Corinthians 10:14
"Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry."
Belief in "satanism" runs rampant within the ranks of Judeo-Christanity, leading many genuine professing Christians into idolatry. This diabolical teaching consists of a belief in a wicked supernatural being that is responsible for all wickedness in the world and leading people to sin.
"Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry."
Belief in "satanism" runs rampant within the ranks of Judeo-Christanity, leading many genuine professing Christians into idolatry. This diabolical teaching consists of a belief in a wicked supernatural being that is responsible for all wickedness in the world and leading people to sin.
This mythical creature, taught by the majority of churches, goes by many names: Satan, the Devil, Lucifer, Dragon, Serpent, among others. According to most fundamentalist (Judeo-Christain) churches, he supposedly was an angel in "heaven" that rebelled against God and was thrown, along with a third of the angels, down to the earth. Here he, along with his army of demons, supposedly runs havoc among humans and causes untold wickedness and sinfulness throughout the world. This superstitious supernatural being supposedly rules over his horde of demons and wicked deceased souls in a fiery place called "Hell" or "Hades".
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This wicked creature is depicted by most church theology as the "arch-enemy of God" and the tempter of the human race, starting with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. According to church lore, he was also the one who supposedly tempted Jesus in the wilderness.
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Some equate his power with that of God Himself, while others say he is Jesus' brother. His supposed mission is to ruin and destroy God's creation, including His people. His goal, they say, is to cause all humans to rebel against God and subsequently be cast into a fiery "hell" for all eternity.
The "church," along with its myriad of leaders, is supposedly man's only chance to escape the wrath and destruction of this imagined super creature. Without the "church" and the leaders, mankind is doomed for all eternity. Keep in mind that most churches proclaim to be the "only" church that has discovered the "narrow way" to Salvation.
This superstitious form of "spiritism" has been used over the centuries to control and subjugate people through fear and intimidation. Virtually all forms of "religion" have used this tactic to some degree throughout the history of man. The root of such a belief can be found in paganism and has no legitimacy in true Christianity. It is nothing but idolatry and has no foundation in God's Holy Word.
This fear tactic is an effective form of control of the few over the masses for financial gain and power. People are willing to pay money (even when they have very little) if they believe paying will keep them from a fiery hell for eternity. People believe that by giving, they are doing what God wants them to do. They truly believe their sacrifices will be rewarded by being able to spend eternity in a glorious place called heaven.
This superstitious form of "spiritism" has been used over the centuries to control and subjugate people through fear and intimidation. Virtually all forms of "religion" have used this tactic to some degree throughout the history of man. The root of such a belief can be found in paganism and has no legitimacy in true Christianity. It is nothing but idolatry and has no foundation in God's Holy Word.
This fear tactic is an effective form of control of the few over the masses for financial gain and power. People are willing to pay money (even when they have very little) if they believe paying will keep them from a fiery hell for eternity. People believe that by giving, they are doing what God wants them to do. They truly believe their sacrifices will be rewarded by being able to spend eternity in a glorious place called heaven.
In this study we will look into what God's Word has to say about this misguided belief and what the Bible really means when it refers to terms like "satan," "devil," "dragon," "serpent," and "lucifer." We will discover the Scriptural source of evil, wickedness and temptation and how to overcome it. (It is recommended that you review previous lessons about "Heaven," "Hell," "Spiritism," and "Demonism" for additional information.)
"Satan" vs "Adversary"
The word "satan" appears 19 times in the King James Version (KJV) of the Old Testament. It is transliterated (not translated) from the Hebrew word "sawtawn" (#7854 in Strong's Concordance), meaning an "opponent" or "adversary" (noun form). It is derived from the Hebrew word "sawtan" (#7853 in Strong's), meaning to "attack" or "accuse" (verb form). If the KJV translators had been consistent in translating this Hebrew word into the correct English word "adversary" rather than transliterating it, much confusion could have been eliminated. To make matters worse, they chose to capitalize the word making it a personal name. Obviously they were predisposed to the existence of a wicked supernatural creature, and it shows in their writing.
