The enemy is real! Satan. The Devil. Lucifer. John called him “the great dragon ... the ancient serpent... the deceiver of the whole world” (Revelation 12:9, ESV).
That slithering snake has been around since the beginning. “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God actually say, “You shall not eat of any tree in the garden?” ’ ” (Genesis 3:1, ESV).
And he’s still busy today! “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10, ESV). “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8, ESV).
Jesus declared, “He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44, ESV).
When Jesus faced the enemy in the 40-day wilderness experience, Jesus defeated his attacks by quoting Scripture. Remember? “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But he answered, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” ’ ” (Matthew 4:1-11, ESV). Again, two more times, Satan attached Jesus. On each occasion Jesus took the enemy to the Bible... “Thus saith the Lord!”
The Apostle Paul warns us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens” (Ephesians 6:12, CSB). Then Paul gives every believer the strategy for winning the battle against the powers of darkness. “Take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand” (Ephesians 6:13, CSB). The spiritual armor includes truth, righteousness, and faith. The only offensive weapon Paul notes is the “the sword of the Spirit — which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17, CSB). The next time the adversary comes knocking, take him to the Bible. Quote the Scriptures to yourself and to the enemy. Slay the giant with your sword!
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13, ESV).
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16, ESV).
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, ESV)
Note: You can’t win a sword-fight unless you know how to swing the sword. And you can’t
quote Scripture unless you memorize it.
South Georgia Baptist Church
Amarillo, Texas
Mike Martin, Pastor
mike@southgeorgiabaptistchurch.org