Stop Blaming The Devil: Spiritual Warfare VS Human Responsibility
"The devil made me do it!" But did he? We're challenging the popular excuse and exploring what Scripture actually teaches about spiritual warfare versus battling our own flesh. Join us for an honest conversation about facing our sin, fighting the right battles, and growing in genuine holiness.
Transcript Summary
Joshua Lewis, Michael Rowntree, and Michael Miller dive into a complex topic: moral responsibility in the face of demonic influence. The conversation starts with a playful disclaimer, acknowledging the humorous (and potentially controversial) nature of the subject. The core question explored is whether individuals can truly claim “the devil made me do it,” or if they remain accountable for their actions, even when influenced by demonic forces. To examine this question, the Remnant Radio team draws from a wide range of biblical narratives, including the Fall in the Garden of Eden, Cain’s murder of Abel, King Saul’s torment, and the deception of Ananias and Sapphira.
The hosts emphasized that the scriptures do not excuse humans for their actions. Instead, they showed that from Genesis to Revelation, individuals are held accountable for their choices, even when demonic forces are at play. While acknowledging Satan’s role as a tempter and deceiver, the team stressed that humans have a responsibility to resist temptation, obey God’s commands, and guard their minds against evil influences. The discussion touches on the importance of taking thoughts captive, as described in 2 Corinthians 10:5, and the need to cultivate a heart that loves the truth. The hosts were careful to remind the audience of the need to examine their own lives to not be deceived.
The Remnant Radio team emphasized that while the demonic can influence and exacerbate sinful tendencies, the ultimate responsibility for choosing sin lies with the individual. This requires a balanced approach, recognizing the reality of spiritual warfare while actively cultivating a heart that loves the truth and consistently chooses righteousness. The hosts encouraged listeners to be discerning, mindful of the voices they are listening to, and committed to taking ownership of their thoughts, words, and actions, understanding that God holds us accountable for the choices we make.