What is the difference between Transliteration &Translation?
Transliteration is the process of rendering foreign words into English based on how the words are pronounced, not the words' meaning.
Translation is the process of expressing in English the meaning of a foreign word.
It is based on the meaning of the words rather than their pronunciation.
Consider the following example:
שָׂטַן (actual Strong's Hebrew word #7853)
Transliteration: śâṭan (sounds like saw-tan')
Translation: adversary (English equivalent)
In order to correctly translate שָׂטַן into English, the translation would be adversary NOT the transliteration Satan.
It is very important to realize that the Hebrew word "sawtawn" was correctly translated as "adversary" in a number of verses in the KJV Old testament rather than transliterated as "satan." Inconsistent rendering of this Hebrew word has led to misunderstanding of Scripture truth.
Let's examine a few Scripture verses to see how this word "sawtawn" is translated correctly.
In Numbers 22:20-22, we read that Balaam's actions kindled God's anger and "the angel [messenger] of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary." Here the word "adversary" is correctly translated from the Hebrew "sawtawn."
In II Samuel 19:22, we read about David arguing with his own men about their wanting David to kill a man for cursing David. David replies "What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me?" Again, the word "adversaries" is correctly translated from the Hebrew "sawtawn." It refers to flesh and blood men.
In I Kings 5:1-4, regarding the building of the temple, Solomon says to Hiram king of Tyre, "But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil." Again, the Hebrew "sawtawn" is translated as "adversary" instead of "satan" because it refers to flesh and blood mortal enemies.
I Kings 11:9-14 explains how Solomon, near the end of his reign, sinned against God, and God is telling Solomon what He is going to do because of Solomon's sin. Verse 14 states, "And the Lord stirred up an adversary unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite: he was of the king's seed in Edom." Who stirred up the "adversary (sawtawn)?" God did. Who was this "adversary?" A man named "Hadad," a mortal man of Edom.
I Kings 11:23 says, "And God stirred him up another adversary, Ezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah:" Here is another "sawtawn" that is a mortal man identified in the Bible by name. Verse 25 states, "And he was an adversary (sawtawn) to Israel all the days of Solomon...".
The Hebrew word "sawtawn" is also used by David in Psalms 38:19-20 which states, "But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied. They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries (sawtawn); because I follow the thing that good is." These adversaries were David's flesh and blood mortal enemies.
Now let's look at some questionable transliterations.
David also refers to adversaries ("sawtawn")which were his human enemies in Psalms 109. In verse 6, the translators transliterated "sawtawn" as "satan" instead of correctly translating it as "adversary."
David is praying that God would place one of their own adversaries at the right hand of his enemy. The rendering of the Hebrew word sawtawn two different ways in the same Scripture passages causes confusion. Verses 20 and 29 also uses the word "adversaries."
David used "adversaries" (or "satans") as a word that meant human, flesh and blood enemies. In several places, enemy is a specific human being and he is named. To this point in our study, we cannot use the original word "sawtawn" for anything other than mortal human beings.
David is praying that God would place one of their own adversaries at the right hand of his enemy. The rendering of the Hebrew word sawtawn two different ways in the same Scripture passages causes confusion. Verses 20 and 29 also uses the word "adversaries."
David used "adversaries" (or "satans") as a word that meant human, flesh and blood enemies. In several places, enemy is a specific human being and he is named. To this point in our study, we cannot use the original word "sawtawn" for anything other than mortal human beings.
What About the "Satan" in the Book of Job?
14 times the Hebrew word "sawtawn" is found in the book of Job where it is transliterated "satan." Let's take a close look at this story of Job and the way the Hebrew word "sawtawn" is used.
