122. HOW TO OVERCOME THE POWER OF SIN IN MY LIFE? – How do I protect Jesus’ life within me against Satan’s attacks? (c)

In our last meditation we saw what our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ should look like if we want to overcome Satan’s assaults on Jesus’ life within us. Of course, Satan can never destroy Jesus' life in us, but he can slow down or even obstruct the growth of Christlike maturity in us. Why is this so?

It is clear that Satan’s destructive campaign is first of all aimed at our ‘old’ sinful nature. He tries to seduce us into yielding to our sinful desires and into disobeying God’s Word. The apostle James puts that quite plainly when he writes: “When tempted, no-one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers.” (James 1:13-16**)

Therefore, if we want to learn defying Satan’s powerful attacks, we need to follow the apostle Paul’s instructions.        

“Put on all of God's armor...” ( Ephesians 6:11*)

He starts his instruction by spurring us to “put on all of God's armour”. The apostle uses here the Greek word ‘panoplia’ which is a figure of speech derived from the Roman army in Paul’s days. The ‘panoplia’ is literally the full preparation of a foot soldier for offense and defence. If we want to protect Jesus’ life in us against Satan’s attacks on our ‘old’ sinful nature, we need to clothe ourselves with the full armour of God. That is a protective covering which solely God’s Spirit can provide to overcome Satan’s assaults. Only by clothing ourselves with this ‘armour of the Spirit’ we are able to protect Jesus’ life in us against Satan’s abuses of our sinful nature!

Paul urges the Christians in Rome to put on God’s full armour: “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light.” (Romans 13:12**) The modern New Living Translation renders this originally Greek verse as: “The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So don't live in darkness. Get rid of your evil deeds. Shed them like dirty clothes. Clothe yourselves with the armor of right living, as those who live in the light.” (Romans 13:12*)

Speaking about the way he does his ministry work as an apostle of Christ, Paul testifies to the Christians in Corinth (Greece): “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4**)

“... so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil.” ( Ephesians 6:11*)

Paul shows that God’s full armour is imperative for being able to offer resistance and hold our ground to Satan’s attacks. Besides, we are in need to keep constantly alert against unexpected demonic assaults. The apostle warns the Christians in Corinth: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13**). To the followers of Christ in Colosse (Turkey) he writes: “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” (Colossians 4:2*).

Finally, the apostle Peter cautions us against Satan’s likely assaults: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8**).

These attacks of Satan are not only negative occurrences. They also aim at a positive result! The apostle James encourages us: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials, of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4**). James wants us to know that God habitually tests our obedience to Him. In doing so He aims at teaching us how to grow in persistence which results in the development of mature Christlikeness!.   

The idea that God wants to test our faith is not limited to James’ letter. Here are some examples from elsewhere in God’s Word:

-- God says by mouth of His prophet Jeremiah (7^th century BC): “I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” ( Jeremiah 17:10*)

In the Book of Proverbs we read: “Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the LORD tests the heart.” (Proverbs 17:3*)

-- King David even humbly asks God to check out his faith: “Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and affections.” (Psalm 26:2*) and again in Psalm 139:23-24*: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

Before we continue meditating on the importance of God’s full armour for us, we need to look at Paul’s description of the manifold demonic forces he describes in Ephesians 6:12. That’s what we will do next time.

Translations: * New Living Translation; ** New International Version

About the question “Who is Satan?” see Meditations 19-21.

About “How to overcome the power of sin in my life and in my church?” see Meditations 101-121.

121. HOW TO OVERCOME THE POWER OF SIN IN MY LIFE? – How do I protect Jesus’ life within me against Satan’s attacks? (b)

In our last meditation we saw that our Lord Jesus Christ grants His powerful presence in the hearts of all God’s children. That is the precondition for overcoming Satan’s assaults. Obviously, we cannot lean back and let God’s Spirit do the entire job. We are called to be actively involved. We should not only grow strong in the Lord, but Paul persuades us also, saying:

“Be (or: grow, become) strong in ... His mighty power...” (Ephesians 6:10**)

For the apostle Paul overcoming Satan’s assaults is a continuous battle to win! In Meditation 120 we saw that I am never able to win that battle on my own because of my own sinful nature. Yet, as a child of God, my powerful Lord lives within me by His Spirit. He is stronger than Satan with all his demonic tactics.

Therefore, the question is: What is my responsibility in this continuous battle?

a.) To keep my relationship with Jesus Christ and His Spirit intact.

