While it appears that Hollywood movies portray ideas with which the producers are thoroughly familiar, the unconverted, carnal mind does not truly comprehend the nature or reality of the ongoing spiritual warfare in which angels battle for the minds of human beings. Yet, the Christian understands the role of angels and their influence upon human life. Holy, heavenly angels can read the minds of human beings. Satan and the angels who fell with him cannot although because of their deep knowledge of human nature it often appears that they can. (Matthew 1:20/Luke 1:28-30/Job 1:9-11, 2:4,5)
Heavenly angels are acquainted with our words and actions, and even with the thoughts and intents of the heart. Satan cannot read our thoughts, but he can see our actions, hear our words; and from his long knowledge of the human family, he can shape his temptations to take advantage of our weak points of character. (Hebrews 1:14/Matthew 2:13,19/James 1:13/Mark 1:13, 14:38)
To the degree that a person is controlled by selfishness, to that degree will, can and do evil angels control that person. The following verses from the Bible give a terrifying picture of conditions that will prevail in the last days as selfishness reaches a climax in human history. ISAIAH 19:2/MARK 13:12/MATTHEW 24:10/EZEKIEL 38:20-22/ZECHARIAH 14:12,13;
Satan and his evil angels are watching at every avenue leading to the human heart, seeking to force souls to accept evil suggestions. (The avenues to the heart, mind and soul of a person are the 5 senses. Temptations make their appeal through one or more or all of these.) The enemy presents bribes to win us to the world, as he presented bribes to Christ in the wilderness of temptation. Unless we depend upon a power out of and above ourselves, the enemy will succeed in accomplishing our ruin. But in looking to Jesus, by studying His life and character, by earnestly desiring to be like Him, our minds will be balanced in the right direction, that we may overcome selfishness, and choose a course of righteousness.
For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you. DEUTERONOMY 20:4
Who does the Bible identify as man’s enemies ? “a man's enemies are the men of his own house”. (MICAH 7:6) His literal house where others may reside with him and his spiritual house which is the habitation for his mind, the place that he and God alone are intimately familiar with. Notice further how the Bible describes the enemies of human beings.
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. MATTHEW 12:43-44
A life which is void of the goodness of God manifested in good words and works toward others provides a suitable dwelling place for evil spirits...
Not by self-righteous works is the house to be occupied. The works of the selfish heart are "as an unclean thing;" and "all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags." Isaiah 64:6.11
What is the difference between our righteousness and the righteousness of Christ which we must have in order to enjoy heaven and to be trusted there ?
MOTIVES
The righteousness of Christ consists in right actions and good works from pure, unselfish motives. (1 John 3:7/1 John 2:29/Psalms 106:3)
The unclean things of the heart and the unclean spirits that entice the heart to sin are man’s enemies. It is selfishness and Satan, the originator of selfishness, with his evil angels that are man’s enemies. Any plan for victory must include provision for victory over Satan by conquering personal selfishness through the enabling grace of God.. If cultivated, the spirit of selfishness becomes a devouring passion which nothing but the power of Christ can subdue.
No victory you can gain will be so precious as that gained over self. Why ? Everything in heaven is noble and elevated. All seek the interest and happiness of others. No one devotes himself to looking out and caring for self. It is the chief joy of all holy beings to witness the joy and happiness of those around them. Reader, are you preparing for eternal life in heaven ?
Here are some additional inspirational words of promise for these last days regarding angels and demons to help you press your way through to the end -
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil , and he will flee from you. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. (1 Corinthians 10:13/James 4:7/Psalms 34:7)
It is not the will of our heavenly Father that so many would be deceived concerning salvation and eternal life in these last days. While GOD loves everyone and will forgive anyone HE does not change our character against our will or without our cooperation.
A Christ-like character is the only kind of character that could enjoy heaven and a Christ-like character is the only kind of character that could be trusted in heaven.
We are given a life-time, (be it long or short) to cooperate with God in developing a Christ-like character for eternal life in heaven. It begins with the new birth experience.
Ask Jesus Christ to come into your life today and to begin the work of changing you for heaven. Confess your sins and acknowledge your need of Him. He loves you and wants the privilege of enjoying friendship with you forever.
© 2009 Tyrone Keels
www.issues-of-life.com
You have just been reading from page 5 of a booklet entitled, "Principles of Victory in the Christian Life" Look for more pages from this booklet in future blogs... If you are interested in having the entire book email your request to education@issues-of-life.com. You can see what the cover looks like at www.issues-of-life.com and by clicking on products.