In Job 1, we see that Job is very wealthy, he has many sons and daughters, and he is a god-fearing man who praised God for everything he has. Verse 6 states, "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan [sawtawn] came also among them." The margins in many Bibles actually has the words "the 'adversary' came also among them." The Hebrew word "sawtawn" was used though out Job but it is capitalized and transliterated as "Satan" instead of translated correctly into the word "adversary." Thus the story becomes warped with a supernatural Satan instead of a natural adversary.
In verses 7-10, this "sawtawn" says that Job fears God and honors Him because God has blessed him, given him all these things, and protects him. In verses 11-12, this "sawtawn" says to the Lord that Job will curse Him if all he has is taken from him. Job goes on to describe what happens to Job.
After Job loses everything, Job 1:22 states, "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." Even after all his misfortunes, Job was still faithful to God. According to Job 2:1-3, God tells this "sawtawn" that in spite of all that happened to Job, he still fears Him and "eschews evil."
14 times the Hebrew word "sawtawn" is found in the book of Job where it is transliterated "satan." Let's take a close look at this story of Job and the way the Hebrew word "sawtawn" is used.
In Job 1, we see that Job is very wealthy, he has many sons and daughters, and he is a god-fearing man who praised God for everything he has. Verse 6 states, "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan [sawtawn] came also among them." The margins in many Bibles actually has the words "the 'adversary' came also among them." The Hebrew word "sawtawn" was used though out Job but it is capitalized and transliterated as "Satan" instead of translated correctly into the word "adversary." Thus the story becomes warped with a supernatural Satan instead of a natural adversary.
In verses 7-10, this "sawtawn" says that Job fears God and honors Him because God has blessed him, given him all these things, and protects him. In verses 11-12, this "sawtawn" says to the Lord that Job will curse Him if all he has is taken from him. Job goes on to describe what happens to Job.
After Job loses everything, Job 1:22 states, "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." Even after all his misfortunes, Job was still faithful to God. According to Job 2:1-3, God tells this "sawtawn" that in spite of all that happened to Job, he still fears Him and "eschews evil."
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In Job 2:4-8, the adversary "sawtawn" tells God that Job will curse Him if he (Job) becomes stricken with sore boils. After Job becomes deathly ill, verse 9 says his wife told him to "curse God, and die." He has lost everything and is now suffering illness and pain and possibly near death.
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Notice an important point made in Job 2:3 where God, speaking to "satan," says regarding Job, "and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause." Who did the destroying? God said that HE did it. This "adversary" (satan) didn't do it.
In Job 19:6-13, who does Job say caused all of his calamities? He says that God did it. He is attempting to show his friends that it wasn't his sin that brought on his suffering, but it was God Himself that did it. Job says in Job 19:21, "Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends: for the hand of God hath touched me."
The last chapter of Job explains how God gave Job many blessings in order to replace everything God had taken from him. Those who in the end came to comfort Job realized that everything that had happened to Job had been done by God Almighty. Read all of the other references to "satan" (sawtawn) in Job and see that they simply refer to adversaries in general.
What does God say about Himself in Isaiah 45:5-7, "I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the Lord, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things." No, God doesn't need the "satan" of the churches to create evil - God can handle it Himself - and CLEARLY SAYS SO!
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People who believe in the power & existance of an ungodly mythical creature such as this are practicing idolatry. Have YOU been fooled into committing this sin against God unknowingly? |
"Satan" in the KJV New Testament
The English word "Satan" appears 34 times in the KJV New Testament. In every case it comes from the Greek word "satanas" (#3567 in Strong's) which interestingly enough is a transliteration of the Hebrew word "sawtawn" which we saw earlier means "opponent" or "adversary." The New Testament translators capitalized the word "satan" as they did in the Old Testament, adding to the concept of a supernatural being rather than an adversarial attitude or human being.
We can see that the word "satan" in the original Greek and Hebrew, both in the KJV Old and New Testaments, comes from the same Chaldean word that was transliterated by the Hebrews and used by the Greeks unchanged. It means "accuser," "adversary," "opponent" and means to act (or do) as an accuser, adversary or opponent. The word "satan" is used the same way in both testaments.
