Overcomer #1 – Be an Overcomer

I realized in a recent men’s small group the need to clarify the four ways Satan uses to outwit Christians. We don’t want to be unaware of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11).

1. Temptation. We’re tempted with sinful thoughts and actions – pride, envy, anger, greed, lust, gluttony, laziness. “Do this. Say that. You’ve earned this. They deserve that.” Yielding to temptation is sin.

2. Accusation. We’re wrongly condemned in an attempt of pulling us down from our position in Christ. Or when we do fall into temptation, then an accusation often follows: “See what you did! How can you call yourself a Christian when you behave like that?” We feel shame.

3. Deception. We’re can also be bombarded by lies about ourselves, others, or God. A lie is truth that is twisted, or an untruth.

4. Control. Through repeated disobedience or something from our past undealt with, we can find ourselves in bondage. It’s like a suitcase handle has been formed on our souls, and the enemy grabs that handle and pulls us away from God.

How can we be overcomers through the power of Jesus Christ?

1. When tempted, say “NO”. Birds are always flying over our head, but we don’t need to let them build a nest in our hair.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

2. When accused, resist and rebuke Satan in Jesus’ name. Repent of any sin and “submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 12:11).

3. When deceived, replace the lie with the truth of God’s Word. Identify the specific lie and affirm God’s truth. “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

4. When control is the issue, ask Jesus to set you free. Discern what ground has been given over to the enemy. Ask a mature believer to pray together with you. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me . . . to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18).

Four wiles of the enemy and four ways to overcome. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10).

~ Pastor Dave