Understanding Satan's role (4)
Monday 24th September 2018
'Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.' James 4:7 NIV
Sometimes we can feel like things in our lives have been stolen and destroyed - a dream we've had, a relationship that went wrong, hope for the future that vanished. But the truth is, with God on our side, Satan's work can be undone. God can restore the things that have been taken away. And we can strengthen ourselves in him to avoid anything more being taken. In James 4, it says: 'Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you' (James 4:7 NIV).
The most effective way to resist the enemy is to be prepared. This is done through regular connection with God, through prayer, reading his Word and declaring his truth and promises over ourselves.
The Bible tells us Satan's main tactic: he is like a thief who 'comes only to steal and kill and destroy' (John 10:10 NIV). This means we are fore-armed. One practical tactic we can use against him is to 'put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes (Ephesians 6:11 NIV). From the belt of truth to the helmet of salvation, God's armour can help us withstand the enemy's attacks: 'Use every piece of God's armour to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will still be standing up' (Ephesians 6:13 TLB).
So what now? This week, pray Ephesians 6:13-17 out loud each morning. The Bible promises us that if we submit ourselves to God and resist Satan's attacks, Satan will flee.
Monday 24th September 2018
'Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.' James 4:7 NIV
Sometimes we can feel like things in our lives have been stolen and destroyed - a dream we've had, a relationship that went wrong, hope for the future that vanished. But the truth is, with God on our side, Satan's work can be undone. God can restore the things that have been taken away. And we can strengthen ourselves in him to avoid anything more being taken. In James 4, it says: 'Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you' (James 4:7 NIV).
The most effective way to resist the enemy is to be prepared. This is done through regular connection with God, through prayer, reading his Word and declaring his truth and promises over ourselves.
The Bible tells us Satan's main tactic: he is like a thief who 'comes only to steal and kill and destroy' (John 10:10 NIV). This means we are fore-armed. One practical tactic we can use against him is to 'put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes (Ephesians 6:11 NIV). From the belt of truth to the helmet of salvation, God's armour can help us withstand the enemy's attacks: 'Use every piece of God's armour to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will still be standing up' (Ephesians 6:13 TLB).
So what now? This week, pray Ephesians 6:13-17 out loud each morning. The Bible promises us that if we submit ourselves to God and resist Satan's attacks, Satan will flee.