With this understanding in mind, let's look now at some New Testament passages that use the word "satan" and see what is actually meant.
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In Matthew 16:22-23, records the event of Jesus rebuking Peter. In verse 23, Jesus replies "Get thee behind me, Satan:..." (satanas). Peter was acting as a flesh and blood human adversary to Jesus. (See also Mark 8:32-33) |
Mark 4:13-20 records Jesus' parable of the sower explaining, in symbolic terms, how some people respond to receiving God's Word. In verse 15, He says some listeners hear the Word, but "satan" (satanas) takes it away. What is this "satan" symbolic of? It is man's own carnal nature that is the adversary which resists God. It could also refer to dishonest human teachers, priests, preachers, etc., (adversaries) that twist God's Word and lead people astray from the truth.
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Luke 13:10-17 records the story of Jesus healing a crippled woman on the Sabbath and how the hypocritical synagogue ruler responded. In verse 16 Jesus says to him, "And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom "satan" (satanas) hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?"
It was her infirmity (her adversary) that inflicted her and Jesus healed (loosed) her from it. Here, the adversary was some type of infirmity - not human and not a spirit being. |
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Luke 22:1-6 records the story of Judas' betrayal of Jesus in return for money. Verse 3 states, "Then entered "satan" (satanas) into Judas..."This was a case of Judas' own evil carnal lust for money (his adversary) that caused him to betray Jesus. (See also John 13:21-30)
In Luke 22:31-34, Jesus foretells Simon's denial of Him and says to him, "Simon, Simon, behold "satan" (satanas) hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Simon's denial of Jesus is simply a case of Simon's lack of faith (his adversary) that caused his denial.
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Act 5:1-11 recounts the story of Ananias and Sapphira lying about money they kept back. In verse 3, Peter says "Ananias, why hath "satan" (satanas) filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?" In verse 4, Peter tells Ananias "...why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart?" Ananias' own evil carnal lust (his adversary) was the culprit. |
In Acts 26:12-18, Paul relates to king Agrippa his conversion on the road to Damascus. Paul recounts Jesus' words in verse 18 where He states, "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of "satan" unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." Jesus is explaining how sinful people will be released from their sinful carnal natures (their adversaries).
Speaking about a person who commits fornication, Paul states in I Corinthians 5:5 "To deliver such an one to "satan" [satanas] for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." This person typically would be delivered to the ecclesiastic authorities for physical punishment (these authorities would be their adversaries) .
In 2 Corinthians 2:5-11, Paul is talking about forgiving a man and states in verse 11, "Lest 'Satan' (satanas) should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." What Paul is talking about is coming under the influence of the human carnal lusts of the flesh.
In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, Paul warns against deceitful false apostles and ministers, and says in verse 14, "And no marvel: for "Satan" himself is transformed into an angel [messenger] of light." The "satan" (satanas) Paul is talking about is man's sinful carnal nature (adversary) that rules over and controls these false apostles and ministers.
In 2 Corinthians 12:6-10, Paul is explaining his struggles and says in verse 7, "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of "satan" (satanas) to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure." Paul gives a clue as to the nature of his "satan" (adversary) in verse 10: "in infirmaries, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses." Paul's "thorn in the flesh" is his adversary.
In Paul's letter to Timothy 5:15, he gives instructions to the brethren and states, "For some are already turned aside after "satan" (satanas)." He is talking about those who give into and follow their sinful carnal natures (lusts of the flesh): their adversary.
These passages we have looked at are referring to man's real enemy (adversary): man's own sinful carnal nature (mind/heart) or the "lusts of the flesh." More on this later.
The Use of the Word "Devil" in the Bible
Many use the terms "Satan" and "Devil" interchangeably. Interestingly enough, the word "devil" does not occur even once in KJV Old Testament. It is only found in the New Testament.
