January 2. Satan the destroyer

Readings: Gen 3:1 – 4:26, Psalm 2: 1-6, Proverbs 1:5-6, Matthew 2:1-23

Genesis 3

V1. It doesn’t take long before we see the arrival of Satan. His aim in life is to destroy or steal everything God has made or done. Here is God’s perfect creation & relationship with mankind but Satan comes to destroy. This is one reason why we need to be aware of his schemes (but not afraid) because he will always attempt to spoil our relationship with God. How often do we find that just after a time where we feel really close to God something happens which affects what has just happened.

V1 – 6. Two of Satan’s best weapons are doubt and lies. He will do his best to ensure that we do not know the truth. This is why it is essential to know what the word of God says, not what we think it says. This is why we must always check out the Scriptures as our ultimate authority. Notice too how temptation works – Satan suggests that there are benefits to them eating from the tree. How often do we justify something we know to be wrong because there are “benefits”. This is really disobedience & will always lead us into sin. The devil does the same with unbelief. For example, ‘Is God really interested in the minutest detail of your life?’ (Of course He is)

V 7-8. Sin will always lead to guilt. Guilt is an awareness of sin brought about by the Holy Spirit. It is God acting in mercy to point out that we have stepped out of line. It is possible to ignore guilt but eventually this leads to hardness of heart.

V 12-13. The blame game. This is our human nature to blame someone else, why do toddlers say ‘is wasn’t me’ when confronted with the crayon on the newly painted wall?. But God holds us personally responsible for our sin. Thank Him for His grace!

V15. This explains our daily conflict. We are in a war with the devil. The devil is not some mythical or comical figure but is our enemy. We need to know our enemy. The good news is that from the seed of woman Jesus was born. At Calvary He struck the head of Satan & so in Him we have victory.

V 17- 19. I’m not a fan of gardening or physical work come to that (I prefer brain work to manual work) but when I do anything in the garden I always think of these verses. It doesn’t really just mean physical work, but that life is much harder than it should be. God should be our provider. Life on earth differs to life in heaven, but as a result of sin. So sickness, death, poverty, hunger, sorrow, bondage, injustice etc are the consequences.
It was from these things that Jesus came to set us free. This is what it means for Jesus to bring His kingdom to earth. (See Isaiah 61)
V21. Even though God was angry, He was still gracious enough to provide clothing.

Chapter 4. Cain & Abel

V 1-8. This is a story of what is in the heart. Why was Abel’s sacrifice acceptable to God whereas Cain’s wasn’t? It was because of the motives in their hearts. God gives Cain some great advice in verse 7, which we do well to learn too. God tells Cain that sin is out to get him, but he must master it. We must master sin & with the power of the Holy Spirit & a right motive towards God we are able to do so.

Psalm 2

If we stand back once in a while & look at things as God sees them, we realise the futility of what the world does with life. We have the angry people, the greedy people, the dictators, the intellectuals, the atheists. All are going their own way and against God. But here we read that God laughs. God is in control & nothing or no one can come against Him. The only thing which moves God is heartfelt repentance & a desire to seek Him.

Proverbs 1

V 5&6. Congratulations, you are taking the right steps to becoming wise! This is a promise that as we read through the Bible in a year, your wisdom will increase & you will start to understand even some of the most difficult passages. In 1 Cor 2, Paul talks about the hidden wisdom of God, which God reveals by His Spirit. Ask God to fill you with His Spirit & give you the mind of Christ.

Matthew 2.

Notice again how quickly the devil is on the scene trying to kill Jesus through King Herod. Again the importance of a relationship with God where we hear His voice & then act in obedience is seen here. What if Joseph hadn’t followed the dream & escaped to Egypt?