to trample upon the soul…

---Daniel and his friends would rather choose to burn, and be cast to the lions, than bow to the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. They would rather burn than sin…

First John 1: 7—9: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the Blood of Jesus His Son Cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

HYMN

Fill Thou my life, O LORD my God,

In every part with praise,

That my whole being may proclaim

Thy being and Thy ways.

Horatius Bonar (1808—1889)

Grace and Peace in Jesus Christ Our Risen LORD, Pastor Jason