“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)
Life is hard. Sometimes I think the Christian life is harder. As if the command to stay on the narrow path isn’t challenging enough, an enemy prowls like a roaring lion looking to alter our course. To devour. To destroy. (1 Peter 5:8) From the first pages of the Bible all the way through to last, Satan is ever-present. Seeking to annihilate God’s plan and set up his own kingdom on earth, with us his loyal subjects.
Sure it’s a thought we’d probably rather not explore. After all, it’s hard enough to grasp the Holy Spirit, but now to grasp Satan. It’s too much.
But we must. Because there’s a spiritual battle and we’re the target. After a weekend like we just had with the Alpha retreat, the Devil is none too happy.
Life is hard. Sometimes I think the Christian life is harder. As if the command to stay on the narrow path isn’t challenging enough, an enemy prowls like a roaring lion looking to alter our course. To devour. To destroy. (1 Peter 5:8) From the first pages of the Bible all the way through to last, Satan is ever-present. Seeking to annihilate God’s plan and set up his own kingdom on earth, with us his loyal subjects.
Sure it’s a thought we’d probably rather not explore. After all, it’s hard enough to grasp the Holy Spirit, but now to grasp Satan. It’s too much.
But we must. Because there’s a spiritual battle and we’re the target. After a weekend like we just had with the Alpha retreat, the Devil is none too happy.
Let me pause a moment to make clear: God and Satan aren’t fighting a cosmic duel to see who prevails. Ultimately the battle has been fought and won. Jesus is the victor. (1 Corin. 15:57) But until Jesus comes again, the prince of this world seeks to expand his territory. (John 12:31)
Ever since he first appears in the Garden of Eden, Satan is a master of deception. He’s sneaky, covert. He sets out to instill doubt, fear, skepticism, confusion, worry, guilt. . . anything that takes our eyes off God. He knows our weakness and aims his flaming arrows straight into them. You know the soft spots I’m talking about.
“I lost my patience again. I’m a failure as a mom (or dad).”
“Do you really think God has a plan for YOU?”
“A loving God would never allow the suffering that exists today.”
“I can’t go on that mission trip, it might be dangerous.”
“Others have so much more to offer than I do.”
“I can’t attend the retreat/go to church/volunteer, my kids have things scheduled.”
(Yes, Satan can even tangle us up with a great thing, like our families.)
In a way, understanding spiritual warfare brings me comfort. It explains why I’ve been unsuccessful in ridding some of my personal “demons.” It's not that I lack willpower, don't try hard enough or possess an irreparable character defect. It's because this battle is past my personal resources. Beyond the limits of my sufficiency. (Which, I think, is exactly where God wants us to be.)
Thankfully, I’m not (and neither are you) in this alone. God never intended us to be. After Jesus ascended into Heaven, God sent a paraclete -- one who comes alongside us, who intercedes on our behalf -- the Holy Spirit.
In Ephesians Paul shares with us the battle plan and trains us for victory:
Ever since he first appears in the Garden of Eden, Satan is a master of deception. He’s sneaky, covert. He sets out to instill doubt, fear, skepticism, confusion, worry, guilt. . . anything that takes our eyes off God. He knows our weakness and aims his flaming arrows straight into them. You know the soft spots I’m talking about.
“I lost my patience again. I’m a failure as a mom (or dad).”
“Do you really think God has a plan for YOU?”
“A loving God would never allow the suffering that exists today.”
“I can’t go on that mission trip, it might be dangerous.”
“Others have so much more to offer than I do.”
“I can’t attend the retreat/go to church/volunteer, my kids have things scheduled.”
(Yes, Satan can even tangle us up with a great thing, like our families.)
In a way, understanding spiritual warfare brings me comfort. It explains why I’ve been unsuccessful in ridding some of my personal “demons.” It's not that I lack willpower, don't try hard enough or possess an irreparable character defect. It's because this battle is past my personal resources. Beyond the limits of my sufficiency. (Which, I think, is exactly where God wants us to be.)
Thankfully, I’m not (and neither are you) in this alone. God never intended us to be. After Jesus ascended into Heaven, God sent a paraclete -- one who comes alongside us, who intercedes on our behalf -- the Holy Spirit.
In Ephesians Paul shares with us the battle plan and trains us for victory:
“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. . . Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (6:11-17)
God gives us everything we need for victory.
I need Paul’s words today. To soak in their truth. Heed their guidance. Follow their lead. Claim their victory.
Maybe you do too.
Satan is an accuser. . . The Holy Spirit is an intercessor.
Satan is a destroyer. . . The Holy Spirit is the Giver of Life.
Satan is an adversary. . . The Holy Spirit is a consoler.
Satan is a slanderer. . . The Holy Spirit is Holy Breath.
Satan is a defamer. . . The Holy Spirit is the voice of truth.
Satan is a thief. . . The Holy Spirit is a comforter.
Satan is an enemy. . . The Holy Spirit is a helper.
Satan is a tempter. . . The Holy Spirit is a supporter.
Satan is the father of all lies . . . The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth.
Satan is the prince of the world. . . The Holy Spirit is the Lord of Grace.
I need Paul’s words today. To soak in their truth. Heed their guidance. Follow their lead. Claim their victory.
Maybe you do too.
Satan is an accuser. . . The Holy Spirit is an intercessor.
Satan is a destroyer. . . The Holy Spirit is the Giver of Life.
Satan is an adversary. . . The Holy Spirit is a consoler.
Satan is a slanderer. . . The Holy Spirit is Holy Breath.
Satan is a defamer. . . The Holy Spirit is the voice of truth.
Satan is a thief. . . The Holy Spirit is a comforter.
Satan is an enemy. . . The Holy Spirit is a helper.
Satan is a tempter. . . The Holy Spirit is a supporter.
Satan is the father of all lies . . . The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth.
Satan is the prince of the world. . . The Holy Spirit is the Lord of Grace.
There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. None.
