Acts 16:6 π 1 Ths. 2:18
VICTORY OVER THE DEVIL AS HINDERER: "We would fain have come unto you...but Satan hindered us" ( 1 Ths. 2:18 ), wrote Paul, who was able to discern between the hindering of Satan, and the restraining of the Holy Spirit of God. ( Acts 16:6; top ) This again means knowledge, and power to discern Satan's workings and schemings, and the obstacles he places in the paths of the children of God; obstacles which look so "natural," and so like "Providence," that numbers meekly bow their heads and allow the Hinderer to prevail.
Power to discern comes
1) by knowledge that Satan can hinder;
2) by observing the objective of the hindrances, and
3) close observation of his methods along this line;
e.g., is it God or Satan withholding money from missioners preaching the Gospel of Calvary, and giving abundance to those who preach error, and teachings which are the outcome of the spirit of anti-Christ?
Is it God or Satan hindering a believer by "circumstances," or, "sickness," from vital service important to the Church of God?
Is it God or Satan urging a family to remove their residence, without reasonable grounds, to another neighbourhood, when it involves the removal of another member from a strategic vantage ground of service to God, with no other worker to take his place?
Is it God or Satan leading Christians to put first their
1) health,
2) comfort,
3) social position, in their decisions,
rather than the needs and the exigencies of the kingdom of God?
Is it God or Satan who "hinders" service for God through members of a family making objections; or troubles in business which give no time for such service; or through property losses, etc.?
Knowledge of the Hinderer, means victory by prayer over his schemes, and workings. The believer should therefore know his wiles.
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