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How can I learn to resist the enemy?
'How can I learn to resist the enemy? This is a question that Carla suggested that I ask. It is a good question so thanks Carla.
Several years ago I ended up backsliding in a very bitter and angry way. Even though I was studying and memorizing scripture I didnt know how to use it against the enemy. Scripture like 'nothing can separate us'. Like put on the whole armor of God.. ect. But still even with memorizing word for word I was unable to resist. I believed everything satan put in my head. Especially when I was literally knocked down with him taking my breath showing me my abuse like a movie. him telling me things that i knew to be true. If they were true how could i be convinced that he is wrong. I could hear in my head that i was unloved and would always be unloved. I know this is all waaa waaaa poor me stuff but even so this is where I am. How can I resist the devil when I believe what he says about me? Its so hard to comprehend anything I read, be it scripture or grade school books. Doesnt matter what version either. I have always been like that. Anway , if i hear the devil say things like god doesnt want you he will just shove you away and turn his back on you. What do i do when i start being over powered by the presence of evil????????????????? Saying in the name of jesus never seemed to help.
I want yall to know that I am sorta embarressed by stepping out on this forum again, but I so need help. I want to be saved, I want to be a praying mom. I want my children and grand children to see the love of christ in me. I want them to repent and turn to God. Thank you for any reponces. I read all of yalls respnces even though sometimes i dont comment I am reading and pondering on them . thanks
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Leonard T on
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Janie,
The first thing I would comment on is the fact that God is at work on you. This is evident in the fact that you want to be saved (if you are not already) and for your kids, etc ... to be saved. If God was not at work you would not give a rip about the things of God, nor have a desire to be saved. Thus, that is a great sign that should encourage you. He as not forgotten you, He is at work.
I am sure you will recieve a number of responses. I will give you two components that I feel are important. 1) Draw near to God no matter what your feelings are or your circumstances. We do this by praying and reading His Word, even if you do not feel like you are comprehending it, God will still use His Word in your life. I also encourage positive Christian fellowship. 2) View every situation, good or bad, as an opportunity to glorify God through your choices and actions and then take the steps to glorify Him. Thus, the first piece is relational and the second piece is operational (as we live our life out day to day).
Read James 4:7 and 1 Peter 5:6-11.
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Permalink Reply by Mary O on
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This is from Jesus talking to some "not so good people". We can learn a lot about satan. He is a liar and the father of it.
...He (satan) 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)
Why should we believe or trust what satan says? I have gone through some of this stuff. You have every right to tell satan to shut his face in Jesus' name. You have to develop a thick skin because satan will tell you just about anything. Don't let his lying get to you. Most (not all) everything that comes out of satan's lips is false. You may hear his words, but don't consider them. Make a decision to believe what God says.
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)
You can believe Jesus. He is the way, the truth and the life.
Love,
Mary
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Permalink Reply by Colby on
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Jamie,
There's no need to feel embarassed for asking for help. That's why the body of Christ is here. If you're ready to surrender to Christ, to put your faith in him, then through him all things are possible. The answer to your question can be found in the Bible. I’d like to focus your attention on a few passages that I think are particularly helpful
- The Apostle James writes: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you
(James 4:7-8).
- The Apostle Peter writes: “Be sober-minded, be watchful. Your adversary the devil
prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in
your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your
brotherhood throughout the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).
So, yes, we can resist the devil--but only if we:
- Submit to God (surrender your life to him);
- Draw closer to God; and
- Stay firm in faith.
How can we accomplish these three things? Here are some suggestions that come to mind. This list isn't exhaustive.
1. Stay out of harm’s way. Don’t go looking for trouble. Avoid the people, places, and things that tempt you. If you own things that tempt you to sin beyond your ability to resist, get rid of them. Spend your time with people that are Christ followers who can help you resist temptation as well as encourage, equip and strengthen you in your walk of faith.
2. Run as fast and as far away as you from temptation. When you unexpectedly find yourself in a situation where you face temptation, don’t stay and attempt to fight it. That’s being foolish. Instead, remove yourself from that situation immediately. God has given you a way out. “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
3. How’s your prayer life? You can’t afford to ignore this. Don’t think you can resist temptation without God’s help. Just as God speaks to us through the Scriptures, prayer is how we talk to God. Prayer helps draw you closer to God. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Jesus told his disciples, “pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Luke 22:40) and our Lord taught us to pray, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13). “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak" (Mark 14:38).
4. Resist with the word of God. You are to be commended for memorizing Scripture. Keep up the good work, but know this: the devil can quote Scripture. Make it a practice to read the Bible daily and to read as much of the Bible as you can. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrew 4:12). “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
5. Consider the wages of sin. That’s why the Apostle Paul says “the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23). Pain, regret and guilt inevitably follow whatever immediate gratification we might experience. Sin hurts you and others physically, emotionally and financially. It’s not always possible to make restitution or undo the damage done.
6. Christ’s death on the cross. Remember that Christ suffered an excruciatingly painful and agonizing death on the cross to pay for your sins. Think of that when you’re tempted to sin. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24).
7. Be accountable for your sins. “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16).
8. Live by Spirit and offer yourself to God.
- “Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (James 1:15).
- “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5).
- “Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness” (Romans 6:13).
- “For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13).
9. Praise God. When you’re tempted to sin, take the focus off of yourself and put it where it belongs: on God. When you focus on God, he will strengthen you. If you need some ideas, read the Psalms—try 135 and up.
