“The Enemy bears a special hatred for Eve… The Evil One had a hand in all that has happened to you. He is the one who has dogged your heels with shame and self-doubt and accusation. He is the one who offers the false comforters to you in order to deepen your bondage. He is the one who has done these things in order to prevent your restoration. For that is what he fears. He fears your beauty and your life-giving heart” (John & Stasi Eldredge; Captivating ).
“Put on God’s armor so that you can make a stand against the tricks of the devil. We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens” (Eph. 6:11-12 CEB).
I have no doubt in the truth of the Eldredge’s warning. I have no doubt in the truth of the holy scripture. I have no doubt because I have seen it play out. I have seen the carnage. Like a tornado that devastates a town in the black of night, Satan operates in the dark, unseen, but the ravaging is unmistakable. Even among God’s chosen.
Why? Why do Christians still have broken homes, struggle with addiction or have feelings of bitterness that they can’t seem to overcome? Because, part of the assault on you is to blind you from the truth. There are some things Satan would rather you just never find out. And if, by chance you do, he will make sure you forget.
1. Victory has already been decided.
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. John 4:4
2. God has shown his authority over Satan.
The devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Rev. 20:10
3. Satan is a master of disguise and deception.
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves asservants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. 2 Cor:11-13
4. He convinces you your sins aren’t really gone. He will haunt you with guilt. But God says something different.
But he [Jesus] was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. Is. 53:5
The next day he [John] saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29
I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead… Phil 3:13
5. He persuades you into believing you are not a new person. But Jesus promises something different.
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. Col. 3:1-4
6. He will undermine your belief in the Holy Spirit’s actual ability to empower you with divine strength.
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Rom. 1:1-2
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