Once in a while we need to be reminded that we have an enemy whose sole disposition is to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). He is a thief, a murderer, and a destroyer. As I counsel people it’s clear that
one thing that we, as believers, could do much better at, is to be aware of our enemy’s devices. Those devices are his schemes and plots that would give him an advantage over us in order to carry out his agenda.
Being aware of his devices doesn’t mean that we are to be afraid of the devil. Actually, it’s the devil who fears us! Jesus defeated him and gave us His authority and power over all the power of the devil (Luke 10:19). When we were born again, we were delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God (Colossians 1:13)! We are children of the most high God! As long as we are in the earth, we have Jesus interceding for us, angels at our disposal, Covenant rights and privileges, and the empowerments of the Holy Spirit working in, around, and through us! We also have the Word of God that he must obey.
Paul said, “…we are not ignorant of his devices,” which insinuates that we already know his devices, and why wouldn’t we know his devices? At one time we were his children! That gives us a great advantage.
As believers, we all have a flesh, which is the residue of the old mindsets and dispositions that the old man left behind when we were born again and became new creations in Christ! And all the tendencies of our flesh, which are the things we resent, become offended by, hold against people, lust after, and seek to gain the upper hand over others, are like a barometer that lets us clearly see the plots, schemes, and devices of the devil.
In other words, God has given us the upper hand, and it literally drives him to distraction when knows he can’t dominate us! That’s why he looks for chinks in our armor and inroads to gain advantage.
One of those big inroads is unforgiveness. Jesus spoke often about unforgiveness and warned us of the damage it does to us. In fact, Paul was addressing the subject of forgiveness in the context of our title scripture above. Unforgiveness is one of the greatest inroads that satan uses to gain an advantage over us.
So, instead of being afraid of the devil, let’s just trample him under our feet by walking in love which insulates us from the devices of the enemy, and makes it impossible for him to get an advantage over us! We honor Jesus when we hear and do what He says to do. And God’s response is His promise, “…those who honor Me I will honor” (I Samuel 2:30) His honor is everlasting Life!
With Love,
Pastor Tom
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