10. Go to church. Join and become active in a Christ-centered, Scripture-grounded church where you can find support and encouragement. Attend worship regularly. Participate in Bible studies and other church activities. Enjoy fellowship with other Christians. “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27).
Oh ... and one more thing: This isn't a 7-day or 40-day program. You have to follow it for the rest of your life.
Stand firm in faith in Christ our Lord and Savior,
Colby
- The Apostle James writes: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
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Permalink Reply by Carla on
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Excellent Colby.. Amen.
Janie,
It's important to develop new practices and make those new practices the 'new normal'. Like Colby said, you have to follow it for the rest of your life. satan's minions are unrelenting....and they want you to remain in defeat. satan will tell you it's too hard, and it's not worth it.
Remember that God has written your story, not satan.. Lord Bless you for your courage to stand and not fall.
But remember this TRUTH:
You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He
who is in you than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4.The end of 1 John 3 and into 1 John 4 we learn to discern between the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of error.. This is important to read and ask for God's understanding.
I was reading in proverbs. I read chapter 1 yesterday, and chapter 2 today.
In chapter 1, this part stood out for me:
verse 7--The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Fools despise wisdom and instruction.
This lead me to ask the Lord how to properly 'fear' Him, to make sure that I am walking in His knowledge, wisdom and instruction.
I then read verse 33---But he who listens to Me shall live securely. And will be at ease from the dread of evil.
How can I be at ease (peaceful, restful, confident and sure of God's Love for me?) I can be at ease by listening to God.
Proverbs chapter 2 takes me further in this study:
Verses 3-6
For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver And search for her as hidden treasures;
THEN you will discern the fear of the Lord And discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom. From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you... ideally this would be best done in fellowship.
Cry out for discernement, ask for understanding...
James 1:5,6 says
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously
and [fn]without reproach, and it will be given to him.But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like
the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.When you notice any doubt attempting to creep in... Take that thought captive immediately, and tell God that you don't want doubt to be present at all. Repent from listening to it in the past, and letting it define your faith. Ask God to keep you from it. Continue to take those thoughts (attacks of doubt) captive immediately, and submit them to the Lord. They may come regularly....take them captive regularly.
Ephesians 6:16 says in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to
extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.This faith is a basic trust in God. The enemies voice will tell you that God cannot be trusted. Remember that satan is a liar and the father of lies. he will be destroyed in his lies.
Maybe one or two of your daughters will do this with you. ???
(all emphasis of scripture are mine)
<3 ...(sideways heart)
Love you
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Permalink Reply by Rita Cullimore on
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xxxxx,
Satan is a liar and the father of lies. If he says that God will not accept you, God has accepted you. If he says God doesn't want you, God does want you. If he says God doesn't love you,etc., God does love you. Whatever he says, receive it in the reverse.
One of the things I do, is call out to Jesus. I say His Name over and over. As I do this, the Peace that passes all understanding floods over me. Such an awesome thing to encounter.
Many people have difficulty understanding what the Bible means on a particular topic. I was one of those people. As I read, Holy Spirit explains it when I ask Him.
When I first repented and turned back to God, I had to start with an New Living Translation to get understanding. I also was asking the Holy Spirit for understanding of what I was reading. As I grew, I got a New American Standard Bible and used that version of the Bible because it is a literal translation. I then moved to an English Standard Version and I now use it. I always compare it with the King James Version. I do that for clarity in a particular verse.
All of us love you and want to share your questions and share our knowledge with you. Never be ashamed of what you don't understand. We will try to tell you our thoughts, and hopefully that will also give clearer understanding to what you are reading.
Because we all love you, we want you to learn more and more about our Savior. As you learn more and more about God, it will show. It will be recognized by you children and our prayer for them is that they follow your lead in learning about God. I pray you will be able to study God's Word together, bringing more unity to your family.
Do not be embarrassed. We have all been where you were at some point. We all allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, and we all are growing and this will continue until God calls us home.
Blessings to you in your walk with the Lord, in the Name of Christ, Our Lord.....
Rita
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Char,
Getting angry at Satan is one thing, not really sure what good that will do, but more importantly where is personal responsibility for the believer to choose to live a holy life? We face choices everyday and it is not Satan who makes those choices for us. I would encourage reading the book of James.
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We live in a fallen world, with fallen people, in the fallen flesh, and yes, there is an enemy out there called Satan. Some of the things we go through are the results of personal sin, some are a result of the fall, some the result of the sins of others, and some because the enemy wars against us. To blame him for every problem is a mistake and not Biblical. Adam and Eve made a choice. Satan had no power over them. He was only able to tempt them. Satan only had as much authority over Job as God allowed and not one inch more.
God said we would face trials and tribulations. There is no escape from these in this life. To blame Satan for every problem we face takes away man's personal responsibility to choose God and walk with Him day by day crucifying the flesh. It does not say crucify Satan, but our own flesh. We are to take up our cross every day and follow Him.
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Praise God for your current peace. It is your interest in "Deliverance Ministries" that have several of us worried. I have seen and heard of too many people being hurt by some of these "types" of ministries. We are not attacking you, but worried that in the end you will be hurt worse than before. It is our love for you that compells us to speak out. Maybe you have found a good one, but I can say with assurance that they are the rare one's, very rare. Also, does it not seem strange to you that anger toward Satan would be the cause of your peace?
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Janie, I love you, and I'm so proud of you. ....i just wanted to remind you of that. :-)
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Carla,
Amen! God is "working on" Janie, as LT wrote earlier. Let's keep Janie in our prayers.
Janie: "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his
work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns" (Philippians 1:6).Grace, peace and blessings,
Colby
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