Nobody forced young David, not yet of age to join the army, to fight Goliath but his soul urged him to step forward to give testimony of the love and power of the LORD God, whom the gian defied. The devil’s attack on Job was not possible without the permission of the LORD but he set a limit to the devil’s assault. We are never alone in any of our battles, whether these are spiritual, physical, psychological, social or financial, but the Lord is always there with us. God’s promise to never leave us is not only about good times but all times, though we may not realize this. He is there to ensure that His children do not waver but continue to be victorious always.
Why and with whom do we fight? – Lord Jesus, the Prince of peace, has said, ‘Do not think I came to bring peace on earth, I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’ (Matthew 10:34-36). The message of the Gospel will not necessarily be received in like manner by all and there will be opposition from both spiritual and material realms. The very Chief Priests, who were designated to worship the LORD in His Temple in Jerusalem, led the crowds to shout against and seek crucifiction of the Son of God. God has defined a person to be His torchbearer and in this role to prevail over and dominate his enemies.
Our fight is not against human beings, though it appears to be so, for these are used by ‘principalities, powers, rulers of darkness of this age’ (Ephesians 6:12). But why are they against us? After completing the creation process God saw everything and declared it ‘very good’ and the only desire in man was ‘yetzer tov’ to do good (Genesis 1:31). About man not being alone was not considered evil but ‘not good’ by God for evil had not entered the creation yet (Genesis 2:18). It was only after the knowledge of ‘good and evil’ came into man from the forbidden fruit, that ‘yetzer hara’ the desire to do evil came into man. The fight is internal between these two forces that control our desires in us and this is exploited by the devil.
Right from the time the first person was created ‘full of wisdom and beauty’ and anointed as ‘the cherub who covers’, the identity crisis started (Ezekiel 28:12-14). The first angel, filled with pride, attempted to find his identity outside and separate from God and became the devil by shifting from Divine light into darkness. God has created man ‘a little lower than the angels’ and crowned him with glory and honor by giving him the dominion over all of creation (Psalm 8:5). None of the angels have such an honor. Furthermore, the inheritors of salvation in Lord Jesus, all believers are further blessed to have angels as ‘ministering spirits’ (Hebrews 1:14) to ‘keep you in all your ways’ (Psalm 91:11).
We are not tempted by the devil due to any weakness in us or because we are bound to fail. The devil knows that all believers, even ‘the least of the saints’ is greater and mighty in his Lord and occupies a place of far better honor than him. He further knows his and our eternal destiny in the Lord’s kingdom on earth and that is why he wants to drag us down to his place and the tool used is our internal desires. Apostle Peter saw the devil as ‘a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour’ (1 Peter 5:8). Lord Jesus bruised the devil’s head and ‘overwhelmed’ him so the tempter now comes roaring to afflict the one who cowers in his fear (Genesis 3:15). But the one who recognizes his own higher status than the devil remains undisturbed.
His mode of leading others away from God is on the same lines. First, is the identity question. During the temptation of the Son of God the first two attempts were focused on this with a seemingly simple statement, ‘If You are the Son of God’ (Matthew 4:3 & 6). Lord Jesus did not consider it necessary to answer this, being sure of His status. The temptation of Eve was similar, ‘your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God’ (Genesis 3:5). Adam and Eve were already in the ‘image and likeness of God’.
The connected part to this is about fleshly desires with the unspoken word, why should you be deprived of what you can have. Lord Jesus was asked to use His exalted state to turn stones into bread to satiate His hunger and Eve was tempted to use her right to the Garden as its keeper to fulfill her desires. The hidden statement is always, how can God deny you this and make you suffer, despite the fact that you have been regular in your church visits etc. The aim of the devil is to create a doubt about the ability and willingness of God to bless His children and thus lead them away from Him.
Next is about use of the rights of a child of God, for with this the Scripture is misquoted and misapplied. Satan tried this with our Lord (Matthew 4:6) by misquoting Psalm 91:11-12, in that the basic point about the ministry of the angels was omitted, ‘to keep you in all your ways’. The angels are to help in our walk of faith and not in providing protection in whatever we may be doing.
Cain was the firstborn son of Adam and Eve and he ‘brought an offering of the fruit of the ground’ while his brother brought ‘of the firstborn of the flock and their fat’ (Genesis 4:3-7). God does not need any of our offerings but it is His desire to bless what is retained by us by accepting what we give. But should we offer God anything or the best for this will reflect His place in our life. We are urged by the devil to keep the best, for we have toiled for it, and offer to God something or nothing or offer with a sense of resentment and not gratitude. The two things God desires from man are mercy and knowledge of God more than sacrificial offerings. On the other hand the devil puts desires in us to keep all for self use and let others take care of their needs.
