\u00a0<\/p>\n
Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Welcome as we reflect on the words of life.<\/p>\n
Not every voice that comes to you with comfort is meant to truly comfort you. Not every voice that gives you hope intends to lead you to a hopeful end. Let us learn from our Lord Jesus Christ and how He discerned spirits.<\/p>\n
\nMatthew 16:21\u201323 (KJV)<\/strong>
\u201cFrom that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nLet us focus on this statement:
\u201cFor you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\nThis reveals a deep spiritual truth:
Satan\u2019s thoughts are not always presented as something obviously evil or demonic. Instead, they often come through human reasoning, human desires, and human emotions<\/strong>.<\/p>\nSatan studies what human beings love, desire, and long for\u2014and then uses those very things as entry points to cause people to fall, especially in the early stages of their spiritual walk.<\/p>\n
In this passage, Satan understood that human beings love comfort, encouragement, and avoidance of suffering<\/strong>. So he approached Jesus through Peter with a message that sounded caring and comforting:
\u201cYou will not suffer. This will not happen to you.\u201d<\/p>\nFrom a human perspective, that sounds loving. But from God\u2019s perspective, it was a direct opposition to the will of God<\/strong>, because the cross was necessary for salvation.<\/p>\n
However, Jesus Christ, being the Rock<\/strong>, discerned the source immediately. He recognized Satan working through Peter and rebuked him without hesitation.<\/p>\n
\nThe Unchanging Strategy of Satan<\/strong><\/h2>\n
This same principle continues today. Satan has not changed.<\/p>\n
He still studies human desires:<\/p>\n
\n
- \n
People love encouragement<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
People dislike correction<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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People avoid discomfort and sacrifice<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
So what does he do?<\/p>\n
He begins by comforting falsely<\/strong>, so that later he can destroy completely<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
He may encourage you now\u2014only to lead you into discouragement later that is so deep you cannot stand again.<\/p>\n
\nExamples in Daily Christian Life<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1. Salvation Delayed<\/h3>\n
\nActs 2:40 (KJV)<\/strong>
\u201cSave yourselves from this untoward generation.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nThe Bible calls you to be saved now<\/strong>, but Satan whispers:
\u201cNot yet\u2026 first settle your life.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n2. Neglecting Prayer<\/h3>\n
\n1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)<\/strong>
\u201cPray without ceasing.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nThe Bible calls you to a life of prayer, but Satan says:
\u201cYou are too busy\u2026 you are tired from work.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n3. Neglecting Fellowship<\/h3>\n
\nHebrews 10:25 (KJV)<\/strong>
\u201cNot forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nThe Bible commands regular fellowship, but Satan says:
\u201cWork is too much\u2026 God understands.\u201d<\/p>\nIt sounds comforting\u2014but its end is spiritual dryness and separation.<\/p>\n
\n4. Postponing Service to God<\/h3>\n
\nJohn 9:4 (KJV)<\/strong>
\u201cI must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nThe Bible calls you to serve God now, but Satan says:
\u201cThere is still time\u2026 others are praying for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n5. Avoiding Self-Denial<\/h3>\n
\nLuke 9:23 (KJV)<\/strong>
\u201cIf any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nThe Bible calls for self-denial, but Satan says:
\u201cDon\u2019t worry\u2026 one day you will change. For now, just stay as you are. No one is perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n6. Justifying Sin<\/h3>\n
\n1 Corinthians 6:9\u201310 (KJV)<\/strong>
\u201cKnow ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators\u2026 shall inherit the kingdom of God.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nThe Bible warns clearly, but Satan says:
\u201cYou will not die\u2026 many are doing it and still living.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nSpiritual Discernment: The Key Lesson<\/strong><\/h2>\n
All these are thoughts of Satan<\/strong>, yet they appear as human reasoning<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
Therefore, we must be very careful.<\/p>\n
\n1 John 4:1 (KJV)<\/strong>
\u201cBeloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nNot every comforting thought is from God.<\/p>\n
Test every thought:<\/p>\n
\n
- \n
Does it align with the Word of God?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Does it lead to obedience or compromise?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If a thought contradicts God\u2019s Word\u2014even if it feels comforting\u2014reject it immediately<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\nYour Response as a Believer<\/strong><\/h2>\n
When such thoughts come, you must stand firm and declare:<\/p>\n
\n\u201cGet behind me, Satan!
For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nConclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n
True comfort from God may sometimes lead you through the cross before glory.
False comfort from Satan avoids the cross\u2014but ends in destruction.<\/p>\n\nProverbs 14:12 (KJV)<\/strong>
\u201cThere is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nMay the Lord help us to discern rightly, stand firmly in His Word, and walk in truth.<\/p>\n
The Lord bless you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n