What Can Be Learned From Pray The Devil Away Movie

A serious question every Christian should ask themselves is, "Do I believe in the devil?" Information technology is tempting to think of the devil in abstract or cartoonish terms — that irksome, meddling fellow with the horns and the pitchfork who lurks around sowing chaos here on earth. But considering the reality of Satan is very important to the Christian experience — and a sober examination of his ways may crusade much-needed reflection, prayer, and even physical change.

Ezekiel 28:12-17 gives us Satan'due south backstory, explaining the devil'south fall from heaven. Ane a "guardian cherub" full of wisdom and grace, "Lucifer" (translated to "star of the morn") became proud because of his great dazzler and grace, and was expelled from heaven, where he was "made a spectacle before kings."

This fallen guardian became intent on destroying everything good — peculiarly God's dearest humans. He is equally powerful and real today equally he ever was, and we need to exist mindful of his evil tactics. Hither are four ways the devil works today:

1. Satan Convinces U.s.a. He Doesn't Exist

"The greatest trick the Devil always pulled was convincing the world he didn't be" is a line from the 1995 movie "The Usual Suspects," and is also a key theme of apologist and theologian C.Due south. Lewis' famous book, "The Screwtape Letters," which portrays a fictionalized human relationship between a senior devil and a inferior devil. This theme has been expounded upon from pulpits around the globe because information technology is one of Satan's cleverest ruses — afterwards all, how can you exist appropriately wary of something that is but fiction?

Today we want to exist seen as sophisticated, worldly, and way above old-fashioned beliefs and trite dogma. The world moves quickly, and we do too, and we don't desire to be bogged downwards past outdated modes of thinking and belief. What a fault! This is what the devil counts on!

It would exist much improve to hold on to gospel truths for love life. If the Bible warns you nearly the devil, treat this as seriously as all the other pieces of rock-solid wisdom from God'southward Word — don't cherry-option on this issue. Information technology could price you your soul!

ii. Satan Promotes Lies

The Bible tells us that lying is central to the corrupt, broke character of the devil. Jesus saw the many evil things man is capable of — many Jewish religious leaders of his day openly doubted him and actively worked against his saving message. John 8:44 shares Jesus' harsh and much-needed words of reproach: "You are just like your true father, the devil; and you spend your time pursuing the things your begetter loves. He started out as a killer, and he cannot tolerate truth considering he is void of anything true. At the core of his grapheme, he is a liar; everything he speaks originates in these lies because he is the male parent of lies."

The above verse reminds us that the devil "cannot tolerate truth." Today, misinformation, confusion, and lies grow through both news and social media — the latter existence a technological tool that, ironically, is supposed to improve our lives. We often find we don't know what to believe, as many news journalists rely less on facts and more on their own stance. Sadly, some individuals besides seem to take pleasure in putting downward others and lying about them behind the safety screen of social media anonymity. These multiple channels of misinformation are working to divide us and split us into opposing camps — how satisfied this must make the devil!

Additionally, we believe lies about ourselves, as the devil seeks non only to separate u.s. from God but from one another. Low self-esteem abounds, leading to many different societal ills. Children are being bullied similar never before, suicide rates abound, and human cruelty seems to exist at a frightening zenith in societies all around the globe.

3. Satan Lures Us with Riches and Status

Money and power concur as well high a place in many lives, and Satan knows this. Since he will stoop to everything to lure united states of america away from God'south protective beloved, he uses this very effective tool every moment of every day, all around the world. Satan is sly; we don't have to exist talking about billions of dollars or loftier public positions of ability, but any money and power that corrupts. For example, my husband and I agreed to forego coffee from Dunkin' Donuts years ago while we were trying to salvage coin. What did I practice? I snuck out several times and got one anyway. Or, have you lot ever jockeyed for power on a school lath, a work commission, or even within your family unit? Pray on these seemingly "little" events; this may be the devil corrupting your character in small things that are easily disregarded. Matthew 4:eight-11 explains how the devil even tempted Jesus with ability and Jesus' response to that temptation. "Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the globe and their splendor. 'All this I will give you,' he said, 'if you will bow down and worship me.'"

Jesus, beingness perfect, answered, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him but.'" Then, angels came to attend to Jesus. We need to be more similar Jesus, and eschew power and money for obedience to God, thoughtfulness, and service to others.

four. Satan Tricks Us

When Satan first shows up in the Bible, he tries to confuse Eve and parses God'due south words in order that it seems they may be taken several different means. In Genesis 3:1 we read, "Now the serpent was more crafty than whatever of the wild animals the LORD God had fabricated. He said to the woman, 'Did God actually say, You lot must not eat from whatever tree in the garden?'"

He was trying to confuse Eve, luring her away from what was good for her.

The devil continues his trickery after Eve asserts that the Lord told her she would die if she ate the fruit of the forbidden tree. "'You will non surely die,' the serpent said to the woman. 'For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will exist opened, and y'all volition be like God, knowing good and evil.'" (Genesis iii:4) See what he is doing here? You lot can near hear the devil simultaneously offering Eve power while making her feel foolish for believing the Lord.

How many times accept we been tempted into feeling a chip foolish or hesitant about sharing the fact that nosotros are Christians? Nutrient for thought.

How Practise We Resist the Devil?

To resist the devil, we must first recognize him.We must acknowledge his existence, and realize that he hates u.s. and hates God, and will do absolutely anything to ruin our lives and lure the states into eternity in hell.

We must also be actively on baby-sit confronting Satan, recognizing his murderous, evil, chaotic ways in our world and in our lives. The apostle Peter writes, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls effectually similar a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, continuing house in the religion, because you lot know that the family unit of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (one Peter v:8-9)

We must besides be in steady human relationship with the Lord, being obedient and prayerful. Said the apostle James, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he volition abscond from you." (James iv:7)

Remember, Satan does non control the globe, and he does non control you. You can determine whether he is to wreak havoc in your life, or whether he is to exist humiliated, frustrated, and banished by your prayerful thoughts, words, and deeds. God will provide a protective shield confronting the devil, and so great is His dearest and intendance for you. Isaiah 54:17 reminds us, "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will abnegate every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me," declares the Lord.

Related Resource: Listen to our FREE podcast, Organized religion Over Fear ! You can find all of our episodes on LifeAudio.com . Listen below to our latest episode on anxiety:

Deirdre Reilly is a writer and editor, and her commentary has appeared on various websites including CBN.com, FoxNews.com, and others. Her new book, "The Pretend Christian: Traveling Beyond Denomination to the True Jesus," details her own personal journey through doubtfulness and fright into true belief. You can connect with Deirdre via world wide web.deirdrereilly.com, or follow her on Twitter at @deirdrewrites.