Christian Living

Part 13 Overcoming

by james rondinone 
12/12/15
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œResisting the Devil

œSpeaking God’s Word Before Others                                                                  

   Many believe that the devil is a made of figure, kind of like a cartoon character. There are many faiths that say there is no hell.

   As a Christian the bible says that our battle (warfare) is not against flesh and blood (other people), but is a personal struggle against: principalities (beings of the first rank and order), powers (demons in the lower atmosphere), the rulers of the darkness of this world (world ruler; whose influence extends throughout the world), and spiritual wickedness in high places (of the evil powers viewed collectively).  

   Just how is it do these evil forces go about fighting us?

Resisting the Devil

Mental Sparks

   Mental sparks refer to thoughts that occur abruptly or out of the blue when we are praying, meditating on God’s word, studying, and/or praising God. These thoughts are designed by the angelic forces of evil to distract us from our spiritual occupation and cause us to become enslaved in a thought pattern that does not glorify God.

   The first time that I became aware of demonic influence on the mind was when I was living in my home town and working for a church as an outreach coordinator. As I was praying in my room, a thought came into my mind that had nothing to do with anything that I was praying about. It both interrupted my prayer and startled me. I knew that this thought did not originate from me. Its purpose was to divert my mind from praying.

   I was thankful I became aware that evil forces were at work in order to distract, influence, and divert my thinking. Whatever the thoughts are that are trying to influence me in an ungodly way, I can respond back to them with God’s mind (word).

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9

Taking the Shield of Faith

   The apostle Paul considers every Christian as having a warfare to maintain against numerous, powerful, and subtle foes; and that therefore they will need much strength, much courage, complete armor, and skill to use it. The panoply refers to the whole armor of the heavy troops among the Greeks; those who were to sustain the rudest attacks, who were to sap the foundations of walls, storm cities, etc. Their ordinary armor was the shield, the helmet, the sword, and the greaves or brazen boots.

   It is only when we are in union with the Lord that we can be continually strengthened by means of his mighty power. By putting on the complete armor (shield, sword, lance, helmet, greaves, and breastplate, offensive and defensive) of God, will we be able to stand our ground against the wiles (the different means, plans, schemes, and machinations which he uses to deceive, entrap, enslave, and ruin the souls of men) of the devil.

   Our warfare is a hand to hand, foot to foot, personal, individual struggle against the devil and his demons in the lower atmosphere. By taking up the shield of faith (the truth of all of God’s promises), we will be able to extinguish all of the evil thoughts (disguised falsehoods in the guise of truth) and strong injections that inflame our passions or desires.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Ephesians 6:10-16

   I wonder how many believers are unaware of the spiritual warfare that is continually taking place around them. Even though this warfare is described as being a hand to hand, foot to foot, personal individual struggle, how many believers recognize it as such in their lives?

   We are so consumed with the many problems of flesh and blood that beset us, both from without and from within, that the wrestling with the principalities and powers is attended to with only a simple scriptural glance. If the pastor/teacher is not molding our character by reproof (rebuke) and admonition (a warning or mild criticism to correct some fault), then we will continue to think wrong thoughts according to allurements to sin by which the devil holds us bound.

   To many Christians, putting on the whole armor of God probably means to go to church once a week, and that is it. For others, it means to be involved with church activities — which are promoted in the name of God — with God never showing up and manifesting himself in the midst of them. Putting on the new man, which should refer to putting on the mind of Christ for ourselves, has taken on a false connotation of simply dressing up when we go to church.

   For those of us who are growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ on a daily basis, we will be the objects of destruction by the devil and his demons. They will try to destroy us by beguiling our senses, perverting our judgment, enchanting our imaginations, deceiving us with false views of spiritual things and destroying us with violent opposition, persecution, and death. If there is any area of life kept back from God, there will always be battles. If we stand against our adversary and accuser, the devil, then he will turn and run away from us.

   The hope is that our lives will be exemplary to God so that we may be witnesses to the principalities and powers of the manifold wisdom of God as the apostle Paul. When Paul received visions and revelations (the unveiling of heavenly matters) from the Lord, lest he should become prideful in his own self, there was given to him an angel of Satan to torment (e.g. with incessant temptations; dogged opponents) him continually. He petitioned God three times, that the angel might depart from him. But God said that His grace (the favor of Christ, assisting and strengthening his followers and ministers to bear their troubles) would be the means of providing contentment. The apostle Paul answered God in 2 Corinthians 12:10, and we can also respond back to God in this same manner.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. 2 Timothy 2:25-26

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5

…caught up to the third heaven. (2 Corinthians 12:2)

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians12: 7-9

   Have you ever entertained a mental attitude of fear when asked to speak before other people? I’m sure that for most of us we have wrestled with this mental occupation in this regard. What is God’s divine prescription for our mental attitude that we are to digest?

Speaking God’s Word Before Others

Intimidated

to force into or deter from some action by inducing fear;

   In 1977, after I finished working at my father’s spa and grille store, I watched a parade that was proceeding down Main St. I decided to follow the parade to the center of town.

