"Accuser of the Brethren" Rev. 12:10, “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of the brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” It is impossible to do the will of God without creating change; and change causes some to stumble. Without the mind of Christ, we are susceptible to stumbling and becoming a detriment to the Kingdom of God. Paul wrote that the carnal (natural) mind is enmity with God and can not understand the things of God (Rom. 8: 6-7). Most all of us are indicted by this scripture for we all tend to walk by sight rather than by faith being led by Holy Spirit. When we walk by sight we can easily be deceived because not everything is as it appears. 2 Cor. 4:18 states, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” If we were honest with ourselves, we would have to admit that most of our lives are bound up in what is only temporary, not eternal. Lack of proper spiritual priority can lead to mistaken opinions and even accusations made against others. The feature scripture above clearly refers to Satan as the accuser of the brethren. This is a significant statement which says that Satan accused the brethren before God day and night. The prophet Isaiah described Lucifer’s fall from heaven and from the presence of God in Isaiah 14: 12-17. Satan and his demon followers were cast out of heaven to roam the earth. After Satan’s fall, he no longer had access to the throne of God. The only ones who have access to God’s throne are believers. Heb.4: 16 states, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” If angels and believers are the only ones who have access to the throne of God, then it must be believers who are accomplishing Satan’s purpose of accusing the brethren before God! Gossip, slander, spreading rumors, even prayer requests couched in innuendo is the means of accusing the brethren even when accomplished in a pious, religious manner. Unfortunately, much of this activity is not even recognized as satanic accusation and condemnation that tears up the body of Christ. I have heard it said that Satan is more comfortable in some churches than is Holy Spirit. This is particularly true where accusation and pointing of fingers is common place. Constructive criticism is much different than destructive criticism. The difference is in the motivation behind the criticism. Constructive criticism has the love of Jesus Christ behind it as it corrects, teaches and helps a person to prosper. Destructive criticism is spawned by an embittered spirit that is not about correction but tearing down and destroying other’s reputations and lives. This satanic spirit is active in many churches. Its demonic strategy is to destroy the shepherd, scatter the sheep, and harden the hearts of those left behind. This demonic strategy, if not discerned and cast out, will stop any move of God in a church, a city or a region. Unfortunately, some believers have been deceived by this satanic spirit of accusation and cause disruption wherever they go. These people believe that they are doing God’s will by perpetuating accusation and discord. They can be identified because they are easily offended, while causing strife and contention wherever they go. These individuals often appear to be spiritually mature and usually have a small group of new believers who eagerly follow them from church to church. Some pastors eagerly accept these new members and quickly place them in positions of leadership, much to their deep regret soon after. I have seen too many fellowships where Holy Spirit was moving and people were being converted and growing in Christ that were stung by this satanic spirit which destroyed the momentum of Holy Spirit. Peoples’ criticism can easily manipulate and control. Our peace must not be governed by the acceptance or the rejection of men. The Holy Spirit desires to inoculate us from both the “criticism” and the “praise” of men. This inoculation requires a spiritual death to self. Gal. 2:20 states, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Everything that Satan would use to destroy us is redeemed by God’s love and then used to perfect us! The greatest adversity that we face works the greatest death of self and brings us closest to God. Jas. 1:2-4 declares, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” In reality, we should love and appreciate our enemies and the trials of life because they drive us closer to God, and we would not reach our blessed position without them. Amen.
Posted on: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:45:40 +0000
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