October 23rd

OCTOBER 23rd

And so we battle, really on all fronts. There is the battle in our own mind, there is a battle with the flesh, and there is the battle against the enemy all around us. We don’t fight the battles that the world fights and we don’t fight with worldly weapons or armor.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Ephesians 6:10-13 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.

Our enemy is clearly not of this world. We talked the other day about symptoms of a sick heart. The evil we see in this world today is the symptom of the enemy’s presence in this world. The bible says that he is god of this world.

2 Corinthians 4:4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Satan knows he is doomed for destruction, he knows his days are numbered, he doesn’t know when, but he knows that eventually he will be taken out of this world. So he has nothing to lose, he is working hard to take as many to hell with him as he can. And along the way he is doing what he can to try and cause as much harm to Christ-followers as he can as well. But the good news is that we are not unaware of his schemes and with the Holy Spirit’s guidance we can be fully aware.

2 Corinthians 2:11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

And more good news is that the One living in us, is more powerful than the enemy in this world.

1 John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, BECAUSE THE ONE WHO IS IN YOU IS GREATER THAN THE ONE WHO IS IN THE WORLD.

So although we battle, we have this comfort. We have all of the weapons and armor that we need to fight this battle. And we are fighting from a place of victory because Jesus already defeated the enemy at the cross and soon He will crush satan under our feet.

Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

Lord, thank you for the victory that you provided through your death and resurrection. Help me to walk in that victory. Help me to recognize the real enemy in every situation. Holy Spirit please make me aware of the enemy’s schemes in my life and show me how to battle him. Thank you Holy Spirit and help me to be sensitive to your leading.