By Howard Whittlesey
Synopsis: Satan is an implacable foe: a roaring lion, a devouring dragon, a relentless enemy. Yet, God has provided us with the power to resist his intimidating threats and his whispered enticements.
Public enemy #1 in all the world is Satan. No one on earth seeks to reach and/or exceed limits quite like him. He will therefore be the central figure in hell. In that doleful place, he will not be any less miserable than any soul of man. There will be nowhere to go, no one to whom to turn for rest, solace, consolation, or comfort.
The most terrible tragedy for lost mankind will be the realization that his choice was to listen to Satan, to follow his allurement to the limit from which there is no return. As the rich man was aware of his torment, having reported it to Abraham, all other occupants of hell will have similar stories and suffer exactly the same consequence of reaching or exceeding the limit.
Bear in mind that the limit is not something that is ever sought by a man of God. The true man of God finds obedience a far greater preference than anything that the world can offer or propose. James uses the word “enticed” (Jas. 1:14), which he poses as the point from which all men fail to see and understand the limit. Therefore, he reaches or exceeds the limit, and his reception of the enticement leads him to the conception of his lust. God gave man the choice of how, when, and where they should stop before reaching the limit.
Man’s defense is exactly that of our Savior: “It is written.” This is all he needs to reveal Him whose word is the standard for every thought, word, or deed. John defines very simply the ploy of Satan: “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). This is Satan’s realm of free rein. Man cannot blame God for his having made a reprehensible choice. God is the infinitely perfect mark at which man can look for guidance unto the right and best choice. Understand that choice is one of the empowerments that comes from being made in God’s image. Satan knows this right well.
What are some guidelines that make perfect sense if and when one decides to limit himself to that which God prescribes?
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31).
Other passages that urge the same undefeatable relationship are Psalm 22:23; Matthew 5:16; John 15:8; Romans 15:6; and 1 Corinthians 6:20. Unto glorifying God, no limit is prescribed. God will never deny the prayer of one who asks, “Let your will be done, and let your glory be accomplished.”
Have you ever contemplated God’s design unto the fulfillment of “life’s purpose”? Notice the importance of:
Faithfully serving the Lord (Josh. 24:15)
Seeking God’s kingdom (Matt. 6:33)
Doing the Father’s will (John 4:34)
Finishing the divine task (John 17:4)
Completing the course joyfully (Acts 20:24)
Unto the fulfilling of life’s purpose, using God’s standard, there is no limit.
James said, “Resist the devil” (Jas. 4:7). It may even be advisable to “ignore” the devil. There’s no limit to either of those. The devil will need some of your time in order to entice and lead you to lust and to sin. Thus, the obvious defense is to give him—none—of your time. Be advised: Satan needs so little of your time, for he only plants the seed.
As one reads through the whole Bible, he will be inundated with the realization of how much limitation is tacitly in place for man. If he abides by these limitations, he reveals his effectiveness in the use of fear in his relationship to God. Ponder, if you will: “Enoch walked with God” (Gen. 5:21-24). Does it sound like he had any difficulty with limitation? Does it not rather sound like he dwelt in the unlimited arena of the above passages for glorifying God and fulfilling life’s purpose? How many examples do we need in order to see the path being accessible to, and usable by, all men? What if the proverbial historian were to write the last three words of Genesis 5:24 about someone in the 21st century? Why not you?
