Wednesday, August 23, 2006 – 1 Thessalonians 3:5
For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless.
Comments:
Satan is a force to be reckoned with. Paul was worried, to the point that he could stand it no longer, that the devil might have succeeded in spiritually harming the Thessalonian Christians.
Notice that Satan works in active opposition to Christian believers. We are the particular object of his machinations. He is called the accuser of our brothers (Revelation 12:10). Praise the Lord, becoming a Christian frees us from Satan’s dominion (Colossians 1:13), but not from his attacks.
Notice also that Satan works by tempting us to sin. He cannot force us to do anything, but uses the power of deception and desire to get us to do his will. This means that the devil can have no victory over us beyond what we allow him to have. He can only succeed if we give in to temptation. If temptation is resisted, Satan’s plans are frustrated.
But be warned, Satan can bring us down in defeat. This was what Paul was concerned about, that all of his ministry to the Thessalonians might prove useless if they were to follow Satan’s way. The tempter cannot take away anyone’s salvation, but he can certainly lead a careless Christian to personal defeat.
Biblical Doctrine: Angelology – Satan is an evil spirit who works to lead others to follow him in sin.
My Responsibility: Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith (1 Peter 5:8-9a).
Question: What are some of the ways that the devil tempts us to sin?
Prayer: Deliver us from the Evil One (this is most likely the correct translation of the Lord’s prayer, rather than the more general deliver us from evil). | 