Spiritual Warfare - December 31

We are at the end of the year as well as the end of our study in Spiritual Warfare. I pray that you have grown in Christ during these studies, and that you will return in January to study the book of Romans. Tell your friends, too!

We’ve read to the End of the Book and we know that God wins. As Christians, we know that we are under God’s protection, so we win, too. However, God doesn’t expect us to sit back and let things happen all around us. We have responsibilities as Christians.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV)

Satan is ANGRY! He knows the end of the Book, as well, and he wants to devour every person that he can. He’s especially fond of “helping” Christians sin!  We are to resist the devil, and we know that God gives us the tools to resist – knowledge of Scripture (the Sword of the Spirit), prayer, faith, truth and peace. But can we do more than resist Satan? Is it possible to overcome?

I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 1 John 2:13-14 (ESV)

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4-5 (ESV)

YES we do! As Christians, we overcome the world, and the world belongs to Satan. We do this through God, of course, because we certainly can’t do this ourselves.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Ephesians 6:10 (ESV)

When things look impossible to you, remember that God gives you the ability to resist. Sharpen your mind with the Sword of the Spirit! Satan was defeated on the cross. His power and authority are limited by God. But remember – YOU can’t resist Satan’s schemes without GOD.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:7-8 (ESV)

Stay in the Word, friends. If you have not read the Bible through, find a one-year (or even two-year) Bible plan. Read, take notes, memorize scripture. The more you understand God’s plan, Satan’s authority, and your responsibilities as a believer, the better your life will be.

May you have a blessed and safe New Year’s Eve celebration. May these words from King David go with you into 2013, and may all your resolutions be attainable.

I waited patiently for the Lord;

he inclined to me and heard my cry.

He drew me up from the pit of destruction,

out of the miry bog,

and set my feet upon a rock,

making my steps secure.

He put a new song in my mouth,

a song of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear,

and put their trust in the Lord.

Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust,

who does not turn to the proud,

to those who go astray after a lie!

Psalm 40:1-4 (ESV)

See you on January 7.