The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 531

God’s people, he finally succeeded in bringing upon them by seducing
them into sin. When they transgressed God’s commandments, then they
separated themselves from Him, and they were left to feel the power of
the destroyer.
Satan is well aware that the weakest soul who abides in Christ is
more than a match for the hosts of darkness, and that, should he reveal
himself openly, he would be met and resisted. Therefore he seeks to
draw away the soldiers of the cross from their strong fortification, while
he lies in ambush with his forces, ready to destroy all who venture upon
his ground. Only in humble reliance upon God, and obedience to all His
commandments, can we be secure.
No man is safe for a day or an hour without prayer. Especially
should we entreat the Lord for wisdom to understand His word. Here
are revealed the wiles of the tempter and the means by which he may
be successfully resisted. Satan is an expert in quoting Scripture, placing
his own interpretation upon passages, by which he hopes to cause us to
stumble. We should study the Bible with humility of heart, never losing
sight of our dependence upon God. While we must constantly guard
against the devices of Satan, we should pray in faith continually: “Lead
us not into temptation.”

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