Chapter - 6 WHY DO WE GROW OLD AND DIE

BEWARE OF SATAN'S TACTICS!

Satan seeks to cause us to practice sin willfully.  (1 John 3:8) Is there any way to avoid being a victim of his schemes?  Yes, but this requires that we fight inclinations toward willful sin.   This is not easy because  our inborn tendency to sin is very strong.  (Ephesians 2:3) Paul had to put up a real struggle.  Why?  Because sin resided in him.  If we want God's approval, we too must fight the sinful tendencies within us. -Romans 7:14-24; 2 Corinthians 5:10.

Since Satan constantly looks for opportunities to lure us into breaking God's laws, our fight against sin is not easy.  (1 Peter 5:8) Showing concern for fellow Christians, Paul said: I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent seduced Eve by its cunning,your minds might be corrupted away from sincerity  and  the chastity that are due the Christ."  (2 Corinthians 11:3)  Satan uses similar tactics today.  He tries to sow seeds of doubt about Jehovah's goodness  and the benefits of obeying God's commands.  The Devil tries to take advantage of our inherited sinful tendencies and have us pursue a course of pride, greed, hatred and prejudice.

One of the devices the Devil uses against us is the  world, which is lying in his power.  (unless you are one of God's servants/worship God  and are protected by him)  (1 John 5:19)  If we are not careful, corrupt and dishonest people in the world around us will pressure us into a sinful course that violates God's moral standards.  (1 Peter 4:3-5) Many ignore God's laws and even brush aside the proddings of their conscience, eventually rendering it insensitive.  (Romans 2:14, 15; 1 Timothy 4:1, 2) Some gradually adopt a course that even their imperfect conscience formerly did  not permit them to take. Romans 1:24-32; Ephesians 4:17-19.

Living a clean life is an achievement in this world.  To please our Creator, however, more is required.  We must also have faith in God and feel a responsibility toward him.  (Hebrews 11:6)  "If one knows how to do what is right and yet does not do it, it is a sin for him," wrote the disciple James.  (James 4:17)  Yes, deliberately ignoring God and his commandments  is itself a form of sin.

Satan is very likely to stimulate opposition to your pursuit  of the knowledge of God through your study of the Bible.  It is sincerely hoped that you will not let such pressures prevent you from practicing what is right.  (John 16:2)  Though many rulers put faith in Jesus during his ministry, they did not confess him because they were fearful of being shunned in their community.  ( John 12:42, 43)  Satan ruthlessly tries to intimidate anyone seeking the knowledge of God.  However, you should always remember and appreciate the wonderful things Jehovah has done.  You may even be able to help opposers to gain the same appreciation. 

As long as we are imperfect, we will sin.  (1 John 1:8)  Nevertheless, we have help in fighting this battle.  Yes, it is possible to come off victorious in our fight against the wicked one, Satan the Devil.  (Romans 5:21) At the end of Jesus' ministry on earth, he encouraged  his followers with these words:  "In the world you are having tribulation, but take courage!  I have conquered the world."   (John 16:33) Even for imperfect humans, it is possible to conquer the world with God's help.  Satan has no hold on those who oppose him and 'subject themselves to God.'  (James 4:7; 1 John 5:18)  As we shall see, God has provided a way out of bondage to sin and death.

Next time:WHAT GOD HAS DONE TO SAVE MANKIND

The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995