We live in a war zone! It is a world that is ruled and co-opted by evil schemes and plans, brought forth by a real enemy, Satan. It is into this world that Christ came to bring forth a new Kingdom, not of this world, but expressed through the radical beauty of God’s love. As believers in Christ, we are participants in this new Kingdom, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist the lies and temptations of this world.
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Resisting the Devil
• Greg Boyd
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We live in a war zone! It is a world that is ruled and co-opted by evil schemes and plans, brought forth by a real enemy, Satan. It is into this world that Christ came to bring forth a new Kingdom, not of this world, but expressed through the radical beauty of God’s love. As believers in Christ, we are participants in this new Kingdom, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist the lies and temptations of this world.
Temptation is a reality for all. Even Jesus was tempted as is shown in the Luke passage. However, it is important to know the difference between being tempted and giving in to temptation. As Christians, we are aware that we live in a spiritual war zone, and we realize that there is a real and present Devil that has come to steal, kill and destroy. We are also aware that we have a God who is on our side who empowers us to not live in bondage to sin (see James 4:7). Through the power of God’s Spirit in our lives, we do not have to listen to the lies of Satan, and we can resist temptations by the authority of Jesus.
By resisting the temptations of the enemy, we become active combatants in a war. This war is not waged by violence or evil; it is waged by loving our enemies and by showing the beauty of Jesus Christ. (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. Ephesians 6:12)
What do we do to resist the temptations of the enemy? The following are some practical steps to take:
Be aware – We need to be aware that there is a war going on. There is an enemy, who like a prowling lion, is waiting to destroy. He is subtle, crafty and destructive. Don’t be outsmarted.
Resist – As Christians, we have the power of God’s Holy Spirit residing in us. The same Spirit that has conquered sin also dwells in us and has given us freedom from bondage. As we are being tempted, be obedient and submit to God for help and power to resist.
Turn your mind to truth – Satan will use half-truths, even scripture to tell us who we are. Think upon what God tells us who we are.
Know the truth – One of the best ways to know the truth about who we are is to read God’s word (The Bible). Another way is to establish a constant dialogue (prayer) with God.
Rely on Community – It is important to have other believers actively involved in our lives to help keep us accountable and to be able to pray with us.
Hide Extended SummaryTopics: Satan, Spiritual Warfare, Temptation
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Focus Scripture:
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Luke 4:1-2, 13
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
"We have been podrishioners for several months. Our daughter, son-in-law and grandkids moved back to California after living in MN for 10 years. They attended Woodland Hills for about a year before they moved. Now we all go to the beach together on Thursdays, come home and have dinner together, then we watch last Sunday’s sermon together. It is a special day for our family."
– Dale and Patricia, from California