Spiritual Warfare

Opening Verse:

“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV)

Introduction:

In today’s devotional, we explore a profound truth about spiritual warfare – the subtle ways the enemy attacks our identity in Christ. Our identity, deeply rooted in the love and redemption offered by Jesus, is often the prime target of the devil’s schemes.

Devotional Story:

Once there was a man named John, a devoted believer, known for his faith and love for Christ. John’s life was a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. However, as John grew in faith, the devil, much like a prowling lion, sought to disrupt his spiritual journey.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” -1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

The devil did not come with evident evil; instead, he appeared as an angel of light, whispering lies and doubts into John’s heart.

“And no wonder, for Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” – Corinthians 11:14 (NKJV)

He reminded John of his past, his failures, and his inadequacies. “Are you truly saved? Are you good enough for God’s kingdom?” These whispers slowly corroded John’s confidence in his identity in Christ.

John remembered the story of Adam, who, though not deceived like Eve, still fell into sin. It was not deception that led Adam astray, but pride and a failure to uphold his God-given role and identity. This realization hit John profoundly; he saw how the devil was attacking not just his actions, but his very identity as a child of God.

“And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.” – 1 Timothy 2:14 (NKJV)

What This Means:

Our enemy often uses subtle tactics, disguising himself as an angel of light, to make us question our identity in Christ. He knows that if he can shake our understanding of who we are in Jesus, he can disrupt our faith and effectiveness for the Kingdom. Remember one thing, when the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future…

“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Revelations 20:10 (NKJV)

Jesus has wiped away all our sins, the enemy knows this and wants to put stumbling blocks in your way to keep you from a TRUE relationship with Jesus!

“Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” – Colossians 2:14 (NKJV)

 Think About This:

– How can you guard against the enemy’s attempts to make you doubt your identity in Christ?
– In what ways can remembering your true identity in Jesus help you overcome spiritual attacks?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for my identity in Christ. Help me to stand firm in the truth of Your Word, especially when the enemy tries to deceive me. Strengthen my heart against the lies that seek to undermine my faith. Lord, as Your Word says in Matthew 18:18, whatever I bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever I loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. In Jesus’ name, I declare this truth over my life. Amen.

Closing Verse:

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” – 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 (NKJV)