READ: Matthew 16:21-27
“Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” – Psalm 50:5
When Peter said to Jesus, “You will not die on this terrible cross. We will do everything to prevent you from having such an unpleasant experience,” Jesus rebuked him publicly. Unfortunately, decent Peter had been used by Satan to suggest the need for self-preservation. Jesus showed us that men’s craving for self-preservation is of the devil.
Satan’s entry into our lives is through the power of suggestion. When Jesus was attacked by Satan in the wilderness, He had to defend Himself against clever suggestions.
First, is the suggestion to yield to fleshly desires (Luke 4:3). We are constantly urged by the voice of Satan to succumb to our flesh. Jesus was hungry after forty days of fasting and the devil urged Him to follow His flesh. This is the first and basic entry point of demons into your life.
Second, is the suggestion to worship and serve something other than God. This is also a suggestion to choose the quick and easy route to your goal (Luke 4:6-7). It is the voice of no other than Satan which urges you to spend your life, your time, your energy and your money on everything but God’s work. Satan does not mind if you spend your money on politics, football, clothes etc.
Perhaps men are urging you to do certain things but God is urging you to die for Him. We must have the character of Christ. We must take up our crosses and follow Jesus to Calvary. We must embrace the plan of God and reject the deceptions of Satan.