“I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now is come the salvation, the power, and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ; for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night.” Revelations 12:10

Accuser: a plaintiff, to charge with some offense, accuse, object

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11

As the Holy Spirit is the sanctifier, Satan is the tempter. The devil is always looking for a hole in your coat. (Keep the full armor on) Remember that the devil knocks on the door of your will.

1. Satan places his thoughts in your mind so you think that it is your thoughts and bares the shame for them as Satan slips out of the picture having dropped his destructive load.

2. Satan magnifies the sins of the saints to discredit the believers. The devil wants to crush you. God comes to convict not crush. Nathan came to see the captive free when he confronted David with his sin. Satan will whisper, “God will never use you die to your wickedness”. The devil plants seeds of doubt to represent your sins as exceeding God’s mercy.

3. Satan appoints himself as judge and jury to try the saints. The devil goes to church as much as you if not more. He wants to hand you the verdict of guilty. The guilt disappears with the reliance on the blood of the New Covenant. If the devil can rob you of your righteousness he can rob you of your joy.

4. Satan tries to rob the saints of their covenant promise.

“That no advantage may be gained over us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.” 2 Corinthians 2:11

The devil will tell you that you are not sorry enough for your sin.

There are 2 kinds of proportions of sorrow:

A. Equal sorrow for the sin (is not feasible) = the injury done in the least sin is infinite.

“For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he has become guilty of all.” James 2:10

B. Gospel sorrow is repentance unto life = Satan will tell you that there is not enough sorrow – You cannot answer to sin with your own sorrow – Jesus is the bridge through true heart repentance.

“For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world works death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10

Such sorrow as shall be exercised towards God in view of sin; which shall arise from a view of the evil of sin as committed against a holy God.

“Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”" Acts 2:37

Pricked to the heart (cut to the heart): to pierce through, to agitate violently, prick.

The heart is the seat of life. If your heart is false, the gospel can’t help. If you are sincere, you have boldness with God.

“Beloved, if our hearts don’t condemn us, we have boldness toward God.” 1 John 3:21

Correct Reaction to the Devil’s Accusations

1. Let his accusations make you more careful,

Keep your slate clean – Read God’s Word faithfully.

“That he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word.” Ephesians 5:26

Allow no dark place in your heart.

“Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to send forth an evil odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.” Ecclesiastes 10:1

Spurgeon said, “Rudeness, irritability, levity, parsimony, egotism, and a thousand other injurious flies have often turned exquisite perfume of a Christian’s life into a pestilent odor to those who were around him.”

A foolish act ruins the character of him who has the reputation of being wise and good. We must judge our sins – allow no flies in your ointment – don’t lose anointing.

2. Let them make you more humble.

Be honest with yourselves, and admit that some of his charges are true. Acknowledge your sin.

3. Let them show you the fallacy of his logic.

He will persuade you that you are no good, useless, unworthy. The best of saints have corruptions within them. God sees your weakness.

Devil’s lie tells you that God won’t accept anything that you offer God due to the influence of the old nature. Yes, all debts must be paid, but Jesus is the paymaster.

God’s Response to Satan’s Accusations

1. God uses Satan’s schemes to make His saints wise.

God unmasks the devil – Some wicked men sin with the evil purpose of troubling the saint’s spirits – opposition sharpens the saint’s sword.

2. God uses Satan’s tricks to make His saints thankful.

Satan plots to undermine your comfort, but God keeps him our of your yard. The favor of God defends you from the wicked one.

“But you, God, are a shield around me, My glory, and the one who lifts up my head.” Psalm 3:3

“For you will bless the righteous. God, you will surround him with favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12

This should fill your heart with gratitude.

The Believer’s Preparation

1. Beware of Satan as a seducer.

Satan uses tools. The devil will use the fossils of your old nature, He uses your past. God gives you a new house, a new heart.

“And I will make your tongue cleave to the roof of your mouth, that you shall be mute, and shall not be to them a reprover; for they are a rebellious house.” Ezekiel 36:26

This is the covenant promise.

2. Cling to God’s promise of justification.

“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God set forth to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God’s forbearance.” Romans 3:24-25

A saint without assurance of salvation is open to turmoil. In Christ you have a hiding place.

“But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.” Romans 4:5