Satan adversary

Satan—the Hebrew word means “adversary”-- wants the Christian to fail, as we read in First Peter, concerning the adversary, also called the “devil”: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

The trials and temptations of life are used by the Satan to bring the Christian to failure in his faith and walk. If Satan can get the Christian to fail, he can use it to have a negative impact on others--just as we read about David after his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah: “...by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme.“ 2 Samuel 12:14

It could be the difficulties of persecution for your faith, or some tragic event in your life--such as the death of a friend or family member, or struggles with philosophical and theological issues that you can't resolve. Satan wants to use these things in your life to get you to fail, to be bitter, to give up, to throw it all away.

I have read of those who have fallen away from the faith because of the suffering and death of a family member, or because they couldn't understand suffering in general, or they could not any longer accept a teaching of Scripture. There are those who have given into immorality, living a hypocritical life that was eventually found out, resulting in disgrace and loss of an effective ministry, possibly for the rest of their lives.

Life is full of trials and temptations. They will come, and you can be sure Satan will use them, because he wants you to fail.

Jesus said to Peter: "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. ³² But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." Luke 22:31-32

The Apostle Paul was concerned about the young believers in Thessalonica, (referring to Satan as the “tempter”):

“​¹ Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone,

² and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,

³ that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.

⁴ For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.

⁵ For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.” 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Paul said that affliction and tribulation will come; they are the believer's appointment in this life. But how will you endure them? How will you keep Satan from having the victory and not turn you into a spiritual mess, being confused, angry, bitter, unforgiving, and unbelieving?

Jude says that God is able to keep you from falling: ^“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.” Jude 1:24

Paul says that God will provide what's needed to bear the temptation (there's no promise that temptation or trial will go away): “¹² Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. ¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Others have suffered the same thing. This is why believers need one another, because those who have suffered the same can help those who suffer. Paul writes: “³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. ⁵ For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. ⁶ Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. ⁷ And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Believers need one another to encourage and be accountable to one another: “²⁴ And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

As the end of this age approaches, its only going to get more difficult as people get farther away from God, and life becomes difficult in several ways. Even more-so, believers will need one another.

The believer needs to “walk in the light as He is in the light”--being open and honest before God, confessing sin as God reveals it to him: “...if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. ⁸ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:7-9

We need to make use of what God has given us: “...His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, ⁴ by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:3-4

We need to be transformed through the renewing of our minds in the word of God, so that we can know God's will and recognize that it is best: “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2

Keep in mind that Satan wants to defeat the Christian, but he can be resisted: “⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. ⁹ Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. ¹⁰ But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” 1 Peter 5:8-10