Help Your Self article #27
OvercomingSelf.net
| SATAN LOCKS CAPTIVES INSIDE CULTS BUT CHRIST MAKES FREE IN HIS CHURCH |
Preface: 1) This lesson is illustrated by an archived article entitled "Baghdad's Baptizers," at
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/archive/030609/20030609040519_brief.php (U.S. News & World Report, June 9, 2003, pages
32-34). That story showed how one of thousands of different sects have come to dot our world and nations. 2) This lesson is not a
survey all about Satan. It does offer insight on how the believer on Christ can recognize Satan. Neither is the subject here about
avowed Satan worship. Rather, the scope will be limited to an actual example of a cult. With each new cult, one can just picture Satan
laughing and high-fiving himself. With more falsehoods to cast as uncredible and divisive, he mocks the true church of Christ. Then
people say "religion divides," and the church is given a bad rap. This is Satan's scheme, whether or not the cult members think they
are really serving God. In John 16:2, Jesus warned His chosen apostles of those who would "think that he doeth God service" when
persecuting the apostles. Witting or unwitting, Satan does not care. 3) Letting the scriptures speak, will be the simple answer of how
"Christ Overcomes Satan."
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/archive/030609/20030609040519_brief.php (U.S. News & World Report, June 9, 2003, pages
32-34). That story showed how one of thousands of different sects have come to dot our world and nations. 2) This lesson is not a
survey all about Satan. It does offer insight on how the believer on Christ can recognize Satan. Neither is the subject here about
avowed Satan worship. Rather, the scope will be limited to an actual example of a cult. With each new cult, one can just picture Satan
laughing and high-fiving himself. With more falsehoods to cast as uncredible and divisive, he mocks the true church of Christ. Then
people say "religion divides," and the church is given a bad rap. This is Satan's scheme, whether or not the cult members think they
are really serving God. In John 16:2, Jesus warned His chosen apostles of those who would "think that he doeth God service" when
persecuting the apostles. Witting or unwitting, Satan does not care. 3) Letting the scriptures speak, will be the simple answer of how
"Christ Overcomes Satan."
Why This message?
KJV Bible (emphasis mine)
A) To be aware of Satan’s devices. 2 COR 2:11. Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we
are not ignorant of his devices. From Revelation 12:9-10, Satan is the devil. He is the enemy of
God, and of the Son of God. He is the diabolical confuser of God's truth. Also Satan is the lying
accuser of God's people.
are not ignorant of his devices. From Revelation 12:9-10, Satan is the devil. He is the enemy of
God, and of the Son of God. He is the diabolical confuser of God's truth. Also Satan is the lying
accuser of God's people.
B) To prize our freedom in Christ. JOHN 8:32-36. 32. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth
shall make you free. Free from Satan and from sin and from error. Thus free from misguided "self"
- the purpose of this website!
shall make you free. Free from Satan and from sin and from error. Thus free from misguided "self"
- the purpose of this website!
C) To help Satan's captives to "recover" (means "wake up"). 2 TIMOTHY 2:24-26. And the servant
of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25. In meekness
instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the
acknowledging of the truth; 26. And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil,
who are taken captive by him at his will.
of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25. In meekness
instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the
acknowledging of the truth; 26. And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil,
who are taken captive by him at his will.
I. Satan copies Christ - partly
2 CORINTHIANS 11:13. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves
into the apostles of Christ. 14. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of
light. 15. 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.
into the apostles of Christ. 14. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of
light. 15. 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.
|
In Baghdad, Iraq, the religious cult of the Sabaean Mandeans [SM] (from, U.S. News & World
Report, June 9, 2003, pp.32-34), say that their most important teacher is John the Baptizer. Yet the
SM deny John’s basic plea: that Jesus is the Christ – MATT. 3:1,11,14,15; 11:3; JOHN 3:27-30.
