Sifted By Satan
Satan the Accuser brings charges of offences against God’s children and demands for trial to examine them as the Children of God. There are proceedings that must first transpire in order for Satan to implement this course of action. Therefore we are going to take a look at what proceeds this action, therefore we will be able to ascertain better how we can keep this from happening to us. We are going to begin this study in Luke chapter 22 verse 28 but first lets take a moment to put this in prospective who is Christ speaking to? His disciples, they have just partaken of the Holy Communion which is the Bread of Life-Christ’s Flesh which is the in-depth truth of The Word of God, and the Wine which is the atoning blood of Christ, For an in-depth study see This do in remembrance of me. So we see the disciples have partaken of the in-depth truth and the atoning blood of Christ that quickens us. Without any further ado lets begin.
Luke 22:28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
Remember he is speaking to his disciples. Christ tells us who his disciples are John8:31 ¶ Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, IF YE CONTINUE IN MY WORD, THEN ARE YE MY DISCIPLES INDEED; Continued in the Greek is diameno which means to stay constantly it used only 5 times (Grace). Think on a deeper level who is it that has stayed with the Father even since and during the Katabole (the overthrow of Satan?) God’s Elect those that stood for the Father during the 1st earth age and even in this earth age. Temptation in the Greek is peirasmos which means adversity. As stated in 1 Peter 4:12 ¶ Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as YE ARE PARTAKERS OF CHRIST’S SUFFERINGS; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Luke 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
Appoint in the Greek is diatithemia which means to put apart, fig to dispose by assignment, it is used only 7times (spiritual completeness). In Matthew it speaks of this kingdom Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Luke 22:30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
This is speaking of a specific time and a specific people in Ezekiel 44:15 it is speaking to the sons of Zadok those that kept the charge of my sanctuary; in the 16th verse it states that they shall come near to my table and minister unto me, and in the 24th verse it tells us that in controversy they shall stand in judgment and judge it according to my judgments.
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
Simon means Hearing- Think of those that have ears that hear. Satan which in the Greek means Accuser from the Webster’s dictionary accuse means to charge with fault, offence, or crime. Desired in the Greek is exaiteomia which means demand (for trial), it is used only 1 time and that is here. Sift in the Greek is siniazo it comes from sinion (a sieve); to riddle (fig.); From a Webster’s dictionary one of the definitions of Sift is to examine closely.Wheat is symbolic of God’s Children as we are told in the parable of the Sower Matthew 13. So what does all of this mean? Lets put it all together. The Lord is giving warning to those that have ears that hear the Truth of God’s Word. Satan the one that charges God’s children with faults, offences, or crimes; has demanded for trial one of God’s Children, in order to examine us as a Children of God. This applies to each and everyone of God’s Children (those that have ears that hear and continue in His Word).
Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Prayed in the Greek is deomai which means to beg (as binding oneself) that is to petition; it is used 22 times ( Light ). Fail in the Greek is ekleipo which means to cease (die); it is used 4 times ( Creation this earth age). Converted in the Greek is epistrepho which means to revert (lit.fig. or morally); it is used 44 times ( 40-probation + 4-creation-this earth age). Strengthen in the Greek is sterizo which means to set fast i.e. (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, (fig) to confirm; it is used 14 times ( deliverance-salvation). Think about what has been said Our Advocate has petitioned that our Faith fail not when we are tried and examined by Satan, see how much Love is in that statement, when we Fall short or turn out of the Way Our Lord has Prayed for us that our faith fail not. Also take into consideration Daniel 11:35. We also see here a set of instructions what we are to do when we have been tried and examined by the Accuser when we revert-(WD- to return to a former habit, practice, belief, ir condition), we should set fast-strengthen our brethren. There are proceedings that must transpire in order for Satan to implement this course of action, therefore we are going to take a look what proceeds these action therefore we will be able to ascertain better how we can keep this from happening to us.
