which appears like courtesy or refinement must , in some sense , pertain to Christ . Never was there a greater mistake . These qualities should grace the character of every Christian , for they would exert a powerful influence in favor of true religion ; but they must be consecrated to God , or they also are a power for evil . Many a man of cultured intellect and pleasant manners , who would not stoop to what is commonly regarded as an immoral act , is but a polished instrument in the hands of Satan . The insidious , deceptive character of his influence and example renders him a more dangerous enemy to the cause of Christ than are those who are ignorant and uncultured .
By earnest prayer and dependence upon God , Solomon obtained the wisdom which excited the wonder and admiration of the world . But when he turned from the Source of his strength , and went forward relying upon himself , he fell a prey to temptation . Then the marvelous powers bestowed on this wisest of kings only rendered him a more effective agent of the adversary of souls .
While Satan is constantly seeking to blind their minds to the fact , let Christians never forget that they " wrestle not against flesh and blood , but against principalities , against powers , against the rulers of the darkness of this world , against wicked spirits in high places ." Ephesians 6:12 , margin . The inspired warning is sounding down the centuries to our time : " Be sober , be vigilant ; because your adversary the devil , as a roaring lion , walketh about , seeking whom he may devour ." 1 Peter 5:8 . " Put on the whole armor of God , that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil ." Ephesians 6:11 .
From the days of Adam to our own time , our great enemy has been exercising his power to oppress and destroy . He is now preparing for his last campaign against the church . All who seek to follow Jesus will be brought into conflict with this relentless foe . The more nearly the Christian imitates the divine Pattern , the more surely will he make himself a mark for the attacks of Satan . All who are actively engaged in the cause of God , seeking to unveil the deceptions of the evil one and to present Christ before the people , will be able to join in the testimony of Paul , in which he speaks of serving the Lord with all humility of mind , with many tears and temptations .
Satan assailed Christ with his fiercest and most subtle temptations , but he was repulsed in every conflict . Those battles were fought in our behalf ; those victories make it possible for us to conquer . Christ will give strength to all who seek it . No man without his own consent can be overcome by Satan . The tempter has no power to control the will or to force the soul to sin . He may distress , but he cannot contaminate . He can cause agony , but not defilement . The
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