THE ACCUSER
The devil operates in many roles as well in different shades and guises under each role. The devil is not only the deceiver, devourer, tempter, old serpent but also the accuser of our brethren.
Although accusation is basically verbal but it can do a lot of damage. The mouth of gainsayers need stopping (Titus 1:9-11). The critical mouths of avowed enemies need condemning (Isaiah 54:17).
The devil has used the weapon of accusation to destroy the reputation and testimonies of ministers of the gospel. By the time the real truth has been discovered, irreparable damage has been done. The devil has used false accusations to scatter churches, split friendships, etc.
This role of the devil as accuser can easily be overlooked to our own disadvantage. When we are ignorant of this device of the devil, it can be very effective in our lives (2 Corinthians 2:11).
DETERMINATION OF THE ACCUSER
Revelation 12:10,11; Genesis 3:1-6; Job 1:6-22; 2:1-8; Jude 9; Proverbs 6:16-18; Romans 8:1,31-34.
The devil is very determined, constant and consistent in his role as the accuser of the brethren. He is fully engaged in this job – DAY and NIGHT! (Revelation 12:10,11). He never rests. He is bent on securing a verdict of guilty! in the believer’s case.The devil’s ceaseless activity as the accuser of the brethren is seen in the way he pursued Job (Job 1:6-22; 2:1-8). When one accusation fails or is faulted, he devices a new one. He bombards us with accusations and he relentlessly pursues his objective (Genesis 3:1-6).The devil accuses both in life and in death. If he could not secure a verdict against us in life, he will try so at death as when he disputed for the body of Moses wanting to claim it for his own (Jude 9).
DETAILS OF THE ACCUSATION
Genesis 3:1-6; Job 1:6-22; 2:1-8; Revelation 12:10,11; Romans 14:4; Matthew 7:4,5; Galatians 6:1; Proverbs 6:16-18.
There are basically four different ways that the accuser operates in the world today:
(1)Satan accuses God to the believer
Satan paints a picture of a wicked God, an austere God who does like people to enjoy the good things of life. This was his method with Eve. How can you stay in such a beautiful garden as this and yet miss out on all the fruits? Do you think that this your God really loves and cares for you? (Genesis 3:1-6). Satan’s purpose is to discredit God, paint a good picture of himself and lead the believer astray by making him to forsake God and the way of righteousness.
(2)Satan accuses the believer to God
Satan in this method tries to discredit the believer’s commitment as fake. He said there was an ulterior motive behind Job’s consecration. Job is not serving God for nothing he said. He aims to motivate God against the believer (Job 1:6-22; 2:1-8). He accuses the believer before God day and night (Revelation 12:10,11).
(3)Satan accuses other believers to me
Satan accuses other believers to me in order to cause disaffection. Its purpose is to sow discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:16-18). This is the basis of constant fault finding (Romans 14:4).
(4)Satan accuses a believer to himself
There is a difference between conviction and condemnation. The Holy Spirit convicts us that we might repent, get back on the path of righteousness and be blessed. The devil condemns so that we can get depressed, discouraged and then abandon the highway of holiness.
Condemnation is when Satan accuses the believer to himself (Romans 8:1,31-34). The devil works on the heart to bring guilt and condemnation (1 John 3:20,21).
DEFENCE OF OUR ADVOCATE
1 John 2:1,2; John 14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7; Isaiah 49:24-26; Zechariah 3:1-5; Jude 9; Romans 8:1,31-34.
“And if any sin, we have an ADVOCATE with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1).
The Greek word translated ADVOCATE is“Parakletos” which means the helper (1 John 2:1; John 14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7). The meaning is that of a person called to the side of another for help or counsel. The Holy Spirit is our Paraclete (Helper) on earth and Christ is our Paraclete (Helper) in heaven.
The Concise Oxford English Dictionary defines an advocate as a person who supports or speaks in favour of another, pleads for another or a professional pleader in a court of justice.An advocate stands in the gap for his client, intercedes and pleads for mercy, defends the client against injustice and acts to keep the enemy at bay.
The devil may bring strong accusations. We have an advocate with the Father. He will stand up for us. Rather than condemnation, we will be justified (Romans 8:1,31-34). The Lord has promised to contend with those who contend with us (Isaiah 49:24-26; Zechariah 3:1-5; Jude 9).