More of Satan’s Devices Exposed

Thomas Brooks, Part 6

Finally, finally, we’re wrapping up our series on Thomas Brooks’ book Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices. If you’re relieved, I think Satan might be even more so, as Brooks exposes his lies and machinations with brilliance and clarity. These devices are from the appendix. I have no idea why Brooks relegated them to the appendix, as they seem every bit as pertinent to me as the main sections, but here you go.

Device 1: Satan wars against us by bombarding us with thoughts about the greatness and vileness of our sins so that we become discouraged and heavy laden

Remedies:

i. Consider that the greater your sins are, the more you stand in need of a Savior.

To me, this is one of the key “spiritual survival skills” that earnest Christians must learn: allowing even our sins to draw us into worship, as our sins remind us of our need for a Savior and into the realization that Jesus is the perfect Savior. We value that which we know we need, and if we sinners need anything, we need a savior. Which, of course, means we need Jesus.

ii. Remember the promise of grace and mercy to returning souls.

iii. Remember that the greatest sinners have obtained mercy and therefore you may obtain mercy, like Manasseh.

Manasseh was the 14th king of Judah. He lived an egregiously wicked life and led Judah astray, but repented later in his life and returned to the Lord.

iv. Remember that Jesus has never refused the worst of sinners who are willing to receive him, believe in him and rest upon him for happiness and blessedness.

v. The greater sinner you are, the dearer your return to Christ will be to him, as the dearer we pay for anything, the dearer that thing is to us.

vi. Consider that the longer you keep off from Christ, the greater and stronger your sins will grow.

vii. Consider that there is nothing in Christ to discourage the greatest sinner from believing in Him, and everything in Christ encourages the greatest sinner to believe on him.

Has a more beautiful sentence of Christian faith ever been written outside of Scripture itself? This must certainly be a candidate for that title.

Device 2: Satan reminds sinners of their unworthiness and seeks to get them to focus only on that

Remedies:

i. Nowhere in Scripture does God require any worthiness in the creature before believing in Christ.

ii. No one ever believed in Christ and embraced Christ without being unworthy.

iii. If you wait until you are worthy, you will never embrace Christ.

“God has laid up all worthiness in Christ, that the creature may know where to find it, and receive it.”

iv. Recognize that wanting to bring worthiness to Christ reveals pride and folly.

Device 3: Satan discourages sinners from finding salvation by pointing out their lack of preparation and qualifications

Remedies:

i. Many unqualified souls have been brought to Christ, whether through law or grace.

ii. Numerous Scriptures testify to unprepared and unqualified souls embracing Christ.

iii. Nowhere does Scripture require such preparations and qualifications.

iv. The necessary qualification, being sorry for our sin, comes from faith in Christ rather than being a prior requirement to go to Christ.

Device 4: Suggesting Christ’s unwillingness to save

Remedies:

i. Christ’s journey from heaven to earth is evidence of his willingness to save.

ii. Divesting himself of his glory, the trouble Jesus went through to save us, sending ambassadors to reach you, his complaints against those who refuse him, and his joy and his delight in the conversion of sinners are additional evidence of his willingness to save.

Device 5: Satan tempts the sinner to spend more time thinking about “secret decrees and counsels of God” than his own duty.

Remedies:

i. Satan doesn’t know what he’s talking about; he doesn’t know who is truly elect.

ii. Focus on what your role is.

Seven Characteristics of False Teachers

Men-pleasersThey cast discredit and reproach on Christ’s most faithful ambassadorsThey vent their own visions from their own heads and heartsFalse teachers focus on the minor doctrines and miss the greatest thingsFalse teachers cover their falsehoods with clever teaching and fair speechThey are more concerned with gaining followers than helping people live better lives

Isn’t it astonishing how relevant this word is almost four hundred years after it was written?

They “make merchandise of their followers”

Ditto to what I said in point six!

Six Propositions Concerning Satan and His Devices

While Satan does tempt us, don’t lay all your temptations on SatanSatan is behind most sinsSatan must have “double permission” before he can do anything against us: from God and ourselvesOnly spiritual weapons will be effective against Satan (don’t depend on yourself)Scriptural names for Satan reveal his nature: accuser, adversary, tempter, dragon, etc.God will soon tread down Satan under the saints’ feet

Ten Special Helps and Rules Against Satan’s Devices

Walk by the Word of GodDo not grieve God’s Holy SpiritLabor for more heavenly wisdomMake immediate resistance against Satan’s first motions. “It is safe to resist, it is dangerous to dispute.”Labor to be filled with the Holy SpiritKeep humbleKeep a strong, close and constant watch on your soul. “A sleepy soul is already an ensnared soul.”Keep up your communion with God. “A soul high in communion with God may be tempted—but will not easily be conquered.”Don’t engage Satan with your own strength—but daily draw new virtue and strength from the Lord Jesus. “Your strength to stand and overcome must not be expected from graces received in the past—but from the fresh and renewed influences of heaven.”Be much in prayer

If you’d like to purchase Thomas Brooks’ book for more detailed study, you can find it HERE (Gary Thomas is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and Church Source Affiliates Program, advertising programs designed to provide a means for Gary to earn fees through customized links to these sites.)

The post More of Satan’s Devices Exposed appeared first on Gary Thomas.