It is known biblical fact, that Jesus was attacked by Satan, religious Jews (Sanhedrin, Pharisees) and by secular political forces (Herodians, Romans). Strategically, the attacks focused on Jesus’ Identity/Authority (Jesus is not God, a carpenter nobody) and on Jesus’ teachings on Sabbath, table fellowship, marriage, etc.
These tactics included direct confrontation/debate, public harassment/intimidation, character assassination (Jesus is morally corrupt: a blasphemer, associates with sinners, a glutton, crazy, dangerous), subversive attacks (plots, schemes, infiltration), political manipulation (Jews ally with Romans) and ultimately, killing. These same tactics are used against Jesus and His people by those who would deny Truth. It is here though that things start getting a little murky. We state, "Yes, I know...wasn't that horrible?" and yet all the while these things go on around us everyday. Satan makes no secret, that he is out to attack anything GOD oriented, that is why Peter states to believers "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Pt.5:8)." But, when straight on tactics will not prevail, this is where Satan's subtlety can be seen. He will use others to get to us. The first involved, are usually family unfortunately. Among the first to attack Job when he was being tempted to deny God, was his own wife (Job 2:9). If family cannot do it, then he uses friends (Lam.1:2), if not friends - then influences (3 Jn.9).
Why would someone wish to try to do things such as this, or try to be intimidating? There's an old adage that states "The bully intimidates because he is afraid." Afraid of what? That he will lose his influence? Very likely. In a dog pack, if the Alpha Male shows weakness, the pack turns on him (Mt.2:1-16). That he will lose his ability to be persuasive over those he does intimidate? Again, very likely, the Jewish leaders attacked Jesus because the feared the loss of authority (Mt.21:26). That he will have to change? Probably. Many become content with their positions, opinions, etc. and do not want to have to search things out to make sure they are right. They have what they have chosen to believe is the truth and see no need to examine it in the light of what others may bring up (Acts 26:27-32).
Let's remember here, the words of James in James 3, "And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell." Before you choose to quip back to someone "Your mother wears army boots", or try to malign the character of another - ask yourself why you're getting ready to say or do whatever it is. If it is to cast a shadow on another person's character - this is not the way that God has taught (1 Cor.13:5). Satan is using us to achieve his purposes (1 Cor.3:3; Jas.3:14-17).
Jim
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