Is Satan Real?

Should We Fear Satan?

It is very hard to detect. Colorless, odorless, it may catch its victims unaware. Perhaps  over half of all deaths by poisoning worldwide may be traced to this single: carbon monoxide. However, there is no need to panic. There are ways to detect that gas and to protect yourself. Many people wisely install warning monitors and then carefully heed any alarms. 

Like carbon monoxide, Satan is invisible, very hard for humans to detect, extremely dangerous.  But God has not left us without help. You need not fear Satan if you take advantage of the following gifts God offers. 

The power of choice. James 4:7 tells us:  "Oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you."  Although Satan is powerful, he cannot force you to do things that you do not want to do. You have a choice. First Peter 5:9 says:  "Take your stand against him [the Devil], firm in the faith." Remember, Satan left after Jesus firmly rejected the three temptations. (Matthew 4:11) You can likewise choose to resist Satan's efforts.  

Note: Yes, but also remember, he doesn't have a lot of time left to do his damage to everyone and everything he can, so it will harder to resist Satan and his evil tricks and machinations. This is why you need very strong faith in God, especially now in the last days. 

Divine friendship.  James 4:8 encourages us to  "draw close to God."  Jehovah personally invites you  to cultivate a friendship with him. How can you do that? The best way to start is to learn more about him from the Bible.  (John 17:3)  What you learn about Jehovah will move you to love him, and that love will, in  turn, motivate you to do his will.  (1 John 5:3) As you draw closer to your heavenly Father, how will he respond?  James continues:   "[God] will draw close to you." 

The promise of protection.  Proverbs 18:10 reads: "The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into the righteous one runs and receives protection."  Of course, that does not mean that God's personal name is some kind of good-luck charm.. Rather, it means that those who truly revere God's name can call on him  for protection at any time. 

Next time: Conclusion of: Is Satan Real?-A practical example

From the Watchtower magazine, 2014