Resist the devil! (2)
Peter’s exhortation included the call to be humble before God, so that we will be exalted at the proper time. Remember that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble and pride originates from the devil. Furthermore, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The devil is ‘like’ a lion but Jesus Christ is the conquering lion of the tribe of Judah and his spirit lives in us. The Holy Spirit in you is of the conquering lion so you are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus. Fear is a strategy of the kingdom of darkness, but if we truly know who we are and the power invested in us, then we know that we have nothing to fear.
Paul exhorts in Ephesians, “and give no opportunity to the devil” (Ephesians 4:27). Paul was saying that we should avoid attitudes and habits that lead us into sin. Recovering alcoholics are advised to avoid anywhere with alcohol because of the temptation to be lured back into alcoholism. Don’t allow the devil to deceive you into allowing yourself to enter into or remain in situations that are tempting. Run away if you need to, in order to resist and don’t consider yourself to be so strong that you feel that you cannot fall into sin. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you can be tempted but put safeguards around yourself and keep people in your circle who can hold you accountable.
“Therefore let the one who thinks he stands firm [immune to temptation, being overconfident and self-righteous], take care that he does not fall [into sin and condemnation]” (1 Corinthians 10:12). We have to be conscious about what we watch on TV, what we listen to on the radio and the people that we surround ourselves with. Remember that our physical senses are the entry way to the soul and can entice us into unwanted habits and behaviours. “Abstain from every form of evil [withdraw and keep away from it]” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
People have mistakenly assumed that God causes them to be tempted. This is erroneous thinking as James explained. “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire” (James 1:14). Once the desire gives birth in the mind, then it can lead to sin. Most of our biggest challenges start with our thinking. Don’t think that because you are only thinking about it, that it is not sinful. We have to take every thought captive, demolish it and cast it down out of our minds. Thoughts that lead to sin do not originate from God and entertaining them means that you are entertaining the devil. This can only lead to sin.
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession.
Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm.
I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing.
I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.
View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
Published
October 1, 2021October 1, 2021
