Beware of the Enemy's Temptations

By Archdeacon Habib Guirgus

When the devil throws us with his arrow and terrorizes us by his war, this is not only slander and anger against us, but also because he is an enemy of God, and is in violation with Him. And since the devil cannot harm God, so he avenges from His creatures by deceiving them, to let them share his torment, eternally.

O, beloved: contemplate on this; when you resist the devil and fight back, you are not only pushing evil away but also defending God's dignity.

So, it is better for you to die and be hurt while enduring the resistance against this savage war, than hurting God by accepting the enticing, deception and seduction of the evil.

Do not think for a moment that you are fighting alone, for God will grant you the victory over your enemy; "Arise, O Lord! O God, lift up Your hand! Do not forget the humble. Why do the wicked renounce God?" (Psalm 10:12, 13), "Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help. Also draw out the spear, and stop those who pursue me. Say to my soul, 'I am your salvation'" (Psalm 35:2, 3).

"Fear not. For I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you" (Isaiah 43:1, 2).

Satan does not offend us unless he sees weakness residing in our souls. He always searches for the weak spots in us to put his traps, as the clever hunter does when he hunts his birds. Many times he fights us, seduces us, and gets us through our desires.

Don't you see that he befell our father Adam through Eve, Samson through Delilah who loved him, King Solomon through the love of foreign women and Judas Iscariot through the love of money? So, be like a clever physician, and remedy your deficiencies, and sicknesses; defeat your pride by meekness and humbleness, cure your boast by despising the ego. Beware and do not boast by the superficial matters, for the devil can be in the form of an angel of light! And can pour his poison in the fat! And probably put his delicious bait in the fishing rod, plant his traps to befell you in his nets, and deceive you by letting you believe that good and benefit is in following him! Do not be deceived or enticed, but rather, study and investigate all matters to be safe from the devil's hurt.

Did not Judas betray His Master? Did not Joab kill Amsia, while he pretended to be his friend and honest man? Depend on God and hand Him over the driving seat. Return to Him in everything. Let Him be your support and refuge: let Him be all-in-all.