18 FEBRUARY
Arts and crafts
‘Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made.’ Genesis 3:1
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: 1 Corinthians 10:1–13
The design of Satan was doubtless to dishonour and affront God and to destroy man, whose happiness he envied. But see how he was taken in his own craftiness: hereby occasion was opened for the revelation of God’s glory in justice and in grace, and man was raised from the misery into which Satan plunged him, to a nobler and more established happiness than that in which he was at first created. We may admire and say as Romans 11:33 [O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding out!]
Observe his wiles. I doubt not but in this first temptation might be noticed the chief traces of all the arts he practises to this day upon Adam’s posterity and that the steps by which he prevailed show much of the workings of the hearts of all men under his influence. But I do not believe that the line of my experience is sufficient to sound the depths of this mystery of iniquity. It is a mercy if we can say, We are not altogether ignorant of his devices [2 Corinthians 2:11].
You that are seeking the Lord, wonder not that Satan is against you. Be humble and continue in prayer. But remember who has conquered him. Make the name of Jesus your high tower and take to you the armour of God.
FOR MEDITATION:
The castle of the human heart
But JESUS, stronger far than he,
Strong in its native sin;
In his appointed hour
Is guarded well, in every part,
Appears, to set his people free
By him who dwells within.
From the usurper’s power.
For Satan there, in arms, resides,
‘This heart I bought with blood,’ he says,
And calls the place his own;
‘And now it shall be mine’;
With care against assaults provides,
His voice the strong one armed dismays,
And rules, as on a throne.
He knows he must resign.
SERMON SERIES: GENESIS, NO. 5 [2/4], GENESIS 3:1
