2 Corinthians 2:11, 1 Peter 5:8-11
War can bring nations to ashes. But there is a war being waged that is more lethal than those you’ve read about in textbooks or seen on the news. There is a war being waged for your heart.
Peter sends out a warning in 1 Peter 5:8: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” The devil is sharpening his temptations, waiting for a chance to sweep in and attack your heart. How do you get out of this spiritual war? I call it PRAY.
P for prayer. When we call on Christ, Satan will flee.
R for relationships. You can’t do life alone. When you think you’re alone in the attack, remember “the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings (1 Peter 5:9).”
A for act. Don’t sit and wait for His protection. Jesus calls you to “stand firm in the faith,” and “put on the full armor of God so you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11).
Y for yielding to the Holy Spirit. You have the power to defeat Satan inside you because you have Jesus inside you. “Be alert and of sober mind,” listening and seeking His guidance.
You are in a war. It can destroy or strengthen your heart. But “the God of all grace … will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10). Through Jesus, you will win the war.
Reflect:
- What kinds of attacks has the devil made on your heart?
- What does it mean to you that other members of “the family of believers” are struggling too?
- How can you be alert and sober of mind? How can you recognize the devil’s schemes?
This blog was originally written by Newspring Church and appeared on their website. For more about Newspring Church, visit newspring.cc.