“…the prince of this world comes, and has nothing in Me.” John 14:30
Dear Ones:
In the field of engineering, one studies and prepares to solve problems of physics and chemistry, with regard to building and making physical things function. The basis for this lies in the foundation of math, laws of physics, and their proper applications. In other words, all is based on facts, not conjecture or imagination. The same is true in the spiritual realm, where there is the enemy of our souls, who, “…as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) He is to be resisted, “steadfast in faith.” We are not alone in this battle, and the great assurance of the believer is that, as he or she, “…submits to God, resists the devil,” there is the promise: “…and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) This is wonderful, liberating news. But there is an important truth and application of this entire subject that is essential to understand, for we would not be “…ignorant of his (Satan’s) devices.” (2 Cor.2:11)
In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, writing on the subject of the qualifications for elders in the church, he writes concerning “a novice,” or young man with little or no experience: “…lest being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” (3:7) What does he mean by this? Does he mean that a believer can be condemned by God, and lose his salvation? No, as he writes in Romans 8:1, “…There is therefore NO condemnation to them which are IN Christ Jesus.” This unchanging position has to do with the believer’s unalterable UNION with Christ. However, with regard to the believer’s COMMUNION with Christ, that every day walk before, with, and by Christ, our enemy Satan, the “accuser of the brethren,” can condemn, or accuse the believer. He thus has leverage. What do we mean by this? We find in Zechariah 3:1-2, that Satan is standing before God, “resisting” Joshua the high priest. He does this by his accusations before God because of Joshua’s “soiled garments,” indicating that there is known sin in his life. Satan has leverage on Joshua, for whatever reason. Because of legitimate “accusations,” and certainly, condemnation, Joshua is neutralized. He does not cease to BE the high priest, but the power of God is NOT operative in him because of a guilty conscience. We know, as well as Satan, that if there is sin in the life, there is a basis for accusation and condemnation. This was the case of the “novice” of which Paul spoke to Timothy. Because of his inexperience, and the temptation to be proud, he falls into some sin which Satan uses to accuse and condemn him, so that his conscience is compromised. God respects, honors, and responds to faith, not a bad conscience, or a double-minded attitude.
The Lord Jesus is the perfect example of one, over whom Satan has NO leverage. He even declared it: “…the prince of this world comes, and he has NOTHING in Me.” How is this so? There was no sin that Satan could point at and accuse Him of. Though men would, under the control of the enemy, seek to do so, before the Father, the Lord Jesus was continually clean, having a perfect and good conscience, and a faith that was never compromised.
The believer has GREAT promises with regard to the dealing with sin. He also has the obligation to deal quickly with sin, keeping very short accounts with God. Twenty seconds is all that is needful to get back to the place of “clean hands and a pure heart.”
Dear Father, we thank Thee for the promise: “If we confess our sins, You are faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.” (1 Jn. 1:9) Give us grace to walk consistently in the light with You, for Your sake and glory. We thank You in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad