Defense Against Satan 3/28/2014

Good Morning World.

 I can always say that I look forward to Friday. I filled my mug with Door County Blueberry Cobbler Coffee. It's going to be a long day so just a little extra coffee will be the order of the day.

Last night we watched some March Madness. The Wisconsin Badgers were playing Baylor in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. The Badgers went on to win quite handily.
During the game I noticed that what really set the Wisconsin team up to win was a strong defense. The strong defense really was the catalyst for the offense.

This made me think about our battle with Satan daily. We really have the defensive tools to defeat Satan.

Preparation is basic to living an effective Christian life. The strength of the Christian life is depending on God--on being "strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might" (v. 10).

Any other strength proves to be impotent. Our own strength is never enough to oppose Satan, but when we are strong in the Lord, even a little of His strength is sufficient to win any battle. Paul said, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). It is not the amount of strength we have that's important--only its source.

To the extent that a Christian is strong in the Lord, his victory is guaranteed over the worst Satan has to offer. We are in a war--a terrible and fierce war--but have no reason to be afraid if we are on the Lord's side. Appropriation of that strength comes through what the Puritans referred to as "the means of grace"--prayer, knowing Scripture, obeying it, and faith in the promises of God.

Ephesians 6:13 says, "Take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm." God gives no deferments or exemptions. His people are at war and will continue to be at war until He returns and takes charge of the earth. But even the most willing and eager soldier of Christ is helpless without God's provision. That is Paul's point: "Take up the full armor of God" (emphasis added). We have His provision in being His children, in having His Word, in possessing His indwelling Holy Spirit, and of having every resource that our heavenly Father possesses. God is our strength, but His strength is appropriated only through obedience. His mighty armor must be put on (v. 11) and taken up (v. 13).

In the great spiritual warfare in which we do battle, we are called only to resist and stand firm. James said, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). Peter counseled us to "be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith" (1 Peter 5:8-9).

We have what we need to win. What we have to do is desire to win and not be defeated. God's defense is our guarantee to win.

Have a great weekend. Don't settle for second. Strive to win and then win.

God bless,
Marty.