Yesterday we talked about how Satan’s primary goal is to get us to set ourselves on the throne of our hearts and to make everything in our lives about us. Today, I want to talk about how he initiates his attacks. 

First of all, the devil always attacks the mind, and he uses the same three weapons! I don’t know about you, but I like to play chess. Not everyone understands this peculiar game, but I have grown to love it, and I’ve figured out that every skilled chess player has the same 15 opening moves. That means that if I can study and learn those moves, I have a pretty good chance of beating them. This is because if a player changes their opening, their position is significantly weakened. Similarly, Satan has the same three opening moves: he appeals to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. As you look at this, you may be tempted to focus on the word lust, which in our society typically has a sexual connotation. However, this is not what is being communicated here, so I think it is better to translate it as a desire or obsession. Lust means to want something so badly that nothing can stop you from going after it! 

Friend, every attack on your flesh begins in your mind, and from there, desires are birthed that lead to action. This is why it’s so important to take note of your thoughts and cast down the ones that are not from God. When you are tempted to believe the enemy’s lies, call on Jesus and stand on His promises — pray to Him, read His Word, and meditate on His truth. He is able to supply all of your needs richly and abundantly because He is the God of more; nothing Satan has to offer can compare to His goodness and sufficiency. Wrap your heart and mind around that truth today and rejoice in His good news!