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He Has But a Short Time
September 23, 2023

Have you ever been in a situation where you only had a short time to get something done? There have been many students who at the last moment crammed for a test or spent all night completing a research paper. For those who drive, from time to time you have had to take evasive action with maybe just a few seconds to spare. Others have moved from one city to another city, and as the time approaches to move, there is a lot to get done close to the moving date.

For world class athletes participating in a race, especially a 100 meter or yard race, there is often but a short time separating first and last place. Whether a person lives or dies is frequently determined by time, and for first responders every second counts in a medical emergency. Mechanically for engines to work, the parts have to move in the correct order all within a very short period of time. A slow internet connection can make it frustrating to connect to a secure website, especially if the connection speed causes issues with timing out. Leave a favorite snack on the edge of a table, and if you have a family dog that also really likes the snack, even if it’s bad for dogs, you might only have a short time to react to keep your furry four-legged friend from eating your snack.

When faced with these short time situations, how do we respond? Athletes physically prepare for their events, students cramming at the last moment or pulling an all-nighter go for food and beverages that will help keep them up. When moving, we get organized in advance and know when the check engine light comes on in our cars to have a mechanic look at it. For all of those scary, do something really fast to avoid disaster kind of moments, whatever we do tends to be accompanied with a lot of adrenalin. Some people when faced with a short time situation are not the most pleasant to be around, and the Bible describes Satan as having but a short time. Coincidentally, Satan wouldn’t be fun to be around either.

In the early church, there was a move to sell possessions and give the proceeds to the church, sort of like a church garage sale today. Ananias and Sapphira, a married couple sold land to benefit the church, but didn’t give all the money to the church, they held a portion of the money back and gave the remainder to the church.

Imagine if you bought something with an understanding that the full purchase price would go to a good cause in your community, only to find out only some of the purchase price went to the good cause, and the other part of the purchase price, was kept by the person you interacted with. How would you feel? I would feel swindled and would be very wary of providing any future financial support. We don’t know with certainty the reason this married couple decided to lie when selling a parcel of land. We just know that they did and they were called out by Peter. Maybe they wanted to look good by selling a high value item but were too selfish to part with the cash. It looks good when somebody sells a high value item, like a five carat diamond necklace, to benefit a good cause, with the full purchase price to support that good cause, and it becomes problematic when that somebody keeps any part of the money for whatever reason, because that wasn’t part of the deal. Peter brought this to the attention of Ananias, and upon hearing Peter’s rebuke, how he lied to the Holy Spirit through the working of Satan, Ananias dropped dead. Three hours later his wife came, and Peter checked to see if she was also in on the lie, and she was, Peter confronted her and she died right then and there.

Acts 5:1-11
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

Fill in the blank. Ananias and Sapphira were ___________ by Satan. Maybe you thought Ananias and Sapphira were conned by Satan, duped by Satan, deceived by Satan. Probably any of these could fit. Looking at what is expected of us as people of faith, it would be best to consider that Ananias and Sapphira were overcome by Satan. We are either overcome by Satan and the evil of this world or we overcome Satan and the evil of this world. Knowing he has but a short time, how do you think Satan is looking at those with the Holy Spirit? Do you think he has totally conceded defeat, or is he in his mind looking at whatever he can do to take out as many with the Holy Spirit as possible?

Revelation twelve gives us an interesting prophetic view of Satan and the church in the end time. It begins with a wonder in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet with a crown of twelve stars and she gives birth. Another sign appeared in heaven and this time it’s a great red dragon with seven heads and ten horns with seven crowns on the heads. His tail drew a third part of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth and the dragon wanted to devour the woman’s child as it was born.

The woman brought forth a man child who was to rule all of the nations and her child was caught up to God. This woman represents Mary and by extension all of the faithful, and her child is Jesus. That great red dragon is Satan. The woman, all of the faithful, flee into the wilderness. There was a war in heaven with the archangel Michael leading the angels to victory over Satan and the demons, and Satan who deceives the whole world gets cast to earth. At this time everyone in heaven is happy that Satan gets his because all he did was accuse the brethren before God day and night. The brethren, the faithful, overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony-knowing what’s in the Bible, and not loving their physical lives more than their hope of eternal life.

