Assess the Threat

If we are to protect our witness and are actively seeking a witness protection plan, we must first assess the threat.

Before we begin to look at areas where the slippery slopes of temptation appear to be firm and true, we need to be aware of the enemy.

Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. 1 Peter 5:8, Amplified Bible

Our human reaction might be one of hopelessness and fear. How can we protect ourselves from Satan and his lies?

The first and most important way is with God’s truth – His word. If we don’t know God’s promises and His directions for how we are to live, we are vulnerable, exposed to attack. The old saying certainly applies here, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”

You can be sure Satan knows God’s words and he is good at twisting them around so that he might lure us into the muck of sin. After all, if he twisted God’s word to tempt Jesus, you can bet he’ll try to do the same with us.

God knew we would struggle and His strongest gift to us was the death of His son on the cross. In Christ’s resurrection, Satan was defeated. End of story … well, at least for Satan. For us, it was the beginning.

We also must come to a real-life understanding that Satan is authentic and not just some guy in a red suit with horns and a pitchfork. He isn’t more powerful than God is, but he does have power. He is God’s enemy and while he isn’t eternal, he leads an army of demons.

But sometimes, it isn’t an army that defeats us; it’s our own lack of knowledge. Satan doesn’t want us to know we have victory through our Savior. If he can blind us to this truth, then realizing the Holy Spirit dwells within believers is even harder to comprehend.

Listen to the words Jesus spoke to His disciples shortly before His crucifixion.

“These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But, the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name. He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you; not as the world gives do I give you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
John 14:25-27

2 comments:

    On 8:05 PM Maxine said...

    I know he's real and he certainly does not have a horn and red suit. He can look pretty attractive at times. This is certainly a reminder that we need to be on guard. And he's REALLY busy these days!

     
    On 6:27 PM Anonymous said...

    I'm finally making time to visit the Lindenville Cafe family.
    Thankful to Christ that by His death the devil is already a defeated foe.

     
 
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