Therefore
we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us”
– 1 Thessalonians 2:18
This verse communicated to the Thessalonians reveals we have an adversary
who is hell bent on separating brethren from each other and thwarting God’s
plans. We should never forget we have an adversary. He was behind the
persecution in Thessalonica that led to Paul’s being sent away for his own
safety (Acts 17:10). Satan incites opposition to the cause of Christ. Those who
have yet to surrender to Jesus are described as the instruments of the devil.
They are “dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to
the course of this world according to the prince of the power of the air, the
spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once
conducted ourselves in the lusts of the flesh and of the mind, and were by
nature children of wrath, just as the others” (Eph. 2:1-3). If you have yet to
receive Jesus as Savior, whether your realize it or not, you are under the
influence of Satan!
Paul says, “but Satan hindered us.” The
term “hindered” (ἐγκόπτω ĕgkŏptō, eng-kop´-to) means to impede, to
detain, or prevented. Satan can hinder and prevent our plans from
coming to pass. He can impede our path. How does Satan impede our path? What
are his tactics? Looking back at Acts 17
where Paul was separated from the Thessalonians in the first place, we see what
many of his tactics are.
First
he often works through the religious who aren’t persuaded by the gospel
of grace (Acts 17:5a). If you read through Gospels and Acts it is usually those
who are the most religious who are the source of opposition to the
gospel. Salvation frees us from the “aimless conduct received by tradition from
your fathers,” through the “precious blood of Christ” (cf. 1 Peter 1:18-19). Jesus
didn’t come to make us religious. He came to introduce us to the way of knowing
God personally as Savior and Lord. He came to introduce Himself to us. “This is
eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom
You sent” (John 17:3).
Second,
Satan uses envy (ζηλόω zēlŏō, dzay-lŏ´-o
or ζηλεύω zēlĕuō dzay-loo´-o[1])
covetousness or jealousy mixed with emotion to stir up opposition. Envy is at the
root of much evil perpetrated against people. People like the limelight. When
Paul preached the gospel in the power of the Spirit and people began to
respond, the powerless religious leaders were jealous. Watch out for those
whose motivation for “ministry” is getting people to their group rather than
getting people to God for His glory. When you see that know that Satan is at
work. When people are more concerned with and preach the name of their church
or group instead of the Name above all names, the enemy is at work. Watch that.
Third,
he works through “evil” men (πονηρός pŏnērŏs, pon-ay-ros´) or
people. This is a very descriptive word which speaks of those who are
characterized by being hurtful, evil, degenerate, calamitous, spiritually diseased,
derelict, vicious, malicious, wicked, lewd and devilish. God calls
His people to holiness (e.g. 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Thess. 4:3, 7). Satan is
diametrically opposed to holy hearts and holy living. Wherever “evil” is
present you can be sure Satan has a hand in what is happening.
Fourth,
Satan uses mob tactics; he stirs up a riot. Whereas God is orderly (e.g. 1 Co.
14:33, 40), Satan is chaotic and loves a riot. Satan loves anarchy and he uses
it to oppose God’s people. Ever try to share the gospel at an abortion clinic
or Gay Pride parade or event? If you have, you know that it isn’t long before
you’ll be accosted by an angry mob followed by a riot. Why does this inevitably
happen? Why does such opposition try to shout down those who speak for the
Lord? Because the enemy is behind it. Satan and his message of sin is no match
for the powerful gospel. He knows that. So if he can’t reasonably oppose the
gospel, he incites others to shout down in an effort to shut up people
preaching the gospel or ministering God’s truth in His love. Remember that next
time you are mobbed and don’t be surprised or fearful. Just stand strong in the
Lord’s power and might.
Fifth,
Satan uses violence as when he stirred up the mob to attack Jason and drag him
before the rulers of the city (Acts 17:5b-6). When those preaching the gospel
or ministering don’t run away from the mob, the enemy is not averse to
ratcheting up the volume and even resorting to physical violence. When violence
ensues the enemy is at work. Look at the apostles; they were stoned; beaten
with rods; scourged; imprisoned and treated in harsh unmentionable ways. Why
did that happen? Because of evil people but understand Satan was behind it all.
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. It’s against Satan and his minions
(Eph. 6:12).
Sixth,
Satan uses lying accusations as in the accusation that the apostle’s
proclamation of Jesus was contrary to Caesar and the Roman government (Acts 17:7).
Wherever untruths, half-truths, deception, false witness and false accusations
are present, so is the influence of the enemy. When we speak in half-truths we
open the door for the enemy to enter in. God’s way and standard is to speak His
truth in His love (Eph. 4:15). Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil
with truth (Rom. 12:21). Don’t lie, be truthful!
Seventh,
Satan stirs up opposition as when they “troubled” (ταράσσω tarassō, tar-as´-so) or
agitated the crowd and rulers. Satan uses strife and conflict to get his
way. Why is it turmoil is so prevalent when we’re preparing to go to church?
Why do we persist in silly and superficial spats and disagreements? Part of it
is our flesh and sinful nature rearing its angry head. But Satan is the one
pouring fuel on the fire of our flesh! These are all things we should be aware
of. The fruit of the Spirit is a love that is peaceful (Gal. 5:22-24). “Pursue
peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God ; lest any root of
bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled” (Heb.
12:14-15).
The
next time you are envious or jealous, opposed by people with evil intent, have
a group with a “mob” mentality confront you, are physically attacked or falsely
accused, just keep in mind your enemy is probably at work. Then rely on God’s
power, put on His armor. Use the weapons God has given you for this battle. Use
His truth to hold you together. Keep your heart protected with His righteousness.
Go with the powerful gospel of peace. Use faith and truth as your shield
against Satan’s accusations. Keep your mind protected with the helmet of
salvation and don’t forget the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.
And above all pray. Do that, and you’ll win the day (cf. Eph. 6:10-18).
You can also read this
teaching on Pastor Claude’s blog at www.theshepherdofhope.blogspot.com
[1]Strong,
James: The New Strong's Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words. Nashville
: Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1996, S. H8674
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