   As the parade was disbanding, I heard someone speaking on a loudspeaker a short distance away. I walked to where the noise was coming from. I heard a person talking about Jesus Christ. He said that Jesus, as God, came to earth and took upon himself the form of a man. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and died on a cross, having paid for the sins of the whole world. After three days, he rose from the dead, being witnessed by many, and then he ascended into heaven. Anyone who subsequently believed in him, would be given another member of the trinity, the Holy Spirit, to come into his/her body and indwell.

    A short time later, I attended a Bible study that was held by these same people. While there, I was asked if I would repent of my sins and profess belief in Jesus Christ. I verbally acknowledged Him as to who he is and what he had done, and subsequently received an incredible peace that transcended my thoughts and emotions.

   I began to attend the affiliate church assembly meetings that were held on Sunday mornings. One day, I was asked to come up to the front of the church and tell others about my salvation story. So I walked up front and stood before a microphone, as scared as scared can be. An entire church congregation was waiting for me to speak. I prayed silently to God at that moment that he would provide comfort. And he did. An incredible peace came over me, removing all fear. I gave my testimony, and thanked God privately for his support.

   I realized that God can and does want to help us overcome any situation. He desires to comfort us in the midst of tribulation.

   We need to be under the teaching of someone who is guiding us as to how to allow the Holy Spirit to have control over our souls so that God’s love, joy, and peace can be ever present in our lives. As we appropriate this kind of teaching and respond with it to the various situations in our lives, then we will no longer be intimidated by anyone or anything.

The Lord Said … I Will be with thy Mouth and Teach thee what thou Shalt Say.

Suggested Reading: Exodus 3:1-4:12

   When Moses was keeping his father-in-law’s sheep, an angel of the Lord appeared to him out of the midst of a burning bush. The angel told him that he would send him to bring the children of Israel out from their captivity in Egypt. Moses was to tell the children of Israel that I AM had sent him.

   Moses then began to make excuses as to why God shouldn’t use him to speak to the children of Israel. Moses said that he was not a good speaker because, not only was he was slow in finding words, but he also stammered. God reassured him that he would take care of these issues. Moses replied to God that He should send someone else to do this job.

   When God calls us, He doesn’t look at our abilities to accomplish the divine commission, but desires that we will entirely depend on him to provide what we need in order to accomplish his will. When God calls, don’t look at what we can’t do, but look at what He can do.

And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. Exodus 4:10-12

   No matter what God calls us to do, it can be very easy to look at ourselves and, because of the inadequacies of our past, respond by saying that we are unable to be used by Him. We think, I’m sure that there is someone else more capable in the body of Christ who can carry out God’s directive. When God calls us, he is very much aware of our shortcomings. However, he wants to turn our weaknesses into his strengths.

   David, in Psalms 119, was very much aware of the enemies that were slandering his name and threatening his life. His mind was in doubt and troubled. He went to God and asked him to not let him be at any time without some evidence that His word was dwelling in him with sustaining and sanctifying power, so that he would be able to be a witness for the truth. God wants us to be witnesses for the truth. However, if our minds are occupied with our problems, whether they come from within or from without, then we will not have the inward freedom necessary to reveal His life outwardly.

   Another man of God named Isaiah, the prophet, received a vision from God, who was sitting on a throne. Angels, who are called seraphims, were seen worshipping Him. Isaiah was not only deeply impressed with the holiness of God, but also of his own unfitness to join in. Then one of the seraphims took a hot stone and touched his mouth and all sinful uncleanness was removed. I believe that the hot stone is a type of the word of God as stated in Heb 4:12.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

   When our minds are changed to agree with God’s mind, then we will have divine power, which will give us the confidence to do God’s will. God said to Isaiah, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” In other words, “Whom will I send to speak to the Southern Kingdom of Judah, who because of their sin, rebellion, and worship of false gods are under my approaching judgment?” Isaiah replied, “Here am I; send me”.

   Does you past inhibit you from speaking God’s word to others? I am not here to say that it is easy. Nothing in our Christian walk is easy. What I mean is that there is nothing about our flesh — whether it involves weakness or strength in any area — that we should rely upon. This would include our talents. I am not saying that we shouldn’t use our talents to glorify God; however, God should be directing us even in the use of our talents, by means of his word and power, so that He receives the glory and not our talent.

   We are God’s spokesmen, whether we are in a situation like the apostle Paul when he was confined to a coupling chain while in prison, or whether we are in front of the leaders of a city, state, or country as a testimony for Christ. Stop being afraid, keep on speaking, and do not become silent. If you have to make a defense before others, do not be upset thinking about how you will do it, for God the Holy Spirit will tell you what to say when the time comes.

So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. Psalms 119:42-46

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, And the Lord have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land. But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof. Isaiah 6:1-13

For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, Ephesians 3:1

And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:19-20 

And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. Acts 18:8-10

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples,… (Matthew 10:1)

And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. Matthew 10:18-20

   In the next chapter we have two more Overcoming lessons to look at.

   The initial lesson talks about, what does it mean to be spiritual?

   The lesson that follows talks about how does a believer grow spiritually following salvation.

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