Obtaining Victory Over Sin - NetBibleStudy.com

Victory Over Sin 78Have you ever felt embarrassed to be identified with Jesus Christ – or Hischurch? Is it possible that these thoughts could be instigated by satanic powers? WhenPeter denied the Lord, Jesus said that Satan was actively involved in his denial andmade it clear that Satan was sifting Peter as wheat is sifted (Luke 22:31). Satanic forcesalso hindered Paul from visiting the church at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonica 2:18). Satanwas also the originator of false doctrine, and the deceived are held captive by him to dohis will according to 2 Timothy 2:26. Satan obscures the issues of the Gospel and blindsthe minds of the unconverted “that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory ofChrist, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Satan also causes people to forget theWord of the kingdom of God by taking information out of their minds (Luke 8:12).Don’t think that you would never have any contact whatever with demonicforces. No one can escape contact with the prince of the power of the air – the one whohas organized his army of wicked spirits to fight God’s people. Satan makes meticulousplans for every believer’s downfall. Keep it in mind --- a powerful evil spirit hasalready decided how he plans to ruin your Christian life!Satan’s TargetPhilosophers and scientists have for centuries struggled with the problem of thenature of man’s mind. They have wondered: “What are thoughts?” “What is therelationship between mind and matter?” Such questions have been a puzzle to man sincethe beginning of time. One thing seems clear: thoughts do not occupy space as weknow it, but exist in a separate realm. For example, it would be absurd to speak of athought as one inch long, or as occupying a specified area. Thoughts exist in a spiritualrealm; our mind enters into the spirit world.We hear a lot about parapsychology and Extra Sensory Perception (ESP). Thereisn’t any question but that the human mind has natural powers that transcend ordinaryexperience. But herein lies the danger: because the mind operates in the spiritual realm,dabbling in matters such as ESP -- invites the influence and possible control of alien spirits. Ifwe have been involved in any form of the occult and find our self struggling withinsidious forces, we need to examine God’s Word on the matter of deliverance, perhapsstudy material by established, spiritual, writers whom we have confidence in. [MarkRubeck’s book, “The Adversary,” by Moody Press, is one source]Also see study on “Dealing With the Devil”Satan has access to the human mind; it exists in a realm that is not off-limits tospiritual forces, whether good or evil. Where did Judas get the idea to betray Christ?John tells us that the devil put the suggestion into the heart (mind) of Judas (John 13:2).We read in Scripture that Satan filled the minds of believers with his thoughts (such as,Ananias and Sapphira). Our mind is the target of satanic attack! The adversary’smethod is to drop ideas and suggestions into our minds so cleverly that we think theideas are our own. He inflames our passions, arouses greed, inflates our egos, and stirsup hatred and resentment. All of this and more is done by the roaring lion who stalks