Satan's Gun (Part 2)

Satan shoots the gun, God provides the shield, but only you can hold it up. It may be easier to blame God, others, and even Satan (Genesis 3:13), but sin’s bloody wounds are ultimately one’s own fault. James used personal words: “every man” and “his own" (James 1:14). In other words SIN IS ALWAYS YOUR FAULT (Deuteronomy 24:16; Exodus 32:33; Jeremiah 17:10; Ezekiel 18:4, 20; Galatians 6:5).      

Sin attacks personal desire. Sin wins when natural desire says “yes.” The word “lust” (ἐπιθυμία) does not always refer to sinful desire (Philippians 1:23). Natural desire is from God, but temptation begins to fester when thoughts of going beyond the boundaries persist. While the thought of sin is not the issue, it is the desire to go beyond the law of God that is. Sin feels good because it uses what we are (Hebrews 11:25).  

Temptation is personal. Satan has fired all his bullets at many people (1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Peter 5:9), but it doesn’t mean that every one of them inflicts everyone. Perhaps one’s past, one’s environment, or genetics may have a part to play in one's being easily tempted in a certain area. No one is tempted with everything, but everyone is tempted with something and that something is very specific to the individual. If you get hit, know that the bullet was intended to get YOU. Be aware of what bullets are coming your way.  

Sin is a choice (1 John 3:4). Sin is transgression from law. It is impossible to make someone transgress the law, he must decide for himself that he will do so. The spirit in man sins when man himself CHOOSES to do so; one is not born that way. Some attempt to blame others for being tempted by the bait (Exodus 32:21-24; 1 Samuel 15:15, 21). Excuses include:

• “It’s the other person’s fault.” “I couldn’t help it.”

• “Everybody’s doing it.”

• “It was just a mistake.”

• “Nobody’s perfect.”

• “I didn’t know it was wrong.”

• “The devil made me do it.”

• “I was pressured into it.”[1]

No fisherman would throw the fish back in because it said, “I didn’t know the hook was in the bait” or “nemo made me do it.” Some attempt to blame sin on “sinful nature” as if one is just disposed to sin; however, natural desires are not necessarily the problem, it is the desire to use our bodies to do something unlawful that is; which would be a choice!

What are some practical ways to put up the shield when the bullets fly by? 

• Do something extreme (take a cold shower,[2] scream into your pillow, or go for a drive) (Genesis 39:7-12; Matthew 5:29-30).

• Think about some Scriptures (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). Recall specific Scriptures for specific sins. 

• Talk to God about it (Matthew 6:13). Are you more likely to fall into sin when in devotion to God or not in devotion with God?

The more that you take responsibility for your wounds, the more you will go to the doctor for repair.

Endnotes

[1]James. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1992. Accessed July 2, 2025. ProQuest Ebook Central.

[2]Text Conversation with Chandler Francis.