How to deal with Satan
Ephesians 6:17 And take… the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
James says: "Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
Something I read recently: "When Satan comes to remind me about my past, I remind him about his future."
I think many of God’s dear children live fruitless and defeated lives because they listen to Satan – and unfortunately what he says is rooted in our past performance and experience.
King David said: “My sin is ever before me.” (Psalm 51:3)
“All have sinned” applies to us as believers as much as to those who have not yet become part of God’s redeemed. All are or were candidates for God’s forgiveness and are objects of His grace and love. Once we become part of the family of God, we are placed in a new relationship with God; we become His “born again” ones – given a clean slate; have forgiveness; have all past transgressions blotted out. We are no longer under condemnation but have entered a phase of favour with the Almighty.
Notice Paul’s words to the Roman believers:
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.
Did you get the full impact of that statement? Think for a moment and let it sink in…
Notice what is said:
- There is… now; this is our present – not our past. Satan would love to keep us dwelling on the past; where he could control you with fear and condemnation. “Now” implies there is a past – move into the “now” and enjoy the present.
- What is said about the “now” that is different to the “past”? “… No condemnation…” This Satan does not want you to know or believe, As long as we live in the past; prompted by our enemy; we will live defeated lives. Christ has redeemed us (bought us back) from the curse of the law; i.e. from condemnation. God’s people have been “justified”; made righteous; put in a state as if they had never ever sinned. Say to Satan what God says. God says you as His child are not under condemnation.
- This is not for all of mankind, but only for “…them that are in Christ Jesus.” Only God’s born-again children are free from guilt and condemnation. Also please realise that all of the Lord’s children live under “no condemnation” – don’t allow Satan to ruin your relationships with others by reminding you of their past failures.
The Word of God is our weapon of offence against the enemy. This “sword” when wielded properly and in faith will have great success in routing our enemy. This same Word of God that shows us our standing also reveals the end state of our enemy. Remind Satan of his future and he’ll stop bugging you – “for a season.”
Your ideas and reasoning is no match for Satan; however, he cannot withstand the Word of God spoken in faith. Don’t give in to his insinuations. If he has issue, tell him to speak to Jesus about it.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Peter Crause
This is not copyrighted and may be freely used and distributed.
e-mail: crause.pd@shaw.ca
