Why is “the devil made me do it” not a valid excuse?

Answer

The first instance of “the devil made me do it” used as an excuse was in the Garden of Eden. Eve says, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate” «And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. », (Genesis 3:13). Her excuse did not get her off the hook (verse 16), and it won’t help us much, either.

Yes, the devil and his demons tempt us to sin (Genesis 3;Luke 4;1 Peter 5:8). However, “the devil made me do it” is frequently used to justify our own poor choices. Except in cases of demon possession, the devil cannot compel us to do anything. The devil is indeed responsible for much of the evil in the world, but blaming the devil for our own sinful decisions hinders our progress in overcoming sin.

Demon possession is a state in which a demon or demons exert complete control over an individual. Demon possession entails demons actually inhabiting a person and dictating his or her actions see Mark 9:22. Christians cannot be demon possessed. The indwelling Holy Spirit prevents it (Romans 8:9;Ephesians 5:18). Therefore, the devil and his demons cannot dominate a believer. They cannot force us to do anything against our will. Instead of accusing the devil, we must examine ourselves.

James 1:14 proclaims, “Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire” (emphasis added). Why do we sin? We sin because we are sinners. We are afflicted by and tainted with sin (Romans 3:10-23). While demonic oppression and influence are real,The primary issue is our sinful natures. “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and similar things” (Galatians 5:19-21). It is important to note that it’s the “works of the flesh” listed here, not the works of the devil.

As Christians, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit to assist us in overcoming sin «Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. », (1 John 4:4). We have been provided with everything we need for life and godliness «according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: », (2 Peter 1:3). If we sin, we have no excuse. We cannot blame the devil or our circumstances. We can only hold ourselves accountable. And until we acknowledge that the issue lies within us «Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. », (Romans 7:20), we will never find the solution.

It may seem direct to inform someone that the problem is themselves and their choices. However, it is no harsher than a doctor advising a patient to stop smoking and not blaming the tobacco company for their poor health. To discover a remedy, one must begin with an accurate diagnosis and then proceed with the appropriate treatment. The accurate diagnosis is sin. The treatment involves submitting to God and obeying His Word. With God’s help, we can attain victory over sin (Romans 7:24-25; 1 John 5:3-5).

Romans 7:24-25; 1 John 5:3-5).

If you are a Christian and you commit a sin, the devil did not make you do it. He may have tempted you to do it. He may have even influenced you to do it. But he did not make you do it. You still had a choice. God never allows you to be tempted beyond your ability to withstand, and He always provides a way of escape “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”, (1 Corinthians 10:13). A Christian saying “the devil made me do it” is denying the truth of 1 John 4:4, “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

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