Satan’s Devices to Keep Souls from Holy Duties,
To Hinder Souls in Holy Services,
& to Keep Them Off from Religious Performances
Fourth Device – Satan will make false inferences about our duties to God based upon Christ’s perfect work on our behalf. He will say that because of all Christ has done for us there is nothing for us to do but rest and rejoice. Since He has perfectly justified us and fulfilled the law and satisfied divine justice and pacified the Father’s wrath and has gone to heaven to prepare a place for us and intercede for us; therefore, there is no need for praying, and serving.
First Remedy – To spend just as much time on those scriptures that show us the duties and services Christ requires of us as upon those that declare the precious and glorious things that He has done for us. It is a dangerous thing to look with both eyes at our dignity and privileges and not to look with one eye to see our duties and services. Consider the following Scriptures that call us to action:
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body
- 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain
- Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always,
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing,
- Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
- 1 Timothy 4:13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
- Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near
If we would avoid this snare of Satan, we must make these scriptures and others like them to be our best friends and they will draw us near to Christ and His service.
Second Remedy – consider that those glorious things Jesus has done and is doing for us, far from keeping us from duty and service, should be the greatest motive and encouragement to their performance. Since Christ has freed us from our sins, the curse of the law, the sting of death and the torments of hell, what should our response be? It is not that we should throw off duties of righteousness and holiness, but that our hearts might be more encouraged in the performance of these duties. So the apostle says, “…and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty” (2 Cor. 6:18), and immediately follows it up with, “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God,” (2 Cor. 7:1). Consider again, Titus 2:12-14, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” There no better arguments for the performance of heavenly service than those drawn from consideration of the great and glorious things that Christ has done for you.
Third Remedy – Consider the example of eminent saints who experienced the blessings of Christ and were exceedingly active in their service to Him. No one experienced more grace than David, but who has exceeded him in praising God, in study, and in meditation (Psalm 119:97; 119:164). You can read the same of Jacob, Moses, Daniel and the rest of the prophets and apostles. Christ has done as much for them as he has for you, but this did not cause them to be slothful in their duty. Satan gains the upper hand when he can convince us to believe that Christ has done such glorious things for us that we need not take care to do such religious services that that the Word of God calls for. The prophets and apostles knew nothing of such logic!
Fourth Remedy - Consider that those who do not walk in the ways of righteousness and holiness, and do not wait upon God in the duties and services commanded by him do not have the assurance and evidence of their fellowship and communion with God. The apostle John writes, “Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous” (1 John 3:7). He goes on to write, “By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother” (1 John 3:10 cf. James 2:14, 20). If you would have in yourselves a constant and blessed evidence of your fellowship with the Father and the Son, and of the truth of your grace and future happiness, then be careful not to turn your back upon religious duties.
Fifth Remedy – Remember that there are other glorious reasons for the performance of our duties than satisfying the law and justice of God or for purchasing the pardon of sin. Consider Matthew 7:17, “So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.” Our works give testimony of our love for God, of our deliverance from spiritual bondage, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. These and an abundance of other glorious reasons are given in Scripture and provide ample encouragement for active service.
