Yes, we come from a position of victory for the battle had been won on the cross. It is finished!1 Yet, let us not ignore that the devil is real. To deny its existence is to allow it to go unabated with its covert plans. Even Jesus didn’t ignore this fact and warned us how to pray, “. . . deliver us from evil.”2 Like a thief, the devil never comes with a frontal attack; he is scheming, strategic, and persistent, waiting for an opportune time.3 The thief comes only to kill and steal and destroy.4
The good news is that even the enemy bows at the name of Jesus.5 So be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly place.6 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.7
Be careful whose voice you entertain. The devil is the father of lies.8 Like fiery darts he comes with questions that would make you doubt. He will do whatever it takes to cause you to doubt your covenant relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. After Jesus’ baptism, God made a spectacle to confirm and acknowledge Jesus as his Son—the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.9 Then, the tempter came, challenged his identity, and said to him, “If you are the Son of
God . . .”10
As disciples consider your identity in Christ: called, chosen,11 blessed, set apart before the foundation of the world, made holy, blameless before God, predestined for adoption as sons, accepted by the Beloved, redeemed, forgiven, sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,12 confirmed as a child of the Father,13 a new creation,14 having the mind of Christ,15 empowered to go and make disciples.16
Therefore, be faithful. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.17 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.18 Thus, be of good cheer. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.19
Notes:
1. John 19:30
2. Mathew 6:13
3. Luke 4:13
4. John 10:10
5. Philippians 2:10
6. Ephesians 6:10-12
7. James 4:7
8. John 8:44
9. Matthew 3:16-17
10. Matthew 4:3
11. Revelations 17:14
12. Ephesians 1:3-14
13. Galatians 4:6-7
14. 2 Corinthians 5:17
15. 1 Corinthians 2:16
16. Matthew 28:18-20
17. Romans 8:18
18. Romans 8:28
19. Philippians 4:4
