Chapter Iv. The Power Of Satan A Main Hindrance To Ministerial Success.
CHAPTER IV. THE POWER OF SATAN A MAIN HINDRANCE
TO MINISTERIAL SUCCESS.
The active power and unsearchable subtlety of Satan are always directed against the Christian Ministry, as it is the engine “mighty through God to pull down his strong holds.” 359 This is his grand point of attack upon the Redeemer’s kingdom. Indeed we could scarcely expect, that “the devouring lion” 360 would quietly submit to have his prey wrested from his teeth; or that “the strong-armed man” 361 would resign his spoils without a severe conflict.
The nature and extent of his unceasing opposition are less difficult to conceive than to accurately define. It meets us, however, in every sphere. In the world his influence is palpable, in a general listless inattention to the word of God, and an immediate transition from there into the very vortex of the world 362—in the awful blindness of men to the glory of the Saviour,363 in their thoughtless unconcern for eternity,364 and in his captivating dominion over such vast multitudes,365 who are unable to “deliver their souls,” or to say—“Is there not a lie in my right hand?” 366 ‘The course of this world’ (or what is elsewhere called “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life” 367) is distinctly identified with the power of “the spirit which now works in the children of disobedience.” 368 The same enemy stirs up the natural enmity of the heart to the followers of Christ, and employs with incessant malignity tongues, pens, and influence against the cause of God 369—thus illustrating and sustaining his Scriptural character—as the “prince and the god of this world”—“the father of lies,”—“the old serpent, which deceives the whole world.” 370
In the professing church—this restless enemy works his artful leaven with “all deception of unrighteousness;”371 covering his spiritual wiles with some new and pleasing doctrines, adapted to the taste of the times; and thus poisoning the bread of life by the adulteration of man’s devices. His subtlety is particularly marked in accommodating the forms of deception to the different
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temperaments of his victims. Carnal security suits the world, and succeeds to the utmost of his desires in keeping “his goods in peace.” But such schemes would be ineffectual with a nominal recognition of serious religion. In the Church he “transforms himself into an angel of light” 372—exhibiting either the attractive idol of self-righteousness—or else that most inveterate form of antichrist: dependence on the profession of a pure doctrine.
The Apostle intimates that the general symptoms of Ministerial ineffectiveness may be traced to this source.373 And indeed his active influence is discoverable in every point of detail. The explanation of the growth of the tares among the wheat, is—“An enemy has done this.” 374 The serpent that beguiled Eve through his “subtlety,” still “corrupts” the minds of the weak “from the simplicity that is in Christ.” 375 The Ministerial hindrances from divisions and lack of love among professors,376 and the successful opposition that is sometimes made to plans for Ministerial usefulness—are traced to the secret operation of the same active cause.377 The hypocrisy of professors within the Church,378—or their apostacy from her communion;379 all the successive vicissitudes of her history; all the drawbacks to the full energies of our work—flow from this “fountain” of evil, continually “sending forth bitter waters.”
Individual experience discloses the constant exercise of the same agency. The Christian traces his subtle workings of unbelief to this source 380—his wanderings of heart in prayer 381—his occasional indulgence of self-confidence,382 spiritual pride,383 and worldliness 384—the injection of blasphemous thoughts 385—the power of evil tempers 386—and the general commission of sin;387—all of which, according to their prevalence, are positive hindrances to the holy and blessed influence of our labours. The appalling conflict between the powers of darkness and light is therefore exhibited before us—“the god of this world blinding the eyes of those who do not believe”—while the Ministry of the gospel exhibits “Christ Jesus the Lord,” as the medium by which “God, who commands the light to shine out of darkness, shines into the hearts” of his people with the revelation of his “glory.” 388 Thus, while the active agency of the Evil Spirit by his direct and instrumental operation,389 is counteracting the progress of our work, we may be said indeed to
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“wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” 390