Heaven rejoices at what has happened to Satan but the people who are still on earth are in for a rough ride because Satan knows he has but a short time, and Satan is angry, very angry. On earth, Satan persecutes the faithful, but God works it out so the faithful are shielded from the influence of Satan. Satan desperately tries to destroy the faithful through what is described as a flood, and the faithful get an assist from earth that swallows the flood. Satan is very angry with the faithful and goes to make war against the remaining faithful who keep the commandments of God and who have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 12:1-17
And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

In speaking to those in Jerusalem, Jesus told them they sought to kill Him because the Gospel of the Kingdom of God was not welcomed by them. In their minds, they thought they were defending Abraham, and Jesus simply told them they were of their father the devil, and that they do what Satan would do.

John 8:37-47
I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

Just like the lusts of Satan revolved around taking out Jesus, Satan has often sought harm for the people of God when bringing accusations against them to God. The first chapter of Job gives us a detailed account about how Satan sought to bring harm to Job, and God gave Satan limited authority to bring harm.

Job 1:6-12
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

With as non-compliant to the laws of God that Satan is, it can seem amazing that Satan would yield to God in these types of matters. Because Satan has rebelled against God before, it would only make sense that Satan would rebel against God again. We don’t know why Satan yields to God when making requests to bring harm to the people of God. It seems like because a person is of God, Satan somehow needs permission from God before doing anything, almost like what Satan said about Job, that God had made a hedge around him to protect him, his family, and possessions.

We get that impression from how Jesus spoke to Peter shortly before the crucifixion. There was huge debate among the disciples who was the greatest of the disciples. Jesus shared with Peter that Satan really wanted to destroy Peter, almost like sifting wheat. We can deduct from events of the Bible that the answer was not at this time as Peter was needed to strengthen the brethren.

Luke 22:24-34
And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.

When Satan seeks permission from God to bring harm to any of God’s people, like Job or Peter, the harm is secondary to Satan’s intent. Satan seeks to overcome us so that we lose out on eternal life. One way how Satan can gain an advantage on us is when we do not forgive. Paul shared concerns with the Corinthians about a man who brought grief to the congregation who apparently suffered retribution of the members. Paul encouraged them to forgive this man lest Satan gain an advantage over them.

2 Corinthians 2:3-11
And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. To whom ye forgive anything, I forgive also: for if I forgave anything, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Living in our present world we interact with many who are not called and do not have the Holy Spirit. They read the Bible but do not understand the gospel of the Kingdom of God that was introduced by Jesus Christ. We need to remember that all who are not called who do not have the Holy Spirit even if they know the words of the Bible and know the words of the Bible in good detail have had their minds blinded to the gospel of the Kingdom of God introduced by Jesus Christ. These people have already had their minds blinded by Satan, and Satan can further influence their thinking down the road.

2 Corinthians 4:1-6
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Paul warned of religious people who seek to be the center of attention, who purposely act in ways to draw attention to themselves warning that these types of people are false apostles and deceitful workers. He then adds that what these people are is nothing spectacular because even Satan can transform himself into an angel of light.

2 Corinthians 11:7-15
Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia. Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth. But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Imagine how tricky it could be for a person whose mind is blinded to the truth by Satan only to have Satan appear as an angel of light to them. How easy might it be for these people to believe they have found salvation? Imagine how careful we have to be lest we be overcome by Satan through a subtle deception. We know Satan can appear as an angel of light, and there are plenty of verses to show true angels of God never aggrandize themselves and will not be worshipped in any way. Yet today, we can find people who seemingly worship angels.

