More Cunning
The Bible tells us that the serpent is more cunning than any beast. Genesis 3:1 NKJV, “Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made.” We also know that the serpent is representative of Satan. Just as Satan asked the woman, continuing in 3:1 of Genesis, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” and in verses 4-5, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
When Satan deceived mankind, sin entered into the world. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were made to God for the atonement of our sins. God had something better in mind. He would free us from the curse of sin and death by making a new covenant with Him. This was accomplished through His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. Romans 8:2-4 NKJV , “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin. He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” What this scripture is saying is that we are redeemed from the curse that fell on man when sin entered into the world. This is true for those who have been saved and born again. It is for those who do not walk according to their flesh but according to the Spirit.
I share these scriptures with you because just as Satan deceived Eve, he will try to deceive us also. Did God really redeem you from the curse? Are you really forgiven? Look at all the mistakes you’ve made…these are the kinds of things he will try to plant in our minds and hearts to cause doubt…to doubt God. Romans 8:1 NKJV, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
God is rich in mercy and does not speak condemnation over us. What we must keep in mind is that He has given us free will. We have the choice to choose. If we choose to rebel and willfully walk in rebellion, that puts us outside of the will of God and we break covenant with Him. We are then subject to curses in our lives (evil coming upon someone). This is where Satan comes in to try to make you a child of wrath. John 10:10 NKJV reminds us, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…”
As I have shared with you, God is not a God of condemnation. We must be quick to repent from our disobedience to God. We renounce our disobedience and the works of the devil and command him to leave in the name of Jesus. The Bible gives us clear instruction, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7 NKJV).” I thank God that His tender mercy and loving kindness draws us to repentance!
I want to share this prayer with you. I read this on BibleResources.org. I know sometimes we reach a moment when we aren’t sure what to say or pray. This is just something to use to get you started and guide you in your own prayer.
Father, I ask you first to forgive me for my sins and cleanse me from any area where I have allowed the devil to enter my life. I renounce any involvement with the works of darkness. In the name of Jesus, I now cancel every curse, and Father, I ask you to forgive the people who have spoken against me. I thank you that those curses will no longer operate against me. In Jesus’ name, they are broken right now, by the power of Almighty God. I cancel every evil that was spoken against me and my family with your protection according to Your Word in Psalm 91. Amen.
I want to close out by sharing some wisdom with you that I feel the Lord shared with me in my quiet time.
1. Do not be led by your emotions.
2. Do not be led by your anger.
3. Do not be led by your own wisdom and understanding.
I pray that the Lord would bless you and give you deeper understanding of His word and will for your life. In Jesus name. Amen.
©2023 Leslie Wittenmyer—all rights reserved