Lets go to Matthew chapter 16
Matthew 16:21 ¶ From that time forth began Jesus TO SHEW UNTO HIS DISCIPLES, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
It was written that it would come to pass, Hebrews 2:14 tells us why and Psalms 22 tells us how. Must in the Greek is dei it means it is (was etc.) necessary (as binding); this word is used 106 times (100-children of the promise +6-weakness of man-manifestation of sin). See the Lord’s compassion with in this he is foretelling them what would come to pass in order for them to be comforted when it is fulfilled, just as today he comforts his children via the Spirit of Truth and by the testimony of Jesus Christ which is the Spirit of Prophecy.
Matthew 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
Peter loves Christ dearly and doesn’t want him to go through this, natural-flesh emotions can get in the way of doing the Will of God. Yashua Jesus the Christ is the Word of God Rev 19:13, think of the implications of this Peter is rebuking the Living Word. Peter is not thinking spiritual but is allowing those emotions his love to get in the way were he can not see the big picture, never lose focus on the big picture-which is the The will of God.
Matthew 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
We see who was behind this Satan-the Accuser, he utilized Peter’s love for Christ, to set a snare for him. Remember what accuse means to charge with fault, offence, or crime. Offense in the Greek is skandalon which means snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin). Savoriest in the Greek is phroneo it means to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction). We see her Satan setting a trap-snare in order to cause Peter to stumble therefore he would be able to charge him with an offence in order to demand for trial to examine him as a child of God. And we see here Christ rebuking satan and he goes further to add that Satan is the offence before Satan is able to charge Peter with an offence. When one begins to think and act on things of this world it is not of God but rather of the Prince of this world, Satan himself seeking to entrap you.Satan will utilize our love for the Father, His Word, our family and our friends in order to entrap us. When we encounter tribulation, temptations, or persecution in our life consider whither thy be the things of God or the things of man.
Lets take a look at Our Wonderful teacher Yashua Jesus the Christ and how it is that Satan would TRY to entrap him in order that he may accuse him and demand as for trial to be examined. Lets go to Luke chapter 11
Luke 11:52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.
This is Christ himself speaking, to the Scribes and the Pharisees in the prior verses he tells us who they are, the Kenites and who their Father is, Satan himself. This is the same key that is spoken about in Revelations 3:7 the Key of David that opens doors that no man can shut. They entered not in themselves they don’t want to know the Truth because the Truth would convict them. Those that were entering in they hindered, who is the one that hinders? Is it not Satan himself as written in 1 Thessalonians 2:18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but SATAN HINDERED US.
Luke 11:53 And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to URGE him vehemently, and TO PROVOKE HIM TO SPEAK of many things:
Urge in the Greek is enecho which means to hold in or upon, i.e. ensnare; this word is used 4 times (creation-this earth age). Provoke to speak in the Greek apostomatizo it means to speak off-hand (properly, dictate), i.e. to catechize (in an invidious manner) this word is used only 1time and that is here. Catechize from WD means a summary of the principles of a Christian religion, in the form of questions and answers. Invidious from WD means 1. calculated to create ill will.2. offensively or unfairly discriminating. We know from Matthew 15:18 But THOSE THINGS WHICH PROCEED OUT OF THE MOUTH come forth FROM THE HEART; and THEY DEFILE THE MAN.
Luke 11:54 LAYING WAIT for him, and seeking to CATCH SOMETHING OUT OF HIS MOUTH, that they MIGHT ACCUSE HIM.
Laying wait in the Greek is enedreuo which means to lurk, i.e. (figuratively) plot assassination. Catch in the Greek is threuo it means to hunt an animal. Accuse in the Greek is kategoreo which means to be a plaintiff, i.e. to charge with some offence. Remember what Satan means in the Greek accuser, and likewise what accuse mean from the WD to charge with offence. Think in a spiritual manner what is it that defiles a man? The things that proceed out of the mouth, in the case of religion today Satan will utilize many people to seek to entrap you in order to provoke you to stumble so that Satan may charge you with an offence in order to demand as for trial that you be examined as a Child of God. When one teaches falsely what is the penalty for it? Spiritual Death.We can apply this to the present time and the futurist. Christ instructed us in Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
Lets go to Ephesians chapter 4
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Remember the example given of how the Scribes and the Pharisees tried to entrap our Lord and Savior Yashua Jesus the Christ? By seeking to catch something out of his mouth, so that they may accuse him and demand for trial to examine him. We are told in the 27th verse of this chapter to give not place to the Devil. We should weigh our words heavily and speak that which is good-Things of God, rather than corrupt communication which is things of man-this world.
Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Grieve in the Greek is lupeo which means to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad. Sealed in the Greek sphragizo which means to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively). When corrupt communication proceeds from ones mouth it gives Satan a chance to accuse them of an offence and therefore demand for trial in order to examine you, thus grieving the Holy Spirit of God. Don’t look past that what is it that seals you the Holy Spirit of God the Spirit of Truth that teaches you the truth therefore arming you with the Gospel Armor.
Lets go to the 12th chapter of Revealation
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Remember in the Greek satan means Accuser, notice he accuses day and night before God. Tells us how we overcome the accuser by the blood of the lamb which upon repentance in the Name of Yashua Jesus the Christ’s name by which our sins are forgiven us. The word of their testimony which we are told in the 19th chapter of Revelation that the Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy. They Loved not their lives unto death in Hebrews chapter 2 verse 14 that death is the Devil which is satan’s role of tempter-examiner
Lets go to James Chapter 1
James 1:13 ¶ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
Tempted in the Greek is peirazo which means to test, scrutinize (wd examine minutely),; this is the Greek word that is used in reference to the Devil -Tempter in Matthew 4:3 this word is also translated in the English examine. Cannot be tempted in the Greek is apeirastos it means not temptable. Notice that the verse ends with a colon which means what follows is an elaboration on what has been said.
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Keep in mind what Christ told Simon in Luke chapter 22 Satan-the accuser whom charges with offences has demanded for trial to examine thee as a child of God. We are told here that man is tempted-examined, when he is drawn away of his own lust- drawn away in the Greek is exelko which means to drag forth, i.e. (figuratively) to entice (to sin) this word is used only once and that is here. And enticed here in the Greek is deleazo which means to entrap, this word is used only 3 times here and 2 Peter 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling <1185> unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 2 Peter 2:18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure <1185> through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. Remember who it was that sought to ensnare Christ in order to accuse him in Luke chapter 11- and then consider who it is speaking of in these verses.
James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Conceived in the Greek is sullambano it means to clasp, i.e. seize; this word is used 17 times (Victory). Bringeth forth in the Greek is tikto which means to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.). We are told in 1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: FOR SIN IS THE TRANSGRESSION OF THE LAW. When it is finished in the Greek is apoteleo which means to complete entirely, i.e. consummate; this word is used only once and that is here. Death that is Devil as spoken about in Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that HAD THE POWER OF DEATH, THAT IS, THE DEVIL; What is it that brings forth death-Devil? Lust when it has conceived ( which is of the things of Man and not of God) bringeth forth sin and when it is finished bringeth forth death- which is to say the Devil-Tempter-Examiner
James 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
Err in the Greek is planao which means to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)
Lets Go to 1 John chapter 2
1 John 2:1 ¶ My little children, these things write I unto you, THAT YE SIN NOT. And IF ANY MAN SIN, we have an ADVOCATE WITH THE FATHER, JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS:
Advocate in the Greek is parakletos which means intercessor, consoler; (wd advocate means a persons who pleads for or in behalf of another) Jesus Christ the Righteous is our Deffence Lawyer when Satan charges us with offence and demands for trial that we be examined as a Child of God. Christ pleads for us or in our behalf. Don’t look past that Jesus Christ is The Righteous.
1 John 2:2 And HE IS THE PROPITIATION FOR OUR SINS: and not for ours only, but also FOR THE SINS OF THE WHOLE WORLD.
Propitiation in the Greek is hilasmos which means atonement, i.e. (concretely) an expiator ( wd make amends for). We are told in Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; We all strive to become Mature Christians founded in the Word of God whereby we may recognize when we fall short and Repent in the name of Our Lord Yashua Jesus the Christ’s name. It is only through studying and the revealing my the Holy Spirit one can obtain discernment in order to recognize the snares- traps that have been laid for us by Satan. When we endure tribulations in our life we can weigh our actions on a very simple scale are these the things of God or the things of Man which is of this world which is of the Prince of this World Satan himself the Accuser