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If you are struggling in any part of your Christian walk and want to make the transition to living victoriously in Christ Jesus, scripture is precise and deliberate in telling us where to begin.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing, and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
The ‘pattern of this world’ is created by the ruler of this world. Believers are constantly exposed to a world system energized by Satan and his demons who are constantly trying to influence your thought process and lead you into sin, doubt, and distress. Their effort is to discredit Christians and the church and destroy their credibility and integrity (not to mention their joy).
The key to overcoming their strategy and being transformed is in the renewing of your mind. As born-again Christians, we have attained the ultimate victory over sin and death, and our inheritance to the kingdom of heaven is assured. However, we struggle to reflect the light of Christ to a shattered world that consistently falls prey to Satan’s deception.
Throughout this study, we have highlighted the diametrically opposed agendas for our lives that originate in the heavenly realms. The diagram above and the passages below from John’s gospel once again expose that opposition as reality. Take a minute to note the contrasts.
The devil was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44)
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
As you begin to identify Satan’s schemes and tactics, you will be able to test his lies against God’s perfect will for your life. Our heavenly Father offers us all that is true, holy, and proper through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus not only offers truth, He is the truth!
Satan has no truth in him, all he can offer are lies. In fact, he is referred to as the father of lies. I am not trying to over-simplify this, but your Christian walk will be completely determined by what, or who, you allow to influence your thoughts and control your mind.
Suppose I were to introduce you to someone by saying; “I want you to know, that this person is a genuine, professional liar. Anything that comes out of his mouth is a lie. In fact, lying is his native language. I’ve known him for a long time, and I can guarantee that there’s not an ounce of truth in him.” I doubt any of us would be anxious to take advice from that person.
Sadly, many Christians seek the devil’s counsel on a daily basis by the television shows they watch, by the books they read, by the movies they attend, by the internet sites they visit, by the friends they keep, etc. They seek out Satan’s influence (his lies) by pursuing what the culture of the day displays as normal and/or natural. Make no mistake, for some this pursuit is intentional. For others, they simply do not identify (think about) the subtle message of disobedience that is injected into these media or by those they associate with.
You see, most of us do not think of spiritual warfare in those terms, it is too abstract. Yes, we have heard the references to Satan in the Bible, but many think he is just a character utilized to make important points, or a scapegoat for which to lay blame for our shortcomings. But this struggle for our freedom is real. Note the quote from Jesus in the verses below.
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” (John 8:31-34)
Are you living in freedom?
Have you ever taken the time to really understand what Jesus is telling us in these verses? “If you hold to my teaching” (if you allow me to influence your thoughts and apply my instruction to your life). “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Have you ever asked yourself, free from what?
If not, now is the appropriate time to begin our conversation about victory, for here is the freedom that Jesus offers.
· Freedom from Satan’s lies
· Freedom from Satan’s influence
· Freedom from Satan’s persuasion
· Freedom from Satan’s condemnation
· Freedom from the guilt and penalty for sin
· Freedom from Satan’s ability to steal, kill, and destroy
· Freedom from the fear of illness and the finality of death
For clarification, please note that I did not include freedom from Satan’s temptation or accusation. For that is the devil’s very nature, and his desire to lure you into sin or accuse you of past transgressions will not cease this side of heaven.
Many of us in our ignorance, myself included, have answered as the Jews in this passage. We think to ourselves; I live in a free country; I have never been a slave to anyone. I am free to make my own decisions and determine my own path in life. That may appear accurate in the temporal world; however, there is a definitive spiritual component to our lives and that spiritual influence is more powerful than any of us imagined.
The purpose of this study is to heighten our awareness of the spiritual realm, identify the potential for truth to overcome evil, and to sharpen our ability to walk victoriously in Christ Jesus. I pray, just as Jesus did, that you may fully appropriate the freedom you have in Christ.
“Father, I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." (John 17:6, 14-17, 20-21)
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