“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
– 1 John 2:16
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. This 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 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! |
Prayer
I ask, Jesus, that you would open the eyes of my heart to see and combat the enemy’s attacks on my mind.
Reflection
What opening moves can you pull when Satan attacks you with his (lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, pride of life)?
7 Responses
My name is john fo r decades. I was controlled by the lusts of the flesh l now am stuck in idolatry from my past experiences l have made myself the king of my heart l had let myself ignorantly get stuck in the flesh l react to my circumstances around me from my feelings and emotions l was reading in my study guide and it asked when and where did you 1sthear the gospel l went from being a catholic to being at a Christian church however stuck in a life of sin l sort of kinda understood jesus died on the cross l have never felt any forgiveness of my sins aren’t people suppose to get born again repent that will not be easy and my heart becomes harder sinning every day l want to help others from being tempted putting themselves into temptation God may want me to somehow be saved l am not sure l understand salvatio. ? And how l can get forgiveness of my sins
Salvation is a gift and all you have to do is receive the gift. There is no work that must be done in order to receive what Jesus done for you on the cross. If you accept and believe in Jesus and simply ask for forgiveness, you will be forgiven. Now, you will continue to be tempted, but it’s how you respond in the times of temptation that will make you able to help others. People misunderstand Christianity as we will just be made to do right. God will never make you. It’s a choice. Each day it’s a decision you make to say, I’m going to allow Jesus to be Lord of my life and not myself. I will love for Him, and not myself. I will even be willing to die for him, when I am not for myself. The you goes away and is hidden in Him and He becomes the person people see when they look at you. The prayer of faith is all it takes to receive salvation. Faith that Jesus died for your forgiveness and that he will forgive you of your sins. Prayers for you.
Very relevant topic! Thank you for reminding me of the battle strategies I need to defeat the attack’s from the enemy in JESUS’ Mighty Name!
My husband and I used to watch Hour of Power on Channel 9 at 9:30 AM Sunday morning. It is know longer in at that time. What have the day and time been changed to. ? Thank you.
Hi Patricia!
Sorry you are missing us, here are our tv listings. https://hourofpower.org/tv-listings/
If you need further assistance, call us at 714-971-4010.
Can you please pray for me..
I’ve been going through a spiritual attack of
the mind (battlefield) I feel like I’m going crazy and feeling anxiety and depression
You will no longer have those thoughts for I have prayed to our Father he will always hear us!(Psalm 19:3-4)
and so with much faith upon the asking to our Father HIS will be done.