The SM say their most important rite is baptism, and yet they reject the “one baptism” of EPH 4:5,
to practice many washings (HEB 6:1-3).
Report, June 9, 2003, pp.32-34), say that their most important teacher is John the Baptizer. Yet the
SM deny John’s basic plea: that Jesus is the Christ – MATT. 3:1,11,14,15; 11:3; JOHN 3:27-30.
The SM say their most important rite is baptism, and yet they reject the “one baptism” of EPH 4:5,
to practice many washings (HEB 6:1-3).
II. Satan contradicts Christ - falsely
HEBREWS 12:3. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself,
lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Satan recruits into his cults people who have gaps of
ignorance. That’s where Satan punches down and presses out people, against Christ (cf. ACTS 4:
26). Satan uses contradiction, plus emotionalism, to block meditative study, to blunt creative work,
and to make “wearied and faint”. 1 JOHN 4:3. And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus
Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard
that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Note from HEB 12:3, that the
antidote to antichrist, is to “consider Him”, Christ Himself.
lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Satan recruits into his cults people who have gaps of
ignorance. That’s where Satan punches down and presses out people, against Christ (cf. ACTS 4:
26). Satan uses contradiction, plus emotionalism, to block meditative study, to blunt creative work,
and to make “wearied and faint”. 1 JOHN 4:3. And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus
Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard
that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Note from HEB 12:3, that the
antidote to antichrist, is to “consider Him”, Christ Himself.
III. Satan accuses the church
Satan is “the accuser of our brethren” (REV 12:9-10). Satan paints a caricature of true religion,
and the paint brushes he uses are false teachers. 2 PETER 2:1-2. But there were false prophets
also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in
damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift
destruction. 2. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth
shall be evil spoken of. After Satan has pounded his captives into ignorance, then he addresses
religious problems in general, but he is intently aiming at the church of Christ in particular. Satan tells
his captives that the church of Christ is “corrupted”, “impure”, or “outdated”, and is surpassed by
their cult. Thus, believers who walk in truth, get stereotyped with religious people in error.
However, once a Christian has the weapons of Christ, he can understand the devices behind Satan’s
tricks. Then, all of Satan’s contradictions and fiery darts will not be able to make that Christian
crazy. EPHESIANS 6:16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to
quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
and the paint brushes he uses are false teachers. 2 PETER 2:1-2. But there were false prophets
also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in
damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift
destruction. 2. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth
shall be evil spoken of. After Satan has pounded his captives into ignorance, then he addresses
religious problems in general, but he is intently aiming at the church of Christ in particular. Satan tells
his captives that the church of Christ is “corrupted”, “impure”, or “outdated”, and is surpassed by
their cult. Thus, believers who walk in truth, get stereotyped with religious people in error.
However, once a Christian has the weapons of Christ, he can understand the devices behind Satan’s
tricks. Then, all of Satan’s contradictions and fiery darts will not be able to make that Christian
crazy. EPHESIANS 6:16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to
quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
IV. Satan flatters the egos in his cult
Satan knows there is but one church. So he exalts a counterfeit in its place. Satan tells his captives
in the cult that they are the one true religion, thus copying, contradicting and perverting the “one
faith” (EPHESIANS 4:4-6). That’s why it says in GALATIANS 1:8, But though we, or an angel
from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him
be accursed. And knowing there is one God, Satan gets the cult leader to exalt himself, “showing
himself that he is God” (2 THESS 2:4). SM’s claim an origin in the first few centuries A.D.
Blending some Gnostic, some Jewish, and some Christian practices, they migrated from Palestine to
Mesopotamia (Babylon, Iraq). But without foundation in when, where, or what they are, they
cannot be original. They are just another of many cults. Strong talk and boasting is typical, because
“the weaker the argument, the stronger the words.”
in the cult that they are the one true religion, thus copying, contradicting and perverting the “one
faith” (EPHESIANS 4:4-6). That’s why it says in GALATIANS 1:8, But though we, or an angel
from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him
be accursed. And knowing there is one God, Satan gets the cult leader to exalt himself, “showing
himself that he is God” (2 THESS 2:4). SM’s claim an origin in the first few centuries A.D.