As Satan afflicted Job and sought to sift Peter like wheat, Paul shares with us that he was given a thorn in the flesh which he described as a messenger of Satan. We don’t know what ailment Paul had. We know he was blinded on the road to Damascus and maybe later there was a vision problem for Paul. We can look to how Paul responded to physical ailments, because physical ailments can serve as a messenger of Satan to oppress us. Paul came to realize he was spiritually strong even though he had this physical ailment. He saw his ability to do what was needed in spite of his physical ailment as a demonstration of the power of Christ resting upon him. When we suffer physical ailments, Satan will try to use that to connect with us and overcome us. Instead, we need to be like Paul realizing that when we have a physical ailment it is an opportunity for us to demonstrate the power of Christ.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Paul warned the Thessalonians to not be deceived into believing that Jesus Christ has already returned. He reminded them that before the return of Jesus there will be a falling away with a man of sin revealed who sees himself as better than God. He also reminded them when Jesus returns, Jesus will return in brightness, and Matthew’s account of this time tells us the return of Jesus will be easy to see like the sun which moves from east to west. Jesus will not return to earth in any other manner. Paul warns that this future person who sees himself as better than God is the result of Satan’s efforts. With this son of perdition, the man of sin, who sees himself as better than God, Satan wants to blind as many people as possible to bring them in as unknowing allies with him so that Satan can overcome the faithful.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

In Hebrews, we are told to maintain a high level of spiritual vigilance lest we forget about things we have been taught. If we do not significantly value our salvation and future place in the Kingdom of God, we should not be surprised if we lose interest in faith and lose out on the hope we currently have. We need to remember that it is through Jesus Christ we have this hope of eternal life and our future place in the Kingdom of God, and how through Jesus, and the death of Jesus Satan will destroyed.

Hebrews 2:1-14
Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

We need to remain faithful and never give place to Satan. We cannot think that because we have the Holy Spirit that Satan cannot overcome us. It makes no difference how long we have been of the faith. It makes no difference how many gifts of the Holy Spirit we have been given. If we give place to Satan, we give place to Satan who will seek to overcome us. To avoid that we can do nothing that creates a favorable situation for Satan and we fight evil and sin every day. We never become complacent with sin in our life or anything that gives place to Satan. We avoid giving place to Satan by doing what God expects of us and not doing what Satan would want us to do.

Ephesians 4:25-32
Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

As we do what God expects us to do, we spiritually strengthen ourselves to withstand attempts by Satan to overcome us knowing we fight spiritual battles. We withstand Satan by encircling ourselves in the truth focusing on righteousness, thoroughly knowing about the Kingdom of God and what Jesus Christ did to make this future possible for us, remaining faithful, maintaining our hope of eternal life, and using the word of God, what is in the Bible, as our offensive weapon, praying for not only ourselves, but for all believers everywhere.

Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

We remain sober and vigilant because we know Satan seeks whom he may devour. Satan desperately wants to overcome each of us, and we cannot allow that to happen.

1 Peter 5:8-10
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

We have to endure temptation. When we are tempted we are not tempted by God. God doesn’t use lust as any type of a spiritual temptation because God does not tempt man with evil. Satan definitely can tempt people with evil. Sometimes what befalls us is the result of lust, and while Satan will always approve when we succumb to lust, Satan is not always the driving force behind it. Sometimes lust is the result of our physical bodies. Anything that is a function of our physical bodies can drive lust. Most people will focus on only sex, but lust can be many other things other than sex. Just about any type of sin can be fueled by lust. As much as possible, we need to keep our physical bodies in check as one way to control lust.

We need to remember that the wrath of man does not bring about the righteousness of God. We need to avoid doing what we are not to do and focus on doing what we are told to do through the pages of the Bible. We need to control the words we say understanding that if we let fly off of our tongue whatever we think, we think too highly of ourselves. Finally when we think of pure and undefiled religion, we never ignore the needs of the widows and orphans, and we keep ourselves unspotted from the world.

James 1:12-27
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Make no mistake about it. Satan seeks to overcome us, and cost us our hope of eternal life. We never give place to Satan and always fight sin, knowing as long as we are in the fight against Satan, we are in the fight against Satan, and as long as we are in the fight against Satan holding fast to the truth, Satan has not overcome us and will not overcome us.

All verses are from the King James Version.
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