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  SATAN USES SUBTLE DEVICES
  by David Wilkerson
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Summary: Satan uses subtle devices to question our commitment to trust
in God and make us believe He has forsaken us.

Topics: "Spiritual Warfare", "Trusting God"
Scripture References: 2 Kings 18:17-25, Isaiah 61:3

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DESCRIPTION
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David Wilkerson warns about the subtle devices of Satan, who uses
powerful and seemingly successful figures to instill doubt in believers'
commitment to trust God. He highlights how the enemy, represented by
Rabshakeh, mocks faith and attempts to convince individuals that their
troubles are a result of God's punishment. Wilkerson emphasizes that
these lies are meant to destroy faith, reminding believers that God is a
deliverer and a fortress, not the source of their troubles. He
encourages the faithful to resist the enemy's deception and to hold on
to their trust in the Lord amidst attacks.

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CONTENT
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"And the king of Assyria sent...Rabshakeh...to king Hezekiah with a
great host against Jerusalem" (2 Kings 18:17). The Assyrians represent
today's "guides to prosperity." The devil will parade his army around
your walls: people who are powerful, beautiful and seemingly successful
in all they undertake. When you see them, you will feel walled in like a
prisoner!

The first trick of the man of sin is to question a believer's commitment
to trust the Lord fully. Rabshakeh, whose name means "drunken envoy,"
was the king's ambassador. He mocked the godly with a taunt (see 2 Kings
18:19-20). The accusation was, "God is not going to get you out of this
mess. You are going down! You are in real trouble, and your faith is not
going to work."

Satan then adds another twist; he tells you that God is the one behind
all your troubles. Assyria's messenger claimed, "The Lord said to me, Go
up against this land, and destroy it" (2 Kings 18:25). Satan will try to
convince you that God is getting even with you, that he is mad at you.
This is his slickest lie! He makes you believe God has forsaken you and
turned you over to trouble and sorrow. He wants you to think all your
problems are the result of God's punishment for your past sins. Don't
believe it! It is Satan who is out to destroy you.

Our Lord is a deliverer, a fortress. Isaiah said he comes "to appoint
unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the
oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of
heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the
planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified" (Isaiah 61:3).

No, dear saint, you are not going down. You are simply under attack,
being barraged by the enemy's lies because you have set your heart truly
to trust in the Lord. Satan is trying to destroy your faith in God.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/david-wilkerson/satan-uses-subtle-devices/
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