How We Do Battle

I remember when I first heard a woman in my church explain to her children how to do spiritual battle—that their “swords” were actually their memory verses. She reminded them of how Christian battled Apollyon in the children’s version of Pilgrim’s Progress they were reading. And years later, that image still sticks in my mind. (As I assume it does in theirs too.)

This post by Kevin DeYoung was a great reminder of these truths:

Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices

Let me tempt you to read the entire entry by quoting just a few lines:

“Satan is an accuser and a deceiver. In both cases his weapons are words, which is why we must overcome him with the word of our testimony.

In other words, it is through our belief in the gospel and our confidence in the power of Jesus Christ that we can stand secure in the face of Satan’s lies and accusations. And it is by the truth of the word of God–believed on and hoped in even unto death–that we can expose and destroy the deceptions of the Deceiver. This is how we do battle, with the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.

So when Satan whispers, ‘Can God really forgive you? Can your sins be washed away?’ you can answer confidently: ‘There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.’ (Rom. 8:1-2).

When the Devil says your situation is hopeless, when he calls you an addict and says you can’t change, you can reply …”

(Don’t you want to click on over and read more?)

 Of course, the great hymn “Before the Throne of God Above” is ringing in my ears and so I’ll let that be my last word this morning:

“Before the throne of God above, I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love; Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on His hands; My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands, no tongue can bid me to depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair, and tells me of the guilt within;
Upward I look and see Him there, Who made an end of all my sin.

Because the sinless Savior died; my sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied, to look on Him and pardon me.

One in Himself I cannot die. My soul is purchased by His blood.
My life is hid with Christ on high, with Christ my Savior and my God!

Behold Him there the risen Lamb; my perfect spotless righteousness.
The great unchangeable I AM, the King of glory and of grace.”