Destroy the works of the Devil

Happy Sunday!

Dr. Bill Winston continued the series, "The Power of Love".  He mentioned winding up the series soon, but I'm enjoying it and every week the message has been applicable and relevant.  Again this week, the messages I have heard and the experiences have had went right along with the message.

We have a real enemy!  Ephesians 6:12 says, "We’re not waging war against enemies of flesh and blood alone. No, this fight is against tyrants, against authorities, against supernatural powers and demon princes that slither in the darkness of this world, and against wicked spiritual armies that lurk about in heavenly places."(Voice)  Our enemy tries to keep people ignorant.  Every area that you lack knowledge in, is an area that the enemy can overtake you.  Knowledge protects us. Now, don't confuse knowledge with intellect. Education is great. MD, PhD, DDS and all the other alphabets behind your name are wonderful. I applaud your diligence, and hard work but intellect is not light. There are millions of educated fools in the world. Psalm 14:1 says, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good."(KJV)  Do you know any educated people that deny there is a god? Sure you do! Do you know any educated people living in poverty? Sure you do!  Do you know any educated people dealing with depression or mental illness? Sure you do! Do you know any educated people suffering with sickness and disease? Yes, you do and so do I!  What is missing? Knowledge, understanding, and enlightenment are missing.Psalm 119:130 says, "As people understand your word, it brings light to their lives. Your word makes even simple people wise." (Easy-to-Read Version)  The Word of God provides the answers to all of our human issues. Proverbs 4:7 says, "Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And with your wisdom, develop common sense and good judgment."(Living Bible)

Jesus came to equip us and empower us. His purpose through us is to overcome the world. 1 John 3:8 says,"He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."(KJV)  The works of the devil are the works of darkness.  Darkness and light cannot coexist. Jesus said, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."(KJV)  The enemy is called the Prince of Darkness. The enemy seduces men and women to do evil. Have you ever watched the news and wondered how a person could commit murder? The enemy uses the power of suggestion. The comedian Flip Wilson used to say, "The Devil made me do it!" No, the devil didn't make you do it, but he gave you the idea and you fell for it!  Don't cooperate with the enemy!  Don't be deceived and don't be afraid!  

How can we identify the works of darkness? How can we destroy the works of the devil?  Great questions.  So glad you asked! The best way to identify the works of darkness is to study the Word.  As you study the Word, you can compare what the Word says to what you see in your life and in your world. If it contradicts the Word of God, you should not be doing it! Ephesians 5:11 says, "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."(KJV)  The best way to destroy the works of the devil is to be a doer of the Word that you have studied. "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22 (KJV)

Love and prayers, Cynthia