The Lord Himself warns us that we cannot win these battles on our own: “… apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5*) The apostle Paul reminds us that we cannot resist Satan’s assaults if the Spirit of God does not control our lives. Paul writes to the Ephesian Christians: “Do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live.” (Ephesians 4:30*) The Christians in Thessaloniki he alerts: “Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19*)

b.) To acknowledge my inadequacy to win these battles because of my sinful nature.

Paul testifies: “Each time He said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9*)

Already the prophet Isaiah (8^th century BC) declares that “God gives power to those who are tired and worn out; He offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31*)

To the Christians in Corinth (Greece) the apostle Paul sharply contrasts God’s power and our weakness so that we should not mix God’s power up with the incapacity of our sinful nature: “This precious treasure-- this light and power that now shine within us-- is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own.” (2 Corinthians 4:7*)

c.) To submit to God’s leadership under combat conditions.

God knows Satan’s nature and demonic schemes completely. That’s why it is imperative to follow His orders. Already in the Old Testament we read how Israel fought under God’s leadership. Through Moses, God gave His people the rules of warfare they should keep: “Before you go into battle, the priest will come forward to speak with the troops. He will say, 'Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight today! Do not lose heart or panic. For the LORD your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and He will give you victory!'” (Deuteronomy 20:2-4*)

King David acknowledged God’s leadership in combat: “The LORD is my light and my salvation-- so why should I be afraid? The LORD protects me from danger-- so why should I tremble? When evil people come to destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear. Even if they attack me, I remain confident.” (Psalm 27:1-3*)

God encourages Israel in battle by mouth of the prophet Isaiah, saying: “Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. See, all your angry enemies lie there, confused and ashamed. Anyone who opposes you will die. You will look for them in vain. They will all be gone! I am holding you by your right hand-- I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, Do not be afraid. I am here to help you.  Despised though you are, O Israel, don't be afraid, for I will help you. I am the LORD, your Redeemer. I am the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 41:10-14*)

c.) To rely on God’s strategy and wisdom.

To submit to God’s leadership under combat conditions also means to wait for God’s commands and act on God’s initiative. I think of two instructions from the Psalms that also are applicable to relying on God’s leadership in a clash with Satan: “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14*) “Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.” (Psalm 33:20***)

Obviously, in the fire of conflict we sometimes might not know how to act wisely and in accordance with God’s will. Therefore, God inspired the apostle James to encourage us in such confusing situations with the words: “If you need wisdom-- if you want to know what God wants you to do-- ask Him, and He will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking.” (James 1:5*) And king David (11^th century BC) testifies to God’s response when he needed His help: “When I called, You answered me; You made me bold and stout-hearted.” (Psalm 138:3*)

d.) To grow in understanding how to apply the power God’s Spirit provides in demonic encounters.

Not only does the Lord Jesus live through His powerful Spirit in my heart. He also wants to give me the power I need to stand firm during Satan’s attacks. The apostle Paul writes to the Christians in Ephesus: “I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of His power for us who believe Him.” (Ephesians 1:19*) To the believers in Colosse (Turkey) Paul writes: “We also pray that you will be strengthened with His glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy...” (Colossians 1:11*) The apostle speaks to the Philippian Christians of his long experience with the application of Christ’s power in his life: “I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” (Philippians 4:13*)

In the last meditation we saw that our Lord Jesus Christ – by His Spirit - has granted His powerful presence in the hearts of all those who are born again. And in this meditation we realize how my relationship with Him should be if I want to overcome Satan’s assaults on Jesus’ life within me. In the following meditations we will discover how God wants us to defy Satan’s powerful attacks while we submit to His leadership under combat conditions.

Translations: * New Living Translation; ** New International Version; *** New King James Version

About conversion, see meditations 19-26.

About Holy Sprit’s ministry, rebirth or baptism in God’s Spirit, see meditations 27-34, 37 and 44.

About personal, Christlike love for God the Father and God the Son, see meditations 56-62.

About not bringing sorrow to God’s Spirit and not stifling Him, see meditations 49-55.

120. HOW TO OVERCOME THE POWER OF SIN IN MY LIFE? – How do I protect Jesus’ life within me against Satan’s attacks? (a)

In Meditation 108 I invited you to start ruminating on the question “How to overcome the power of sin in my life and in my church?” Then I suggested that we begin initially by focusing on our personal lives as Christians.

- In the Meditations 109 to 115 we looked into the question of why the acknowledgment of our Triune God is the pre-condition for victory over sin!

- In the Meditation 116 we saw that Jesus’ death and resurrection is the blueprint for action in overcoming the power of sin in my life.

- In the Meditations 117 and 118 we recognized that God’s Spirit has given me the ‘mind of Christ’ to understand God’s ways.

- In Meditation 119 we spoke about how Jesus’ life within me should direct and control my way of thinking.

