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Satan answered the LORD, "Does Job fear God for nothing? Haven't You placed a hedge around him, his household, and everything he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions are spread out in the land. But stretch out Your hand and strike everything he owns, and he will surely curse You to Your face." - Job 1:9-11 HCSB

The apostle Peter warned us about the devil, saying that our adversary prowls around like a roaring lion seeking anyone he can devour.[1] The term Peter used was “diabolos” which means slanderer, traducer or malignant accuser. John also categorically identified the devil as our accuser[2] using the Greek term “kategoreo.” This why, in reaction to the Pharisees’ constant attempts to find an excuse to accuse him of something,[3] our Master referred to them as children of the devil.[4]

The devil tried to slow Paul down with a messenger that Paul described as a “thorn in the flesh.”[5] He also hindered Paul from fulfilling his desire to come to the Thessalonican church.[6] So another name used for the devil is “Satan” which means adversary or opposer.

What interests me is the nature of our adversary’s accusation. Satan believes self-interest rules the world. He does not believe we can transcend self-service. Now, the reality of the matter is that, like the rest of us, he is revealing more about himself than he is about us. He is projecting his own failings upon the rest of us. He is the thief who comes only to steal, kill and destroy.[7] He is the usurper who seeks preeminence over the Son of God.[8]

Of course, he has been given a lot of reasons to believe this about us. After all, it was the desire to become gods that caused Adam and Eve to fall.[9] It was professional jealousy that drove Aaron and Miriam to accuse Moses of taking all the power (yet another example of revealing your heart by your accusations).[10] He got a big head after Peter had to be rebuked by the Lord.[11] Pride is, after all, the source of all sin. Lust and desire is the root of all evil.[12]

Jesus erased the certificate of our sin debt and disarmed the demonic rulers and authorities. He disgraced them publicly and triumphed over them.[13] Through His death, He destroyed the one holding the power of death – that is, the Devil.[14]

Just as our Master conquered through the denial of His self and His rights, so we will find that the key to overcoming the Accuser’s allegations lies in humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God and allowing Him to exalt us in due time.[15]

True disciples will deny themselves, take up their crosses and follow Him. Those who selfishly try to save their lives will only lose them. But whoever is willing to lose their old life for Christ will find true life – and an innocent soul to boot.[16]

[1] 1 Peter 5:8

[2] Revelation 12:10

[3] Matthew 12:10; 27:12; Mark 3:2; 15:3; Luke 11:54; 23:2,10, 14; John 8:6; Acts 22:30

[4] John 8:44

[5] 2 Corinthians 12:7

[6] 1 Thessalonians 2:18

[7] John 10:10

[8] Matthew 4:9

[9] Genesis 3:5-6

[10] Numbers 12:1-3

[11] Matthew 16:23

[12] 1 Timothy 6:10

[13] Colossians 2:14-15

[14] Hebrews 2:14

[15] 1 Peter 5:6-9

[16] Matthew 16:24-26

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

Moralism