Answering The Accuser

Satan goes by many names, one of which is The Accuser of the Brethren. What does this mean? In what ways does he accuse us? How do we answer to his accusations as Christians? How do we avoid being used by him as one who brings false accusations?

These are questions I want to focus on in the new article series, “Answering The Accuser.” This will take some time to get into because I have to do some research (and heart-searing) and I’m working on several other article series in tandem.

Meanwhile, there are some things we can start thinking about—especially considering whether we too are accusing our brethren. In summary, here are the points I want us to consider:

Part 1: The First Accuser of Mankind: What can we learn from the scriptures about Satan’s roll as The Accuser? What are his tactics for accusing us? What is God’s purpose for this, and how does He interact with The Accuser? How does the blood of Jesus overcome the accusations?

Part 2: When The Accuser Acts Through Unbelievers: As Christians, we know that the unbelieving world is at odds with the faith, and they go around accusing Christians on multiple levels from disputing the Bible to attacking Christian values at every turn. What should we do when faced with these accusations? Will we deny Jesus, or will we stand strong despite their accusations?

Part 3: When The Accuser Acts Through Ministers: From the bonds of legalism, holier-than-thous, and the current “false Christian” witch hunt brought on by doctrines of division and accusation (which we will get into), Christians experience a great deal of accusation from within. This article will focus on accusations from ministers in particular.

Part 4: When The Accuser Acts Through the Brethren: It can be so easy to falsely accuse others. For example, the act of gossip is often aligned with slander. We can accuse others in our hearts in a multitude of ways without saying a word. How do we become more aware of this so that we stop acting as vessels for The Accuser?

Part 5: When The Accuser Attacks Us Personally: Dwelling on sins past, grieving over current sins to the point of depression or doubting salvation, fearing the wrath of God unproductively, and the like are tactics The Accuser uses on Christians at a personal level. How do we know the difference between accusations brought by the devil and conviction of the Holy Spirit?

Part 6: When The Accuser Makes His Final Stand: What do the scriptures tell us about how Christians are accused in the “last days?” What does it mean when Jesus warns us of “offenses” in Matthew chapters 18 and 24, and how does that relate to The Accuser? How do we continue in the faith despite accusations that could mean death for those who stand up for the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Do you have any suggestions, questions, scripture, or other comments that would be helpful when considering this topic? In what ways have you been accused and how did you deal with it?