Blending some Gnostic, some Jewish, and some Christian practices, they migrated from Palestine to
Mesopotamia (Babylon, Iraq). But without foundation in when, where, or what they are, they
cannot be original. They are just another of many cults. Strong talk and boasting is typical, because
“the weaker the argument, the stronger the words.”
V. Satan puts Scripture under some other book
SM’s have their book, the GINZA RABA – which includes some of the old testament books, like
Genesis. They regard Adam as their “first messenger” (Well thanks!).
REVELATION 22:18-19. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of
this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are
written in this book: 19. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this
prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from
the things which are written in this book. [See also Deuteronomy 4:2 and PROVERBS 30:6]
Genesis. They regard Adam as their “first messenger” (Well thanks!).
REVELATION 22:18-19. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of
this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are
written in this book: 19. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this
prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from
the things which are written in this book. [See also Deuteronomy 4:2 and PROVERBS 30:6]
Here, the brutish and diabolical nature of the beast is plainly seen. Satan covets the power of God,
which he can never have, because he is evil. When the sore loser gets power over people through
deceit, Satan usurps the place of Christ, so that he can spiritually corrupt them (EPHESIANS 6:12).
which he can never have, because he is evil. When the sore loser gets power over people through
deceit, Satan usurps the place of Christ, so that he can spiritually corrupt them (EPHESIANS 6:12).
So it is no marvel that SM’s regard Jesus as a false messiah! (How did they even learn what a
“messiah” is?) One of the SM men said that, “Christianity changed to make it more simple”, and
then he added, “but we stayed like the roots on the trees.” This is the copying, contradicting,
caricaturing, and denying of Christ, that Satan foists upon his brainwashed cult subjects. Then to
lock in, they flatter themselves.
“messiah” is?) One of the SM men said that, “Christianity changed to make it more simple”, and
then he added, “but we stayed like the roots on the trees.” This is the copying, contradicting,
caricaturing, and denying of Christ, that Satan foists upon his brainwashed cult subjects. Then to
lock in, they flatter themselves.
2 CORINTHIANS 11:3. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his
subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4. For if he that
cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit,
which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear
with him.
subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4. For if he that
cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit,
which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear
with him.
VII. Satan multiplies vain rituals
Such includes all manner of prayer rituals, old testament practices, special garment wearing, dietary
laws, washings, and pagan elements. More copying, contradicting, and self-flattering. The strategy of
Satan here is to keep his captives busy with all their falsehoods, to keep them distracted from the
truth.
laws, washings, and pagan elements. More copying, contradicting, and self-flattering. The strategy of
Satan here is to keep his captives busy with all their falsehoods, to keep them distracted from the
truth.
HEBREW 6:1-3. Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto
perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward
God, 2. Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead,
and of eternal judgment. 3. And this will we do, if God permit.
perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward
God, 2. Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead,
and of eternal judgment. 3. And this will we do, if God permit.
COLOSSIANS 2:16-22. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an
holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17. Which are a shadow of things to come;
but the body is of Christ. 18. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and
worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his
fleshly mind, 19. And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having
nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20. Wherefore if
ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye
subject to ordinances, 21. (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22. Which all are to perish with the
using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17. Which are a shadow of things to come;
but the body is of Christ. 18. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and
worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his
fleshly mind, 19. And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having
nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20. Wherefore if
ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye
subject to ordinances, 21. (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22. Which all are to perish with the
using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
SM’s rituals include:
- Annual Golden Day of Baptism, “anniversary of John baptizing Jesus.” Ususally done in “running
water”, “living”. (Mockeries of true baptism)
- Can marry only other SM’s, for “pure bloodlines”. (Satan’s inside lock-up)
- Sunday is holy day. (Remember, Satan keeps some truth, for a cover)
- Eat only fish with scales. (Why old testament Jewish law??)