The Greek word "satanas" and the Greek word "diabolos" are used interchangeably in the New Testament. Let's look at some passages to illustrate this. Luke 8:11-15 records Jesus' parable of the sower. In verse 12 He says, "...then cometh the devil [diabolos], and taketh away the word out of their hearts..." Compare this with the Mark 4:13-20 account referenced earlier which used the Greek word "satanas" which was rendered "satan."
In John 6:70-71 Jesus says that the betrayer Judas Iscariot is a "devil" (diabolos.) Compare this with Luke 22:3 where Jesus says that "satan" (satanas) entered Judas Iscariot who betrayed Him. Same man, but two different Greek words describe him. The "satan" of Judas was also his "devil." Both refer to Judas' lust for money (his adversary).
Some other passages that use the word "devil" (diabolos) shed some light on the intended meaning.
Many use the terms "Satan" and "Devil" interchangeably. Interestingly enough, the word "devil" does not occur even once in KJV Old Testament. It is only found in the New Testament.
The Greek word "satanas" and the Greek word "diabolos" are used interchangeably in the New Testament. Let's look at some passages to illustrate this. Luke 8:11-15 records Jesus' parable of the sower. In verse 12 He says, "...then cometh the devil [diabolos], and taketh away the word out of their hearts..." Compare this with the Mark 4:13-20 account referenced earlier which used the Greek word "satanas" which was rendered "satan."
In John 6:70-71 Jesus says that the betrayer Judas Iscariot is a "devil" (diabolos.) Compare this with Luke 22:3 where Jesus says that "satan" (satanas) entered Judas Iscariot who betrayed Him. Same man, but two different Greek words describe him. The "satan" of Judas was also his "devil." Both refer to Judas' lust for money (his adversary).
Some other passages that use the word "devil" (diabolos) shed some light on the intended meaning.
In John 8:37-47, Jesus is speaking to Judeans about good and bad behavior (motivation). He tells them in verse 44, "Ye are of your father the devil [diabolos], and the lusts of your father ye will do..." He was comparing their fruits (actions and beliefs) based on their lusts of the flesh (evil carnal nature) with that of people who were guided by God's spirit (Holy motivation). The "diabolos" (devil) here is man's wicked carnal nature which is enmity against God (Romans 8:7).
In Acts 10:34-43, Peter is proclaiming the good news (gospel) of Jesus Christ and His mission. He states in verse 38 that Jesus "...went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil..." The people were oppressed with illness, evil motivations (dispositions), and pagan beliefs. Jesus healed them of these things.
"Satan" and "Devil" in the Book of Revelation
The New Testament book of Revelation is often used by deceived Judeo-Christians to prove the existence of an "evil fallen angel". Knowing that the book of Revelation uses symbolic language, let's look at a few of these passages to see what they really say.
In Revelation 12, we read that there was war in heaven with a "dragon" who did not prevail. Verse 9 states, "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil [diabolos], and Satan [satanas], which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."
Here we see the terms "dragon", "serpent", "devil" and "satan" are used together to describe the same thing. What are these terms referring to? What are they symbolic of?
Verse three of Revelation 12 describes (in symbolic language) this dragon as a "great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads." What is this describing? Revelation 13:1 says the beast with seven heads and ten horns with seven crowns rose up out of the sea (nations) and ruled on the earth. It is talking about great world powers or systems. Revelation 17:3 also refers to this beast with seven heads and ten horns.
Revelation 17 identifies the seven heads as seven mountains. Bible prophecy uses the term "mountains" for nations. Verse ten mentions seven kings and verse 12 explains that the ten horns are ten kings. John, in a vision, is describing great world powers (kingdoms) ruling on the earth.
Chapter 7 of Daniel describes a similar "beast" with ten horns ( verse 7) and identifies the ten horns as ten kings (verses 23-24). Could Daniel's vision correspond to John's vision? Neither vision deals with an imaginary "supernatural evil being" and cannot prove its existence.