God’s command is that ‘every seven years you shall grant a release of debts. And this is the form of release: Every creditor who has lent anything to his neighbor shall release it; he shall not require it of his neighbor or his brother; because it is called the LORD’s release’ (Deuteronomy 15:1-3). Naturally once the sixth year would start, the devil would put into the heart of one who is asked, to lend some money, about the loss after a few months, if the creditor is unable to pay back. The natural urge would then be to refuse, citing lack of resources. But since this was ‘LORD’s release’ the resultant blessing will also be lost to the one who refuses to give in the sixth year.
Another way of Satan is to seek alternative sources for early fulfillment of plans by adopting a short cut. At his wife Sarai’s urging, Abram produced Ishmael with Hagar, Sarai’s maid, and the Ishmaelites are perpetually in opposition to the Israelites, and even claiming to be the real inheritors of Abraham’s blessings from God. Satan showed Lord Jesus, from an exceedingly high mountain top, ‘all the kingdoms of the world and their glory’ (Matthew 6:8-9). He then offered all that to the Son of God in return for His surrender to satanic authority. The offer was clear, ‘You have come to establish Your kingdom, adopt this method and do it all in a moment’, without any delay.
The first sin of creation was Satan’s pride that led him to lead one third angles in rebellion against God. The second sin is fear of the result of one’s actions. The devil knows God is just but merciful and keeps on tempting others in an attempt to prove to God that sinless living is not possible for one endowed with such great blessings. The Son of God proved him wrong and opened a way for us to live above sin.
Important aspects of this fight of faith – Apostle Paul exhorts all believers to ‘work out your own salvation with fear and trembling’ (Philippians 2:12-13). The fight is not to gain salvation but to finish this work in us, the work that Lord Jesus has already finished for us on the cross. The work of God’s grace is over in me but I have to work it out so that it gets reflected in my life. The second part of this is that it is about ‘your own salvation’ for most people are more concerned about other souls with little or no concern about their own soul. The third part is about ‘fear and trembling’ lest I fail in this but it is not the fear of a sinner but joyful trembling of being in the presence of God. Being His son I must live my life lest I dishonor my heavenly family with my works.
Apostle Paul assures all believers that it is God who works in us ‘both to will and to do for His good pleasure’. This is the reason why we must work out our salvation with fear and trembling for God is working in us. The Living Source of grace dwells in us and He is a never ending source till eternity and we can keep drawing from that. Since He works in us, our responsibility increases and one who is inactive is like the ‘wicked and lazy servant’ (Matthew 25:24-30). God energizes us through transformation of our will and then leading us to act, to do. It is not a passive action, for it gives Him great pleasure to do this in His children.
This good fight of faith is about running from sin and lusts while pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love and peace (2 Timothy 2:22). The devil brings in us a thought that since forgiveness is available, what is the hurry; why not enjoy life for some time and then turn to God in old age. The rich man who prepared to store us treasures for living a life of ease to ‘eat drink and be merry’ but God decreed his soul to be taken up the same night’ (Luke 12:19-20). What is the guarantee that any one will wake up the next day or take the next breath?
The devil’s efforts are directed at our vertical relationship with God through sinful living and horizontal relationships with others through pride, fear and non forgiveness of any perceived wrong. Joshua was told by Moses, God and the Israelites repeatedly to not be afraid, despite the fact that he had been with Moses all along and seen God working in and through him. Satan wants to put fear in a person to lead him astray and away from God, for knowing God is the key to a close relationship with Him. Knowing Lord Jesus is knowing the truth and ‘the truth shall make you free’ and this freedom is from the clutches of the devil, sin and forces of darkness (John 8:31-32). Since the fight is spiritual the aim of the devil is to deflect us from loving our God ‘with all the heart, mind, soul and might’ (Mark 12:30-31).
How do we overcome these attacks? First, Flee from temptation for chivalry in this is to run, like Joseph left his cloak with Potiphar’s wife and ran (Genesis 39:12). Second, Focus your thoughts on God and His word; ‘whatever is true, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent, or praiseworthy – think about such things’ (Philippians 4:8). Three, Pray and seek the good of others for once you surrender to and love Lord Jesus ‘you are Christ’s and Christ is God’. So look for helping others, His sheep or even those outside His fold. Four, Be prepared for the attack by putting ‘on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes , you may be able to stand your ground’ ((Ephesians 6:13). Five, understand and keep remembering the consequences of sin that is eternal damnation in hell fires. Six, Meditate upon God’s Word to internalize the same for the command to Joshua was this (Joshua 1:8). Lord Jesus used God’s Word to fight the lies of the devil and has taught, ‘Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it’ (Luke 11:28). Seven, seek your identity in God alone. The psalmist cries out to God for his soul longs for God like a thirsty deer (Psalm 42:1). Eight, Apostle James urges all believers to confess their sins and also pray for each other for being accountable and to get strengthened (James 5:16). Nine, join in Holy Communion regularly for Lord Jesus started this with the command that ‘those who eat My flesh and drink My blood abide in Me and I in them’.
