Satan Uses Subtle Devices
Satan uses subtle devices to question our commitment to trust in God and make us believe He has forsaken us.
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.
Text
"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.
Sermon Outline
- The Devil's Army
- The First Trick of the Man of Sin
- Satan's Slick Lie
- Our Lord is a Deliverer
- He comes to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion
- He gives beauty for ashes, oil of joy for mourning
Key Quotes
“The devil will parade his army around your walls: people who are powerful, beautiful and seemingly successful in all they undertake.” — David Wilkerson
“Satan makes you believe God has forsaken you and turned you over to trouble and sorrow.” — David Wilkerson
“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;” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- When faced with troubles, remember that Satan is trying to destroy your faith in God.
- Trust in God's deliverance and His ability to give you beauty for ashes.
- Don't believe Satan's lies that God is behind your troubles or has forsaken you.