But he often loses his dominion through the preach- ing of the Gospel —
[Paul was commissioned to turn men from the power of Satan unto God^: and the weapon whereby he rescued them from his dominion was the Gospel *^. The same divine energy
also attends it, when used by us^ Though conversions
are more rare than in the Apostles' days, they are not less real.]
Yet they who have been delivered from him, are still open to his assaults —
[How often did he repeat his attacks on Peter^ ! With what envious malice did he buffet PauP ! How did he renew his attempts even on Christ himself*^ ! Thus he still watches
for his opportunity to destroy us^ Nor shall we be
wholly out of his reach, till we are finally discharged from our warfare™.]
We had need therefore to watch against this subtle enemy; for,
II. If we be a second time subjected to Satan's do- minion, our last state will be worse than the first —
It is certain that Satan can never finally prevail against the elect —
[This is evidently implied in the character which is given of them". The promises of God also ensure to them the vic- tory over him°. Hence they are authorized to defy all the powers of darknessP.]
They, into whom he may return, are described in the text —
[The true children of God desire to be ever " filled with the Spirit;" nor will they suffer the things that please Satan to abide quietly in their hearts ; but self-deceivers are satisfied, like Herod, with a partial change "J, and continue with their old affections and lusts unmortified''. Judas, Ananias, Demas, no doubt retained their love of this world. Hence Satan found their hearts "swept" indeed, and " emptied" of gross sin, but
e Acts xxvi. 18. f 2 Cor. x. 4. s 2 Tim. ii. 25, 26.
h Matt. xvi. 23. Luke xxii. 31. * 2 Cor. xii. 7.
k Compare Luke iv. 13. John xiv. 30. Luke xxii. r)3.
1 1 Pet. V. 8. m Eph. vi. 11, 12.
" 1 John ii. 13, 14, and v. 18. « Rom. xvi. 20.
P Rom. viii. 38, 39. q Mark vi. 20. r Ps.lxxviii.36,37.