Satan's Traits
What two bad traits did the Angel have that caused him to sin?
He Envied the worship that was due the Creator, so he Slandered his creator by insinuating that the Creator was holding something back, or was not truthful.
John 8;44 B part...that one was a murderer when he began. He did not stand fast in the truth because the truth is not in him....because he is a Liar and the father of the Lie.
Does Satan always use things that he knows Jehovah hates to entrap us.
No....he can use things common to everyday life to ensnare or entrap Jehovah's servants. Such as working, taking care of the needs of the family, maintaining good health and recreation. If these things get in first place and our worship goes to second place, we can become ensnared by Satan unknowingly.
Who's responsibility is it to act if we are faced with situations that could cause us to stumble?
It's our responsibility as individuals to take action immediatley to remove ourselves from the situation. If we can't remove ourselves, then prayer is in order asking for Jehovah's protection and his holy spirit. No one else can fight this battle for us, we must take a stand for Jehovah in private and in public. No one else can stand in judgement of another person, because we each will stand before Jehovah. Jehovah will never abandon his loyal ones.
What should we each use as a mirror to examine who and what we really are inside?
God's written Word the Bible.
Hebrews 4;12-13
If we begin to think a lot of ourselves because of how we may be used in the congregation or because we may have a vast knowledge of the truth. And if we don't correct our thinking it could lead to what?
A crash or a fall. We could no longer be usable by Jehovah.
Proverbs 16;18
What warning did Jesus give his disciples about the teachings of Satan by the Pharisees and the Sadducees?
Jesus said "keep your eyes open and watch out for the leaven or teachings of the Pharisees and the Sadducees." Matthew 16;6-12
Satan thought a lot of himself to the point that he was able to influence who in the heavenly realm?
Other Angels.
What responsibility do we have in our fight against satanic traps?
We must not become complacent in our relationship with Jehovah just because we have served him for many years. We must beg Jehovah daily to help us recognize any ugly traits that could undermine our faith, and affect our thinking.
Psalm 139;23-24
Pride is a form of selfishness, so if you were experiencing mistreatment or being falsely accused, Satan the father of selfishness would love to see you blame who for your sufferings, and then follow who's way of handling things?
Satan wants us to find fault with Jehovah and our brothers. He wants us to disregard Jehovah's counsel and direction and handle the matter like he would causing Jehovah's disfavor.
Ecclesiastes 7;16,20
Why was Jesus sadden by the wealthy young man who asked him what else he needed to do to be his follower? And how can his mindset affect us today if we can't make sacrifices for the kingdom?
This man's attachment to his material treasures blinds him to the value of what it would mean to become a follower of the Christ. Mark 10;21-22. The same could happen to us today if we don't root out any lingering hopes or desires for wealth in this dying system. Jehovah and Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for us, we should be ready and willing to let any and everything go for the sake of the kingdom.
The only true way we can successfully fight against Satan's traps is to accept the counsel and help we receive from what sources?
1) The Bible 2) Food from the faithful slave 3)The Elders 4)Our meetings and conventions 5) Personal Study 6) Full meaningful share in the ministry 7) Pray and meditation. 8) Wholesome association with fellow servants of Jehovah.