- Fast 36 days of year. (Keeps them preoccupied, on an empty stomach)
- Divorce and drinking alcohol forbidden. (Satan’s ammo against “hypocrites”)
- Leaders must wash three times before performing. (Typical cult neuroticism)
- Leaders marry virgins & be disease-free; for top position, have family history traced back 7
generations, “pure”. (This is transmutation of old Jewish law)
- Weddings done almost entirely submerged in water. (Sounds like people just want to get out of the
Iraqi desert heat!)
- Pray – facing North Star, “facing God & force of light.” (shades of paganism).
- Annual Golden Day of Baptism, “anniversary of John baptizing Jesus.” Ususally done in “running
water”, “living”. (Mockeries of true baptism)
- Can marry only other SM’s, for “pure bloodlines”. (Satan’s inside lock-up)
- Sunday is holy day. (Remember, Satan keeps some truth, for a cover)
- Eat only fish with scales. (Why old testament Jewish law??)
- Fast 36 days of year. (Keeps them preoccupied, on an empty stomach)
- Divorce and drinking alcohol forbidden. (Satan’s ammo against “hypocrites”)
- Leaders must wash three times before performing. (Typical cult neuroticism)
- Leaders marry virgins & be disease-free; for top position, have family history traced back 7
generations, “pure”. (This is transmutation of old Jewish law)
- Weddings done almost entirely submerged in water. (Sounds like people just want to get out of the
Iraqi desert heat!)
- Pray – facing North Star, “facing God & force of light.” (shades of paganism).
1 CORINTHIANS 4:6. And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to
Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think (of men) above that which is written,
that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think (of men) above that which is written,
that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
Multiplied false rituals:
- Keep their hands busy in error.
- Keep their minds away from the truth.
- Puffs up their carnal pride, to keep them captive.
- Keep their hands busy in error.
- Keep their minds away from the truth.
- Puffs up their carnal pride, to keep them captive.
1 TIMOTHY 4:1-3. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart
from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2. Speaking lies in
hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3. Forbidding to marry, and
commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of
them which believe and know the truth.
from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2. Speaking lies in
hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3. Forbidding to marry, and
commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of
them which believe and know the truth.
Satan’s pushes certain rituals and certain moral acts, beyond what is written. He seeks to
make his cults to resemble ordained religion. However, by keeping their bodies in high gear, Satan is
really keeping their minds in park. Satan’s captives ignore the commands that they disobey, while
Satan misquotes the scriptures that he twists (MATT 4:1-11; 2 PETER 3:16). While keeping the
slaves distracted within the cult, Satan blinds them from seeing that they are in bondage to a lie. But
thanks be to God, who supplies the way to be free!
make his cults to resemble ordained religion. However, by keeping their bodies in high gear, Satan is
really keeping their minds in park. Satan’s captives ignore the commands that they disobey, while
Satan misquotes the scriptures that he twists (MATT 4:1-11; 2 PETER 3:16). While keeping the
slaves distracted within the cult, Satan blinds them from seeing that they are in bondage to a lie. But
thanks be to God, who supplies the way to be free!
Conclusion
There is no magic pill. The answer is to not permit Satan to "blind the mind," to allow Christ to open
our eyes of understanding, to obey His word in our life.
our eyes of understanding, to obey His word in our life.
2 CORINTHIANS 4:1-5. Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we
faint not; 2. 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. 3. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are
lost: 4. 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. 5.For we
preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
faint not; 2. 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. 3. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are
lost: 4. 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. 5.For we
preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
| HEAR - BELIEVE - REPENT - CONFESS - BE BAPTIZED - WORSHIP - BE FAITHFUL - ACTS 2:36-42, 46-47 |
VI. Satan puts Jesus below someone else