Satan and Sin

Articles

Ross Triplett
03/31/19 - Articles

Satan and Sin

If you believe in God, and you believe the Bible is the word of God, then what the Bible says about Satan and sin will help prepare you to deal with sin. The Bible that reveals God and tells us about Satan and his attempts to wage war against the people of God is the only means through which Jehovah has chosen to reveal what sin is and how to overcome it. As we consider the subjects of Satan and Sin, let us keep our conclusions within the bounds of God’s revelation, and not any previously conceived ideas we may have been taught or developed on our own.

The scriptures describe Satan in numerous ways: Satan is referred to as Belial, i.e., worthlessness or hopelessness. When Jesus was tempted (Matthew 4:3), Satan was referred to as the devil, i.e., an accuser, slanderer: the enemy of God and man. Most people presume Satan is a fallen angel, however, God does not reveal the exact nature of his origin but does warn us of his characteristics and desire to destroy the works of God. Having such information will help us understand our struggles and teach us how to overcome them.

When dealing with the subject of Satan and Sin it is imperative that we understand what sin is and how Satan uses it to tempt us. Sin is “literally, a missing of the mark” (W.E. Vines). Missing the mark can be seen in a symbol of an archer. When the arrow strikes on either side of the bull’s eye it’s a missing of the mark. As opposed to society’s attempt to make the mark (bull’s eye), bigger God is the one that establishes the mark and determines if we hit or miss. Sin can be the result of “omission or commission, in thought and feeling, or in speech and action” (Thayer’s). We either don’t do what we’re supposed to do, or we do what we shouldn’t. The Bible defines sin as: a transgression of God’s law (1 John 3:4); all unrighteousness (1 John 5:17); failing to do good (James 4:17); conceived lust (James 1:15) and that which violates the conscience (Romans 14:23). Satan uses his devices to tempt man through three avenues (1 John 2:15-16): The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. When Satan tempted Eve, she saw the fruit was good for food, it was pleasant to the eyes, and it was desired to make one wise. When Satan tempted Jesus he also appealed to: the lust of the flesh, (“command that these stones become bread”), the pride of life, (“If thou art the Son of God”), and the lust of the eyes, (“All these things will I give thee”) (Matthew 4:1-9). These same ploys are utilized today to get men and women to turn away from God and serve Satan.

Remember the words of the apostle John, who said, “guard yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). ret