It’s no doubt that Satan wants to attack immediately after sweet spiritual victory!
Recognize Satan’s Desire vv.31-34
John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
For the Christian, we realize Satan has great power. Paul calls him the god of this world, the prince of the air. The nonbeliever doesn’t understand this. Satan wants to mess everyone up! He may not be able to have the believer, but he wants to cloud others’ view of Christ through sifting your life.
Job was a classic example!
Resist Sin’s Demands vv.54-62
- Rebellion– Wrong reaction. Jonah reacted this way and it didn’t turn out well!
- Run– 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
- Reunite– James 4:8 “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
Restored to Delight in the Savior. John 21:15-19
Acts 3:19-20 “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus”
The difference between Judas and Peter is repentance. The difference between a son and an orphan is that one can cry out daddy!
David’s Repentance Prayer is Psalm 51
Psalm 51:11-15 “Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
How can we be confident of restoration after being sifted by Satan?
John 10:27-30 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”