How To Fight

How do I fight the devil? This question may seem simple, and some may answer it with a simple black and white answer, “do not sin”. Perhaps this question deserves a more substantial answer. It is true that when we resist sin and avoid temptation we are fighting the devil. James states, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” James 1:14. We, through our faith, must chose to submit to God, resist the devil, draw closer to God, (James 4:7-8), and refuse to be drawn away! This is how to fight the devil.

Paul stated, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” 1 Corinthians 10:13. Put simply, God will always provide a way for us to overcome temptation. The devil does not have the power to force me to sin. The phrase, “The devil made me do it” simply is not true. However, one should not think that this passage teaches that God will miraculously cause us to make the right choice and refuse to sin. By taking a closer look at the Bible we see exactly how God makes “a way of escape” thereby enabling us to bear, or overcome, temptation.

When Jesus went into the wilderness to pray, the devil showed up and tempted him. Matthew records, “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil” Matthew 4:1. Verse three records, “And then the tempter came to him…” Jesus was then faced with temptation; sin and please the devil or stay strong and please the Father. The choice, of course, was easy for Christ. Jesus chose to please the Father, refuse to sin, and resist the devil. How did he do this when the devil tempted him? Every time he was tempted he answered, “It is written” (Mt. 4:4,7,10)! Jesus, in order to defeat the devil, used the Holy word of God to combat the temptation the devil threw at him.

You too can resist the devil “steadfastly in your faith” (1 Peter 5.9). “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” Romans 10:17. What is the “way to escape” temptation from the devil? The word of God. Stay strong to the Bible and the devil will gain no foothold on your soul. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15. By serious study of God’s word, we come closer and closer to defeating the devil.

Are you a Christian? Have you been buried with Christ in baptism to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-4)? Come learn the words of Jesus at the Piedmont church of Christ, 118 Madison Ave., this Sunday. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be condemned” Mark 16:16. Josh Haley, Evangelist.