"Lucifer"
The term "Lucifer" is commonly used incorrectly as another name for a so-called "Satan" creature: Let's examine this word as it appears in Isaiah 14 verse 12. This is the only place in the KJV Old Testament that the term "Lucifer" is found.
It says that he (Lucifer) fell from heaven and was cut down to the ground. On the surface it sounds like God is talking to Lucifer. However, if you examine verse 4, it is obvious that this "proverb" was spoken against the proud King of Babylon who was to be dethroned and stripped of his kingship (which came to pass when the Medes and Persians conquered the city of Babylon). Verse 16 clearly shows that this is a prophesy of the fall of a human king, a man.
"Serpent"
The word "serpent" is one of the words used in the Book of Revelation in conjunction with the words "Satan," "the devil" and "the dragon." It is translated from the Greek word ophis (#3789 in Strong's Concordance), meaning "sharpness of vision" or a "type of sly cunning," "a snake" or an "artful malicious person." Symbolically, "serpent" represents something sly, cunning, or malicious. Let's examine some scriptural use of this term.
In 1 Corinthians 11:3, Paul states, "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent [ophis] beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." Paul feared they might be beguiled (deceived, deluded) in the same way that happened to Eve. Who did Paul fear would be doing the beguiling?
In 2 Corinthians 11:4 Paul is referring to someone coming to them preaching a false gospel (doctrine) and distorting God's Word. The beast (dragon) of Revelation represents ungodly kings (kingdoms or governments) that distort God's reign and deceive and plunder the people. It would also include false religious systems and their false prophets that lead people astray from God's Truth.
The "Real" Satans/Devils
So far in this study we have seen where God's Word refers to some kind of "adversary" in the form of humans, governments (kingdoms), religious systems, or even God Himself. The context of Scripture determines what kind of adversary is being referred to as the previous cited examples illustrate.
The False Scapegoat
In Old Testament Scripture, God repeatedly blamed Israel for following after other gods (devils). See Leviticus 17:7, Deuteronomy 32:17, and Psalm 106:34-37 for three examples of many that can be found. God accused Israel of having false devils which they blamed for their sins.
Many people do just about this same thing with the devil (satan). They say, "The Devil made me do it; it's his fault. He's the one that tempted me. I'm really not to blame." They put away their sins by charging them to a scapegoat (a made-up, false, supernatural satan or devil) which people claim is responsible for their sin. However, God lays the charge of sin at the individual's door.
The True Biblical Devil (Satan)
So, what is our "tempter" (adversary)? Let's see what God's Word says about this crucial subject. In James 1:13-15, we read that every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust (desires) and enticed. Then when lust (desire) has conceived, it brings forth sin which leads to death. So, man's own lust or desire is his tempter (adversary).
See also James 4:1-2. James is addressing Israel here (James 1:1).
What is the "devil" that we are to resist? James 4:3-7 describes him: "The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy." The lust that dwells in our own members is what James says is our problem. We are to resist this spirit (devil/attitude) in us.
In Old Testament Scripture, God repeatedly blamed Israel for following after other gods (devils). See Leviticus 17:7, Deuteronomy 32:17, and Psalm 106:34-37 for three examples of many that can be found. God accused Israel of having false devils which they blamed for their sins.
Many people do just about this same thing with the devil (satan). They say, "The Devil made me do it; it's his fault. He's the one that tempted me. I'm really not to blame." They put away their sins by charging them to a scapegoat (a made-up, false, supernatural satan or devil) which people claim is responsible for their sin. However, God lays the charge of sin at the individual's door.
The True Biblical Devil (Satan)
So, what is our "tempter" (adversary)? Let's see what God's Word says about this crucial subject. In James 1:13-15, we read that every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust (desires) and enticed. Then when lust (desire) has conceived, it brings forth sin which leads to death. So, man's own lust or desire is his tempter (adversary).
See also James 4:1-2. James is addressing Israel here (James 1:1).
