He’s a Roaring Lion
We know 1 Peter 5:8, NASB, the old devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. But what exactly does that mean? Is he walking around these days putting evil intent in people’s hearts? Frankly, I don’t need the devil to do that for me. I can get in trouble all by myself.
But James goes on to say that our sins originate with our thoughts, brought on by our desires, James 1:14-15, NASB. Things like lust, greed, lying, stealing – all those deeds of the flesh are man-made sins. That’s why Paul calls them deeds of the flesh, Galatians 5:19-21, NASB. In contrast, the good things of Christianity are the produce of the Spirit, 5:22-24, NASB. Flesh vs. Spirit. There’s really no mention of the devil at all in James 1 and Galatians 5.
And there’s Revelation 20:1-3, NASB, which states that the devil is in the abyss, shut in and sealed for a thousand years. A quick of summary of Revelation has it that Rome and false doctrine are defeated by Jesus and His truth; viz-a-viz, the persecution of the Saints by Rome would be ending.
He’s Been Around A Really Long Time
So, what then? Do we assume there’s no threat by the devil these days? That would be an incorrect thought. The devil has been around since creation, of course, but he was also cast out of heaven for rebellion, Jude 6, NASB. Jesus said he was a murderer from the beginning, and a liar, John 8:44, NASB. He’s the prince of the power of the air, according to Paul in Ephesians 2:1-2, NASB. Jesus calls him the ruler of this world, John 12:32, NASB.
The devil is a mean, murdering, lying entity. No one can trust him. He transforms into an angel of light, 2 Corinthians 11:14. In all of this, the devil, spoke directly only to Eve, Genesis 3:1-5, NASB, to God when he is accusing Job, Job 1:12ff, NASB and Jesus, Matthew 4:3,6,9, NASB. So, he’s been around since way back when.
But he has influenced the world to sin. And there have been many gruesome and horrible things that people do to each other. The slaughter is ongoing today. He has also influenced each of us through the pleasurable aspects of sin. Adultery, immodest dress, fornication, homosexuality, and drunkenness are just a few of the actions floating through our world.
So, Really, How Does He Do Things Today?
The answer to our question lies in the devil’s intent. He’s a liar and a murderer. That’s been his game all along. He initiated sin and death through Eve and Adam. And, of course, death came into the world through them, Romans 5:12, NASB.
So, none of us are perfect nor do we live in a perfect world. Death, sin, and the horrors of sinful choices make it perfectly clear that the devil is still having his way, His effect upon us humans.
It’s like food coloring. A pastry may be rather plain looking until someone adds color, and then that color permeates the whole pastry. Just so, things were perfect until the devil added his meanness, thereby permeating existence. Sin is all over the place. Wouldn’t you agree? Paul said so in Romans 3:23, NASB and 6:23, NASB. People die because all people sin. Death came to the world by the evil one and that’s the way he’s devouring people.
When a man is enticed to commit adultery, think of the pain he causes his wife, children, and both his and hers extended family. Likewise, the same pain is felt when a woman commits adultery. Sexual sins truly affect the family, neighborhood, community, county, state, and nation. A quick look at our society shows the evil, and spiritual/emotional/mental pain of thousands of individuals by sin. How many folks would you guess have been murdered because of elicit relationships?
The devil very much colors a nation black. He is our enemy, a lion seeking to rend us, a liar turning what’s good into evil, and a murderer.
Conclusion
Even though the devil is powerful to destroy people the world over, he has been defeated by Jesus’ resurrection from death. The devil wants death. Jesus wants life. It should be an obvious decision we make. I choose life. Don’t you?
We are blessed beyond our imagination that salvation has been brought down from heaven. God is the epitome of grace. Without Jesus, we are all bound for the promised land of fire and brimstone – dying without Jesus means the devil has won another soul.
That leaves us with some great advice, though. Live as if you’re alive in Jesus Christ. Something to consider.
~ Garland Van Dyke.
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