Don’t Let The Devil Win

Focus Scripture Matthew 4: 1-11

1 Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil.

4 But He answered and said it is written

7 And Jesus said to him again, ‘it is written…’

10Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you Satan! For it is written…

11Then the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered to Him

 The great manipulator: Satan can use and twist the Word of God to tempt and deceive but we must remain vigilant. ‘Don’t’ let the Devil Win’.

There is a saying, the devil has no new tricks. So, if we are decerning, we will recognize the pattern of his vices.  The devil presents half-truths, twisting God’s word and imposing doubt.  In the Garden, doubt was imposed when he questioned Eve, ‘Did God really say…’ and then deceit, ‘Surely you will not die’.  Satan uses immediate gratification, when God is a God of process.  Satan’s lure of words regarding eyes being opened, being like God, knowing good and evil caused Eve to focus on what she thought she didn’t have rather than all and the enough that God had already given.  Eve lacked to decern that she was created in the image of God.  The consequence, spiritual death and separation although certain, was not immediately seen by the natural eye.  Just as with us today, the consequence of sin and unrighteousness may not unfold immediately or physically but they are certain, and the beginning of the dimming of God’s light within us.

Satan presents distraction.  Distraction equals destruction.  ‘Don’t let the devil win.’

Rather, let us be like Jesus, equipped, alert and vigilant.  In the account of Satan tempting Jesus, again Satan came with the Word, yet Jesus too came with the Word.  Through each scenario Jesus responded with the Word of God, stating, ‘It is written…’ The word of God is our shield, it is our defence and it is our way out.  Going through temptation, going through trials, going through seasons of darkness, it is not easy.  But when we relentlessly apply the Word over every situation by speaking what is written the devil will leave, he must flee.  Even if only for a season.  And the Lord will send ministering angels, even His spirit to comfort us.

Let us not dash our foot on a stone, let us not stumble.  Don’t let the devil win.

We give glory to God for He is our strength and He holds our ways. If we remain surrendered and subjected to Him alone, His Word, the standard and staple of our Christlike life.  In the garden the enemy gained power over humanity, through Adam’s disobedience and the whole world now lies in the power of the evil one.  However, we as believers are called out of the world into His marvellous light.  That Light, which is the Word of God, our tool, our defence, our shield, our sword.  Albeit the enemy will continue to try, he will continue to, test, he will continue the tempt.  As long as we have the power of choice. Let us choose life, for ourselves and for our family How do we choose life?  Keep the faith, fight the good fight and finish the race.  Beholding the crown of righteousness that the Lord. The righteous judge will give

Your name is conqueror; your name is victorious. You are a winner-man so...  ‘Don’t let the devil win’.

Let us not succumb to temptation. Let us not take our eye off the prize, that eternal glory, dwelling with the King of Glory, our King our Majesty.  Jesus the Christ. He showed the way, He paid the price, that we may walk as overcomers into eternal life.  Positioned in Christ, and absolute obedience to the Word of God.  Oh, how we bless the Lord and give thanks for grace through the mercy seat that carries.  Still, it is my prayer that we transition from a grace that carries us, into empowered disciples that carry the grace.  That with understanding we can speak in the power and authority of the Word of God, in and over our lives and circumstances.  In and over society.

Don’t let the devil win.  Blot out ego, blot out discord, blot out envy, blot out gossip, blot out unforgiveness, blot out hurt, blot out dishonesty, blot of jealousy, blot it out with the blood of Jesus.  It has been nailed to the cross, may we leave it there, Plastering it all over with the binding love of Christ.  That the enemy may not have way to take root or reign within any area of our lives.

Let’s gird ourselves with truth

Let’s gird ourselves with righteousness

Let’s gird ourselves with the love of God and as we become more girded through deeper surrender we will come to be in complete awe of God and we will become blameless.  We will become upright.  We will detest evil and a hedge of protection will be around us, our homes and all that we have.  Yes, we will be blessed on every side.

My dear brothers and sisters, may we perpetually drawer nearer, dig deeper and digest more from the fountain of Truth, that we may be securely positioned and continuously matured in Christ.

 Don’t let the devil win.  In the mighty name of Jesus.  Amen.

Scriptures for reflection

1 John 5:19 – World is in the power of the evil one

1 Corinthians 10:13 – Temptation. There is always a way out

Deuteronomy 30:19 – Choose life

Romans 8:37 – we’re more then conquers through Jesus

Ephesians 6: 10-18  - Fight the good fight

Philippians 1:6 – God of process, the Author and Finisher