What is the "devil" that we are to resist? James 4:3-7 describes him: "The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy." The lust that dwells in our own members is what James says is our problem. We are to resist this spirit (devil/attitude) in us.
Where does God lay the blame for man's sin?
Hebrews 8:7-8 identifies who was at fault in breaking the Old Covenant. God said the fault was with Israel. God laid the charge of sin or transgression of the Old Covenant at Israel's door.
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Jeremiah 17:9-10 says it is man's heart that is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. God identifies the culprit: the heart of man; his sinful carnal nature.
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Use of the word "Heart" in the Scriptures |
The word "Heart" is mentioned over 800 times in the Scriptures but never refers to the literal physical organ that pumps blood through the body. Rather, it refers to man's mind, mental state, will, intelligence, thoughts, feelings, emotions, desires, passions or his ability to choose. Many times, it refers to man's carnal nature.
"Heart" is translated from the Strong's Hebrew word "leb" (#3820) and the Greek word "kardia" (#2588). Both terms refer to the mind of man.
"Heart" is translated from the Strong's Hebrew word "leb" (#3820) and the Greek word "kardia" (#2588). Both terms refer to the mind of man.
Ministers who teach this erroneous satan doctrine are false prophets. Timothy describes them in 2 Timothy 3:13-17. He says that evil men and seducers will deceive people and cause them to stray from God's Word. That's what false doctrine does; it deceives and distorts truth.
Jesus warned of false prophets in Matthew 7:15-16 and Matthew 24:11 & 24. See also Mark 13:22.
Peter, in 2 Peter 2:1-3, warned of these false prophets and what they would do: "bring in damnable heresies."
In 1 John 4:1, John says to "...try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
What Tempted Jesus?
At this point one might bring out the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). To better understand what tempted Jesus, we need to understand His nature.
Hebrews 2:16-18 says that Jesus was made a man (a literal flesh and blood man), made like His Israelite brethren. Paul tells us Jesus was made a man so that He could carry out the work He was supposed to accomplish. Verse 18 indicates it was necessary that Jesus be tempted so He could, in turn, give comfort to man who was also tempted. Hebrews 4:14-16 says Jesus was in all points tempted like we are.
Now, remember that we learned earlier how we are tempted (James 1:13-15). Jesus was made a man and He was tempted by the same feelings and desires that men have.
The first temptation: He had fasted for 40 days and nights, so He was obviously hungry and weakened, the same as we would have been. Being hungry (a desire) was the temptation that said "make these stones bread" .
The second temptation: Knowing that God would protect Him from physical risk of injury, Jesus instead said that He would not tempt God by putting Himself in danger. People sometimes give in and take physical risks because they, being a Christian, believe that God will protect them. In effect they dare (tempt) God by taking a risk they should not have taken.
The third temptation: Jesus, knowing who and what He was, knew that He could obtain power over men with His intelligence and influence. Some men have a lust or desire for power over others and it leads to sin. But, Jesus did not give in to the desire for power.
Jesus had these feelings and knowledge in His body because Paul says in Hebrews that Jesus was tempted like we are. The desires or the thoughts of the flesh came to Him just like they do to us. Otherwise, if His flesh offered Him no temptation, what glory would there be that Jesus could resist temptations? These thoughts and desires had to come to Jesus in order that He would fulfill that which was written. So, this "devil" (adversary) that tempted Jesus in the wilderness was exactly what James says tempts us: the lusts of the flesh.
At this point one might bring out the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). To better understand what tempted Jesus, we need to understand His nature.
Hebrews 2:16-18 says that Jesus was made a man (a literal flesh and blood man), made like His Israelite brethren. Paul tells us Jesus was made a man so that He could carry out the work He was supposed to accomplish. Verse 18 indicates it was necessary that Jesus be tempted so He could, in turn, give comfort to man who was also tempted. Hebrews 4:14-16 says Jesus was in all points tempted like we are.
