Defeating the Devil’s Doctrine
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,… (2Corinthians 10:4-5)
To hear some people talk, you would think that debating religious subjects is a sin. Too often, insisting on the purity of religious doctrine is considered legalistic, and arguing against the doctrines and traditions of a church is labeled divisive. By this standard, churches today would have had nothing to do with the apostle Paul. He taught that sound doctrine is not only important, it is essential if we wish to please God. As I urged you when I went into Macedonia--remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine… (1Timothy 1:3). But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8)
Many so-called Christians today do not appreciate the importance of truth in the battle against Satan. They believe that so long as a person acknowledges Jesus Christ and honors Him sincerely that he is safe in his faith. But Satan does not care whether we attend church or are religious and sincere. What Satan fears most is sincere devotion to truth. The Devil is threatened by a Christian who takes the teachings of scripture seriously and does his best to live and worship accordingly.
Satan is content for us to be religious as long as we do so on our own terms instead of God’s. God prefers obedience to sacrifice. (1Sa. 15:22; Hos. 6:6; Zec. 7:5-7) He will not accept human corruptions and alterations to His divine design. “‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” (Matthew 15:8-9) Our spiritual battle is more than resisting the lusts of the flesh and proclaiming Christ among the pagans. Christ’s doctrine must also be preached to those who claim to acknowledge Him, but who do not do so accordingly to the standards of His law. –Joel Ellis