Why do I call the devil the evil one?
First, because that is not only what he does and that is what he is, and that is also one of the names Jesus assigned to him. Matthew 13:19
Second, “The Devil” is now often associated with a sort of “cute mischievousness.”
But there is nothing playful or cute about the evil one’s mischief. His mischief consists of:
• Lies – John 8:44 speaks his native language… Father of lies. John 8:44
• Deceit – Revelation 12:9 who deceives the whole world.
• Accusation – Revelation 12:10 – Accuser of the brethren.
As the true God is the God of truth. He is the god (small “g”) of Untruth.
The repellent and antidote for “LDA’s” from the evil one is Truth!
Main Idea: We become familiar with the truth by hearing it and practicing it.
The Truth
• John 14:6 I am the way, the truth and the life.
• John 14:7 As Jesus promised them The Spirit of truth.
• 1 John 2:27 This anointing of the Spirit is true and is not a lie.
• John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth.
• Luke 1:3 so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.
• 1 Timothy 2:5-7 (NASB77) For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus… And for this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
The truth of the matter is truth is all that matters.
Be vigilant but not afraid. And the way to be vigilant is to be so familiar with the truth that it shields us from lies. So how do we become effectively familiar with the truth so that it helps to insulate us from the lies, deception, and accusations of the evil one?
Don’t think of this as a checklist to be performed. Instead, think of these items as “ingredients” for cooking. Imagine bringing them to the Lord each day and asking Him to help you prepare a nutritious and delicious spiritual meal that makes you strong, vibrant, and alert.
• Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
• Psalm 36:8 They feast on the abundance of Your house…
• Psalm 81:16 (NIV) But you would be fed with the finest of wheat…
So how can we familiarize ourselves with the truth to shield us from the evil one’s “LDA’s.”
1. The Scriptures.
2 Peter 1:4 his very great and precious promises [help us] escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
2 Peter 1:19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place…
John 17:17 – Sanctify them in the truth. Your word is truth.
Don’t be intimidated by what you can’t understand, focus on the things you do understand.
2. Practice
Hebrews 5:14 (NASB77) But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
James 1:22 But prove yourselves to be doers not just hearers who deceive themselves.
• It is easy to deceive ourselves into the false belief that knowing is doing. It’s not. Knowing about faith in Christ is not the same as applying faith in Christ.
3. Prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray without ceasing. Pray continually. Pray about everything.
Luke 18:1 – Always pray and not give up.
• Lean into all your life situations with prayer.
4. Praise
Praise helps us to focus on God.
2 Chronicles 20 – Moabites and Ammonites and Meunites came against the people of Judah and Jehoshaphat: “We are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem…This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God.”
5. Fellowship
Hebrews 10:25 Let us not forsake our assembling.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 encourage one another and build one another up.
6. Designated Time
In the morning. Psalms 5:3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
In the evening. Genesis 24 – Isaac went out to meditate towards evening…
Daniel gave thanks 3 times per day.
A designated time just helps with consistency.
7. Borrow ideas from others.
Each of our relationship with the Lord is unique, but there is nothing wrong with asking others what they do when they spend private time with the Lord, try some things on and try them out and see how they fit.
Thank you Lord for Your presence. Thank you for abiding in me. Thank you for allowing me to abound in hope even when my doctors scratch their heads and tell me they have done all they can do. I know You know just what to do to restore my health and sense of well being. Thank you Lord.