TITLE: Winning The Battle By Rachel Jamerson 06/03/14 |
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When a new believer comes to a saving knowledge of Christ many times they have the allusion that from this time forward they will be free of troubles. However nothing is further from the truth, actually this is when the battle begins – the battle for control of your mind. When you accept Christ you are given spiritual armor to protect your spiritual existence, “helmet”, breastplate, belt, shoes, and shield. These are all defensive weapons; your only offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. However you are not left to face the enemy alone, when you accepted Christ you were also given the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth, “thy word is truth”. If you are to be victorious in this battle you must become skilled in the use of your sword.
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman the needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the work of truth” 2 Tim. 2:15
A good battle strategy is to know the strategy of your enemy. Satan is devious he knows you are protected and the only access he has to you is through doors you open. He attacks through your mind if he can get you to believe his thoughts are your thoughts, he can influence your decisions and consequently affect your entire existence. As long as his presence goes undetected he is able to manipulate the course of your life, for it is a direct result of the decisions you make.
While the scripture speaks expressly about Satan putting thoughts into the minds of believers, most Christians do not believe that Satan can hear your thoughts. Personally I am not so sure for at times I have found myself arguing with him. When I realized what was happening and resisted his influence with scripture, the thoughts ceased. The important thing is to remember that he wants you to think his thoughts are yours, thereby allowing him to slip in under the radar.
“But I fear lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” 2 Corin 11:3
Satan is subtle and cunning he advances through avenues that are natural to us by distorting truth concerning basic human needs. Such as, the need for validation, “pride of life”, the desire for possessions. “lust of the eyes,”; and natural appetites of the body, “lusts of the flesh”. While these areas represent basic human needs, it is the uncontrolled, intense, selfish desire for fulfillment in these areas that leads to destruction. The word lust would indicate excess in any area of desire.
“For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness….”, 2 Peter 2:18
We are told to “resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 Failure to recognize his activity can leave you hopelessly trapped in destructive behavior patterns, before you realize what is happening.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter 5:8.
Be alert; examine every thought before you entertain it. The battle rages there is much at stake - for the sake of those you love – you do not want to become a causality.
“The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corin 10:4-5
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