Now, remember that we learned earlier how we are tempted (James 1:13-15). Jesus was made a man and He was tempted by the same feelings and desires that men have.
The first temptation: He had fasted for 40 days and nights, so He was obviously hungry and weakened, the same as we would have been. Being hungry (a desire) was the temptation that said "make these stones bread" .
The second temptation: Knowing that God would protect Him from physical risk of injury, Jesus instead said that He would not tempt God by putting Himself in danger. People sometimes give in and take physical risks because they, being a Christian, believe that God will protect them. In effect they dare (tempt) God by taking a risk they should not have taken.
The third temptation: Jesus, knowing who and what He was, knew that He could obtain power over men with His intelligence and influence. Some men have a lust or desire for power over others and it leads to sin. But, Jesus did not give in to the desire for power.
Jesus had these feelings and knowledge in His body because Paul says in Hebrews that Jesus was tempted like we are. The desires or the thoughts of the flesh came to Him just like they do to us. Otherwise, if His flesh offered Him no temptation, what glory would there be that Jesus could resist temptations? These thoughts and desires had to come to Jesus in order that He would fulfill that which was written. So, this "devil" (adversary) that tempted Jesus in the wilderness was exactly what James says tempts us: the lusts of the flesh.
The Source of Evil: Supernatural Devil, or Man's Heart?
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Let's examine a few more scriptures which will clarify what the devil is that tempts us. In Mark 7:5-12, Jesus was accusing the Scribes and Pharisees of teaching a false doctrine (tradition of the elders), that if you sinned, all you had to do was give a gift to the temple and you were free [a good way to enrich themselves at the expense of others (lust for riches) ]. What they were doing was telling people that a gift to the temple would free them from obeying God. (There are some religions and churches like that today.)
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In verses 13-16, Jesus says their tradition was making the word of God of none effect. He also says that what defiles a man are the things that come out of him . In verses 18-23, Jesus clarifies the issue further by saying, "That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed..." He then lists examples of evil things that come from man's heart (mind, carnal nature).
This lust (devil) is in the heart (mind) of every human being. If it isn't resisted, it leads to sin and death. This is what Jesus is talking about in chapter seven of Mark. That is why the word "devil" is so often used in the New Testament. It is referring to the many temptations, lusts and sins that befall all people's minds. This explains how this diabolos (devil) can be in all the world at once, tempting every man. Jesus makes it plain what defiles us and where it comes from.
There is no such thing as a supernatural "chief" devil. That is a doctrine of the Scribes and Pharisees used to control the people through fear and intimidation. That same doctrine is being taught by practically every church, including much of what passes as Christianity. It is pure and simple IDOLATRY! Jesus came to expose and destroy this "devil" (adversary) in us (1 John 3:8 and Hebrews 2:14). His spirit opens our minds to Truth, regenerates us, frees us and gives us power to resist our individual sin nature.
This lust (devil) is in the heart (mind) of every human being. If it isn't resisted, it leads to sin and death. This is what Jesus is talking about in chapter seven of Mark. That is why the word "devil" is so often used in the New Testament. It is referring to the many temptations, lusts and sins that befall all people's minds. This explains how this diabolos (devil) can be in all the world at once, tempting every man. Jesus makes it plain what defiles us and where it comes from.
There is no such thing as a supernatural "chief" devil. That is a doctrine of the Scribes and Pharisees used to control the people through fear and intimidation. That same doctrine is being taught by practically every church, including much of what passes as Christianity. It is pure and simple IDOLATRY! Jesus came to expose and destroy this "devil" (adversary) in us (1 John 3:8 and Hebrews 2:14). His spirit opens our minds to Truth, regenerates us, frees us and gives us power to resist our individual sin nature.
May the LORD open our minds with understanding of His Truth. May He help us to resist our sinful carnal nature. May He help us to be obedient to His Word and not succumb to idolatry.
AMEN
AMEN
Bob and Mary Lou Becker {contact us by using the form at the bottom of our Home Page}