Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
Sign 2
The Wiles of the Devil
Today’s Audio Devotion:
The Wiles of the Devil
The word “wiles” in Ephesians 6:11 can be defined as “devious or cunning strategies employed in manipulating or persuading someone to do what one wants.” Synonyms of “wiles” include tricks, ruses, ploys, schemes, maneuvers, gambits, subterfuges, cunning strategies, devices or contrivances employing guile, artfulness, cunning, or craftiness.
All of those words can be used when considering the work of Satan in his attempts to negate or subvert the will and work of God. When contemplating the range of ways Satan acts, it is no wonder that Peter admonishes us to be “sober” and “vigilant” (1 Peter 5:8). Jesus described Satan as a murderer and a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). When he speaks or acts, he lies—and lying is consistent with his character; it is his native language. Satan does not have the power that God has; he is not God’s opposite. Rather, he is evil personified and will do whatever he can to trick, ensnare, and deceive the child of God.
Live a spiritually alert life in Christ, clothed in the spiritual armor of God. In Him is our protection found.
Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees.
William Cowper
For Your Phone or Tablet
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Some 2,600 years ago, God gave King Nebuchadnezzar a dream. In this dream, the king saw a five–part statue made of five different metals (see Daniel 2). Each section represented an empire, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon. Four of these empires have already risen and fallen in history—a clear fulfillment of Daniel's prophetic interpretation. The fifth and final empire indicates a future Europe—a ten nation coalition that will unite under the Antichrist's rule.
You can read about the King's dream and Daniel's interpretation in Daniel 2, but let's take a quick visual look at what you will find:
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King Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon
Daniel's words to the king are clear. "You are this head of gold" (Daniel 2:37–38).
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Medo–Persian Empire
The Medo–Persian Empire conquered Babylon in 539 BC and remained in power for approximately two hundred years (Daniel 5:28).
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Grecian Empire
Greece's Empire succeeded the Medo–Persians (Daniel 8:21).
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Roman Empire
When the Grecian empire was conquered by Rome, all the lands and peoples of the previous kingdoms were assimilated into the Roman Empire through the strengths of the "iron legions of Rome" (Daniel 2:40).
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Future European Coalition
This empire has not yet risen. Daniel foretells a time when the Roman Empire—Europe—will consist of ten kingdoms or leaders. The future Roman Empire will be present on the earth when God sets up His earthly kingdom (Daniel 2:44).