Do you know how to face and fight the temptations and attacks of the devil?

by Rev. Jack Richards on October 28, 2022

SEARCHLIGHT 

Do you know how to face and fight the temptations and attacks of the devil? 

SCRIPTURE 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.    Ephesians 6:10-13 NIV 

SPOTLIGHT 

Being a Christian is not easy. The benefits are phenomenal. Personally, knowing God and anticipating eternal life in heaven with Jesus far outweigh the challenges.  However, Jesus made it very clear that being a follower/believer would bring conflict. He said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?” [Luke 9:23-25] On another occasion, He told Peter that Satan was out to “bring him down.” [Luke 22:31,32] When preaching the Sermon on the Mount, He warned about persecution. There are 8 Beatitudes. Jesus speaks about the first 7 in 7 verses. When He gets to the eighth Beatitude which speaks about facing opposition for being a Christ follower, Jesus takes 3 verses to underscore its importance. [Matthew 5:10-12]         

Too often, a Christian may not know he has an enemy, is not aware of what his enemy tries to do, or is fearful of his enemy. It is imperative that a Christian know how to recognize Satan’s strategies. [2 Corinthians 2:11] 

In the above Scripture passage, Paul is pointing out valuable truths so that the Christian will be fully aware and able to stand against any trouble or attack that he may face in life. The Apostle describes it by picturing the Christian as being a soldier fully armored and ready for battle.  

A Christian is at war with Satan. [Ephesians 6:12] This is not an attack or one-time battle but a war. Satan, who is clever and subtle, has schemes. [Ephesians 6:11] He has a large-scale, underhanded plot to tempt and attack the believer in subtle ways so that the believer will not be victorious in living for Jesus Christ.  

Satan is the ruler of darkness. [Ephesians 6:12] A Christian must not be complacent by ignoring the possibility of attack or by praying shallow, trite prayers. If he treats temptations lightly, he may fall. If he treats sin lightly, he is blinded by darkness which can lead to unknowingly promoting Satan’s schemes. 

Satan is not alone in his attacks on believers. He uses people but they are not the real enemies. The devil commands a well-organized army of evil spiritual forces. This army is not seen but the results are evident. Because Satan is not infinite, omnipresent, omnipotent, or omniscient, he needs this army of demons since he cannot be everywhere at the same time. 

No one is immune to Satan’s attacks. Spiritual battles are inevitable. It matters not whether a person is a missionary or a mother. They are more prevalent when any Christian chooses to be 100 percent committed.  Jesus Christ wants believers to be fully armored to withstand spiritual danger throughout life.  

A Christian can overcome Satan’s schemes. The secret is putting on God’s armor. Suit up! Paul instructs a believer not once but twice to put on God’s full armor. [Ephesians 6:11,13] It is apparent that he is underscoring its importance. Then he extensively describes the armor in verses 14 to 20.  

A Christian is assured that he can face any evil when he finds his strength in God and in His power. [Ephesians 6:10]   

What about you? FACING SPIRITUAL CONFLICTS DUE TO EVIL will be a part of your walk with God. At times, you may be tried like Job or tempted like Jesus. You don’t fight spiritual danger and attacks with your physical or mental strength. Your weapons of warfare are divine, not human. [2 Corinthians 10:4] God will give you victory. You will win not in your capabilities but through God’s divine power.  

Know God. [1John 2:14] Grow in your personal relationship with God. An ongoing, growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the living God, will lead you to live a victorious Christian life.   Protection comes from knowing God through prayer, studying his word, and daily walking in the power of the Holy Spirit.

SOMETHING TO DO 

Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you to take steps to suit up with the armor of God. 

SOUL TIME PRAYER 

Heavenly Father, thank You for divine protection. Show me how I may come to know You better. Thank you that when struggles come, You will make me strong and stable. AMEN!!!   

Tags: new, ephesians, devil, temptation, testament, attack


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