Now the serpant was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?”
Genesis 3:1
Satan is the accuser, liar, tempter.
His goal is to destroy and lead God’s children away from His will.
Just as God has a good plan for my life, satan has one for destruction.
He knows my weaknesses.
Temptation and sin always follow the same pattern.
Big sins start with small compromises.
Temptation is a deception; a lie that something bad is really good.
Forbidden fruit will make me like God.
It draws me out of the garden and away from the Father.
Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12
No one is immune to sin.
There is a pattern, a lure, a misuse of what is good.
My own desires tempt me.
Desire for things outside of the will of God – things out of bounds.
“Does God (the Bible) really say that?”
“Just this once.”
“The Lord wants me to be happy.”
It may start in a grey area – but I always know it’s wrong.
Instead of fighting, walking away or building walls, I pick it up.
Sin is birthed.
It grows.
Once full grown it brings destruction and death.
• Death of a ministry.
• Death of a reputation.
• Death of a marriage.
A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
I am fearfully and wonderfully made – mind, body, spirit.
Flesh starts the fight but the Spirit fights back.
I will lose if I stop fighting.
Submit yourselves then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7
Refuse to compromise or give in – starve the flesh, feed the Spirit.
• Feed it worship.
• Feed it prayer.
• Feed it God’s Word.
Temptation entices and incites – I must flee before I cannot resist.
Powerless over the pull.
Desires that destroy.
God always gives me a way out but when I stay too long, temptation grows to a place I cannot resist.
Temptation enters through open gates of eyes and ears.
A man without self control is like a city broken into and left without walls. Proverbs 25:28
Tomorrow’s temptations are prepared for today.
• I acknowledge my weaknesses.
• I know where the holes are in the fence.
• I build walls around them.
I fall when I stop fighting, go places I shouldn’t be or look at things I shouldn’t see.
When I’m trying to lose weight, I don’t go to the ice cream shop – the temptation is far too great.
It’s a battle I will most likely lose.
I understand my weaknesses and avoid people, places and things that cause me to trip and fall.
I don’t put myself in places where I am enticed.
I make decisions in advance – if such and such happens, I’m leaving.
Like Joseph, I flee.
Guard the gates where temptation sneaks in.
I create boundaries – “I don’t watch that” “I don’t listen to that” “I don’t go there”
Sin has consequences.
It dims my witness.
Weakens my testimony.
Has the potential to destroy my relationships and life.
The remedy is confession.
When I fail and fall, His grace covers me as I take ownership.
Confess and admit fault.
Repent – make changes and turn.
A moment can change an entire life. Click To Tweet
Be alert.
There is an enemy who prowls like a lion.
He seeks to devour and destroy.
Don’t stop fighting.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12
Sydell
September 21, 2018Wow this is a awesome post my sister friend to have as a tool to put on our Jesus armor to stand firm against the enemy. I have to remind myself daily that I’m fighting with evil spirit and not the Flesh. Thank you for your encouragement. Love you dear sister ❤️
Liz
September 21, 2018Hi Sydell…you’re awesome…you got it! The post is based on a sermon I heard plus other readings…it impacted/helped me and it was my desire to share for the reasons you wrote. Thank you – your faithful love and support mean so much. I also forget I’m in a battle. Love you sister ❤️
Judy M. Bishop
September 22, 2018Liz, thank you so much for this reminder. Satan tries to attack my life on a daily basis. Bible Study and God keep me grounded but, like all of us, we succumb to sin each and every day. Thank God for his Grace and Mercy He gifts us with every day. I only wish that my ex and son could have fought
against Satan but, unfortunately, they chose to walk with Him. I pray every day that God will convict them, and that my ex will release the hold he has on my son, and he will see the error of his ways and return to my life. In the meantime, I thank you, my friend, for the work you do to keep us informed and reminded of how much God does love us. I also have my Bible Studies at the nursing home to boost my faith as well as theirs.
Liz
September 22, 2018Hi Judy – love and hugs…you’re awesome – thank you for sharing. Such a hard thing when the enemy divides families. Your faithfulness and steadfastness touch my heart. You stay close to the Father as you serve and shine light to others. I know Jesus is proud of you. Thank you sister – your comment both touches and blesses me. ❤️
Judy M. Bishop
October 1, 2018Once again, Liz, thank you so much for your blog. I will use this section as I teach at the senior center about the Armor of God!!! As I am preparing for the study, Satan has been attacking me right and left! My printer quit working, and I lost all of the data I entered for my talk. But, he will not win!
I am bound and determined to teach them how to ward off his attacks! Thank you so much, my Sister in Christ! Judy
Liz
October 1, 2018Hi Judy…. you’re awesome – I love your resilience and fighting spirit. Your words bless me and all glory goes to God – it’s totally what He gives me. ❤️ Love what you do and your servant’s heart – it so honors the Lord. He sees you, your heart and loves you so very much. I love you too – your friendship and support are a blessing. ❤️