Jesus says we can know about the roots of something when we look at its fruit. That is true of many things in life. It’s also a good way to find out if advice being given is good or not. What will result from the guidance offered. When God speaks His words bring wisdom, joy and peace. Satan, however, brings bondage and defeat. God convicts while Satan condemns, God clarifies while Satan confuses, and God confirms while Satan contradicts.
Further, God loses while Satan captures. God’s voice brings us freedom, there are no strings attached. “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” Following Satan’s voice brings bondage, we are trapped and taken
(2 Timothy 2:26).
Satan says, “Do your own thing, do what you want to do.” God says, “Consider the effects of your behavior on others. Live a selfless, self-giving life.” Satan says, “Live for the moment.” God says, “Live with an eye on eternity.” Satan says “Don’t concern yourself with what others say.” God says, “Receive godly counsel.” Satan says, “You’re as mature as you ever need to be. You’re grown up.” God says, “Continue to grow and mature and to become more and more like Jesus.” In all these Satan’s advice, while appealing to our flesh, leads to bondage and defeat. God’s will, instead, bring freedom and life.
God convicts while Satan condemns, God clarifies while Satan confuses, and God confirms while Satan contradicts. God chooses while Satan captures.
In addition, God constrains but Satan constricts. God draws us by His love and gives us a desire to want to live for Him. “For Christ’s love compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). Moving from sin to following God is like taking a shower when we are really dirty because we know how good we’ll feel afterwards. Satan’s communication does not bring that. It constricts, limits, makes us feel dirtier and ineffective. We feel discouraged and hopeless.
Satan is like the salesman trying to force us to make a decision we aren’t quite sure of, telling us if we don’t buy now it’ll be too late. God respects our free will and doesn’t force us. He gives us time to think the alternatives through. When we feel forced, pushed or in a hurry we can know Satan is speaking, not God. God is never in a hurry/
So in summary we see that God convicts while Satan condemns, God clarifies while Satan confuses, and God confirms while Satan contradicts. God chooses while Satan captures. God constrains but Satan constricts.
The way to tell Satan’s voice from God’s voice is to run what you hear through the following
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India, Africa & Spanish Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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