How to ensure victory? One of our viewers has been suffering from fear pangs now and this causes not only stress and health issues but also disturbance in the whole family. The great fighting Apostle Paul faced many critical battles in life and he encouraged us that the weapons given to us by God are not of this world. These weapons are ‘mighty in God for pulling down strongholds’ (2 Corinthians 10:4).
The devil’s efforts are directed at our vertical relationship with God through sinful living and horizontal relationships with others through pride, fear and non forgiveness of any perceived wrong. Joshua was told by Moses, God and the Israelites repeatedly to not be afraid, despite the fact that he had been with Moses all along and seen God working in and through him. Satan wants to put fear in a person to lead him astray and away from God, for knowing God is the key to a close relationship with Him. Knowing Lord Jesus is knowing the truth and ‘the truth shall make you free’ and this freedom is from the clutches of the devil, sin and forces of darkness (John 8:31-32). Since the fight is spiritual the aim of the devil is to deflect us from loving our God ‘with all the heart, mind, soul and might’ (Mark 12:30-31).
How do we overcome these attacks? First, Flee from temptation for chivalry in this is to run, like Joseph left his cloak with Potiphar’s wife and ran (Genesis 39:12). Second, Focus your thoughts on God and His word; ‘whatever is true, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent, or praiseworthy – think about such things’ (Philippians 4:8). Three, Pray and seek the good of others for once you surrender to and love Lord Jesus ‘you are Christ’s and Christ is God’. So look for helping others, His sheep or even those outside His fold. Four, Be prepared for the attack by putting ‘on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes , you may be able to stand your ground’ ((Ephesians 6:13). Five, understand and keep remembering the consequences of sin that is eternal damnation in hell fires. Six, Meditate upon God’s Word to internalize the same for the command to Joshua was this (Joshua 1:8). Lord Jesus used God’s Word to fight the lies of the devil and has taught, ‘Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it’ (Luke 11:28). Seven, seek your identity in God alone. The psalmist cries out to God for his soul longs for God like a thirsty deer (Psalm 42:1). Eight, Apostle James urges all believers to confess their sins and also pray for each other for being accountable and to get strengthened (James 5:16). Nine, join in Holy Communion regularly for Lord Jesus started this with the command that ‘those who eat My flesh and drink My blood abide in Me and I in them’.
How to ensure victory? One of our viewers has been suffering from fear pangs now and this causes not only stress and health issues but also disturbance in the whole family. The great fighting Apostle Paul faced many critical battles in life and he encouraged us that the weapons given to us by God are not of this world. These weapons are ‘mighty in God for pulling down strongholds’ (2 Corinthians 10:4).
Transforming the mind – The first step, Apostle Paul gives the answer, ‘do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind’ (Romans 12:2). Any game has different levels and hard work and training is needed to go to the upper levels to receive the medal finally. Our training is to go deeper and deeper into the study and meditation of the Word of God to get transformed.This implies that firstly, there is no limit to renewing and second is to safeguard what we learn from the lies of the devil.
The second step is protection and safety of the treasure of knowledge and understanding that God gives to the diligent seeker. It is done by wearing the ‘helmet of salvation’ ((Ephesians 6:17), for a saved person has the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). Second is through prayer submit all to the Lord through supplications with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:7). Third is through preparation. Apostle Peter has advised all believers to ‘gird up the loins of your mind’ and rest your hope in the Lord (1 Peter 1:13). Four, Retain your focus of ‘mind on things above, not things of the earth’ (Colossians 3:2) but it is not about giving up our responsibilities but about having our life values from heaven.
Once our mind is filled with the Word of God, we are enabled to counter the lies of the devil by His truth. That is why our Lord has said, ‘know the truth and the truth shall set you free’ from the lies that are whispered into our ears. Evil thoughts are like birds flying in the air and will only settle down to make a nest in our minds if we permit that to happen. Seek God’s grace daily yourself and do not lean on the prayer of others, that will help but you also have to fight your battle. We are ‘surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses’ like the large crowd cheering the runner, and all believers shout encouragement to us from heaven while we are running this race and involved in this fight of faith (. Hebrews 12:1). Let us honor God, our Savior Lord and out great Teacher the Holy Spirit in us through diligence.
The Second Helper, the indwelling Holy Spirit, empowers and guides us to live submitted to Him to remain in the victory, earned for us through His sacrifice by the Lamb of God. But despite His hand being on us, the battle is still to be fought by each one of us individually. Victory is his, who diligently carries on, though there may be some setbacks, yet the medal is his. That is what the ‘cloud of witnesses’ and the Commander desires from every soldier of His!
