Believers must put on the full armor of God. Eph.6. Christians are to Stand Firm in the faith and heed to the word of God. As we persevere in the Faith, we must stand firm and not be duped or discouraged by the schemes of the devil and those who act as his agents in disguise.
But one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have forgiven if I have forgiven anything, I did it for the sakes in the presence of Christ, so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan for we are not ignorant of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:10, 11
1 Peter 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Satan opposes everything Christ does, including those who serve Him. Christ revealed the truth in John 1:17, but Satan conceals the truth.
Those who belong to Satan replicate his ways. In John 8:44, Jesus said; Satan, “ does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
True Believers imitate Christ and are obedient to His will and His ways. Christ produces spiritual fruit in our lives…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Gal. 5: 22-23
But Satan loves the fleshly fruit of “immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outburst of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these.”
Betrayal
Judas had been with Christ for 3 years, observing his works, and listening to his words. He was aware of Christ’s perfection and power, but Judas refused to repent and believe in Christ for salvation. God therefore turned him over to Satan. Luke 22:3-5 “Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve. And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them. They were glad and agreed to give him money.
Judas sold out Christ
Satan made Judas his tool by filling his mind with traitorous thoughts and moving his will to act on them. This is mental possession, giving Satan control of the mind, heart, and will. “Satan entered into Judas” by no compulsion but as a welcome master who is received by a willing slave.
You know when someone belongs to the devil when their behavior is always attacking your faith in Christ and disrupting your fruitful work for the lord. The bible tells us to resist the devil.
James 4:7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Remembering what the scripture says in Romans 12:18,19 “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.