A. SATAN ATTACKS
Satan primarily targets individual Christians through temptation, concentrating his efforts in two key areas.
1. The Desires Of The World
He will try to lure a believer into getting entangled in the world’s system, encouraging them to prioritize material wealth as a key aspiration, to view the respect and acknowledgment from society as a significant objective, and to seek the sense of security that comes from fitting in with worldly values.
2. The Desires Of The Flesh
Through Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, a genuine Christian is freed from both the consequences and the dominion of sin, as stated in Romans 6:6-14. However, they continue to inhabit a physical body that is influenced by inherent appetites and desires. Satan may exploit these urges to tempt a Christian into prioritizing them over the guidance of the Holy Spirit within. This theme is further explored in Romans 8:5-9, as well as in James 1:14 and Ephesians 2:3.
B. SATAN’S ORIGINAL VICTORY
Satan’s initial triumph in tempting the first man and woman occurred in the domains of earthly desires and physical temptations, and he continues to employ these same strategies today.
“For all that is in the world, the LUST OF THE FLESH (craving for sensual gratification), and the LUST OF THE EYES (greedy longings of the mind) and the PRIDE OF LIFE (assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things) – these do not come from the Father but are from the world (itself)” 1John 2:16 Amplified Bible
Compare Eve’s Temptation With This Verse: Genesis 3:6 1 John 2:16
Good FOR FOOD “Lust of the flesh”
Pleasing TO THE EYE “Lust of the eyes”
Desirable for GAINING WISDOM “Pride of life”
Since the fall of Adam and Eve, all mankind has been governed by their flesh (the three things outlined above). The flesh is also corrupted by a sinful nature. Galatians 5:19-21
C. VICTORY WON BY CHRIST
1. Through His Life
Jesus was tempted in everything, exactly as we are, ” yet was without sin” Hebrews 4:15
Compare Jesus’ Temptation With This Verse: Luke 4: 1-13 1 John 2:16
Stones to bread “Lust of the flesh”
Kingdoms of the earth “Lust of the eyes”
Pinnacle of the temple “Pride of life”
2. Through His Death And Resurrection
Belief that accepts and embraces Christ’s work liberates the Christian from the authority and control that sin once held over them (Romans 8:9). They are now empowered to choose to live in obedience to God (Romans 6:8-14).
” For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man… in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature (flesh ) but according to the Spirit” Romans 8:3,4
D. THE CHRISTIAN’S CONTINUAL VICTORY
Grounded in the significant triumph achieved for us by Christ, Christians are empowered to overcome any assaults from the enemy. Below are seven essential principles for maintaining ongoing victory:
1. Know The Victory Is Already Won
Due to his defeat at the Cross, the devil’s only power lies in the ignorance of Christians, as stated in Hosea 4:6. However, when a Christian understands the full significance of the Cross and Resurrection in their life, the devil is left powerless and devoid of any means to attack them.
2. Walk In Step With The Spirit
A new strength has been given to the believer—the Holy Spirit Himself. We are called to follow His guidance and prompts in our daily lives. Galatians 5:22-25
3. Recognize Temptation For What It Is
Temptation is NOT sin. YIELDING to temptation is! James 1:15 See Genesis 4:6,7
4. Understanding there Is A Way Of Escape Provided
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” 1Corinthians 10:13
James 4:7 details the way of escape: Submit to God, resist the devil and he shall flee!
5. Keep The Right Focus In Life
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” Colossians 3:1,2
See also Philippians 4:8; 1Timothy 6:11,121; 2 Peter 3:11-13.
6. Keep Away From Obvious Areas of Temptation
“I will set before my eyes no vile thing” Psalms 101:3 See also 1 Timothy 6:9-11
7. Be Aware Of Satan’s Schemes
It is important for us to know the tactics that the enemy uses against us so that we are not outwitted by him. 2 Corinthians 2:11
a. He is a liar John 8:44
b. He is a slanderer and accuser Revelation 12:10
c. He is a deceiver Revelation 12:9
d. He is a tempter Matthew 4:1-11
e. He is an oppressor Acts 10:38
f. He is a hinderer 1Thessalonians 2:18
g. He is as a roaring lion 1 Peter 5:8
h. He can transform himself into an angel of light 2 Corinthians 11:14
As Christians, we are called to live in VICTORY! Through Christ, this victory is ours:
Over The World 1John 5:4
Over The Flesh Galatians 5:16
Over The Enemy Ephesians 6:11,13