We are left with the question: How do I protect Jesus’ life within me against Satan’s attacks?

For modern man, Satan is not a spiritual reality. In our day and age Satan has been banished to the realm of fantasy. Yet, God’s Word compels us to take his presence dead serious! In Meditation 20 we looked into the question: Who is Satan? And in Meditation 21 we asked ourselves if we can blame Satan for all our wrongdoings? At the end of that last meditation we came to the following conclusion: “Nowhere in the Bible do we read that we can blame Satan for our wrongdoings. On the contrary, God’s Word shows that we ourselves are responsible for turning away from God and for giving in to Satan’s scheming.”  

Yet, the assaults that Satan launches on the followers of Christ can be severe and manifold. He has the objective to hinder or even destroy Jesus’ life within us if that is possible. That’s why God moved the apostle Paul to provide us with the means to resist any attack. We find his life-saving modus operandi in his letter to the Christians in Ephesus (Turkey): Ephesians 6: 10-17. So, let us see in the next meditations what Paul wants us to do to overcome any Satanic attack.

“Be (or: grow, become) strong in the Lord...” (Ephesians 6:10**)

Right from the onset it is perfectly clear that Paul does not put the capacity to counter any Satanic attack within the human heart. From our meditations so far, it is obvious that we are not able to overcome Satan’s onslaught by using our own strength. Take a special look at Meditations 19, 101 and 102. There are principally two reasons for this:

1.) By nature our own heart revolts against God and His moral Law. God allowed the prophet Jeremiah to grasp something of the profound darkness of the human heart. That’s why he cries out in horror: “The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” (Jeremiah 17:9*)

2.) Satan’s power over the unsaved human heart. Since the Fall (see Genesis 3) the unsaved human heart is in the clutches of Satan. The apostle Paul reminds his fellow Christians of the fact that they “used to live just like the rest of the world, full of sin, obeying Satan, the mighty prince of the power of the air. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.” (Ephesians 2:2*)

So, in this encouragement, the apostle prompts us to look away from ourselves if we seek to overcome Satan’s attacks. Paul points out that we should grow strong “in the Lord”. What does that mean practically?

a.) Our Lord Jesus Christ lives in us. Paul says to the Christians in Colosse (Turkey): “Christ lives in you, and this is your assurance that you will share in His glory.” (Colossians 1:27*) There are many verses in the New Testament that underline the reality of Christ living in all those who trust Him for salvation. That’s why Jesus’ life within me needs protection! Let me mention two more verses:

-- On the evening before Jesus’ death He said to His first disciples: “When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you.” (John 14:20*)

-- Paul testifies of Christ’s presence in his own life when he writes to the Christians in Galatia (Turkey): “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20**)

The question remains: How does Christ live in us, knowing that God’s Word proclaims that He is enthroned in heaven? That leads us to the following point.

b.) Jesus lives in us by His Spirit. At the ‘Last Supper’ Jesus speaks about the mysterious unity between God the Father, God the Spirit and Himself. He promises to come and live with His disciples by His Spirit after His ascension: “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever -- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see Me any more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realise that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you.” (John 14:16-20**)

The New Testament is full of passages that speak of God’s Spirit living in everyone who is a child of God. Let me only mention one text of Paul in which he shows that the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ are one and the same Person! The apostle writes to the Christians in Rome: “You are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them are not Christians at all.)” (Romans 8:9*)

c.) Where God’s Spirit is, there is God’s power. The evangelist Luke already tells us this about Jesus’ earthly life: “No doubt you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the Devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38*)

The apostle Paul prays for his fellow-Christians in Ephesus (Greece): “I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of His power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 1:19-20*)

And again Paul prays for them saying: “I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will give you mighty inner strength through His Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 3:16*)

Let me mention one more text. Paul reminds his young co-worker Timothy that “God has not given us a Spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7*)

d.) Becoming strong in the Lord means becoming filled with God’s Spirit. In Ephesians 6:10 Paul commands his fellow-Christians in Ephesus to become strong in the Lord. One chapter earlier he had commanded them already to become filled (i.e., controlled) by God’s Spirit. I think that by now it is clear that Paul points in both verses to the same reality: If Jesus Christ lives in our hearts and controls our lives by His Spirit, we will have the precondition to overcome any of Satan’s attacks. At this point I remember the words of the apostle John who wrote to his Christian audience: “... the One who is in you is greater than the one (i.e., Satan) who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4**)

Now that we have seen that our powerful Saviour offers His presence in our hearts as a precondition for overcoming Satan’s assaults, the question is: What do I need to do from my side?

That will be the subject of our next meditation.

Translations: * New Living Translation; ** New International Version