Defend Your Faith

Faith is as important to your spiritual man as breathing is to your physical man.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. (NKJ)

All of Satan’s attacks are devised to cause you to enter into unbelief. If the devil can get you to believe anything other than the Word, he will defeat you.

1 Peter 5:6-9 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (NKJ) sober = free from illusion, from the intoxicating influences of sin; having presence of mind (clear judgment), to have “one’s wits (faculties) about them,” which is the opposite of being irrational. Vigilant = stay awake.

1 Peter 5:6-9 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, 7 casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 8 Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack— rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.] (AMP)

Deception and distraction are two of the weapons the devil uses against us. Deception is a lie told to us as though it were the truth. One type of distraction Satan uses is to bring up our past failures or wounds.

Ephesians 6:10-17 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Wiles = Gk= methodeia – (a way of search after something, an inquiry; a method), scheming, craftiness, deceit. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places. 13 Therefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: (NKJ)

The “fiery darts” are sent by the devil to try and burn up our shield of faith and leave us defenseless. Most all of these “fiery darts” stem from some form of self-centeredness (thinking only of ourselves): unbelief, fear, hatred, or self-reliance. Satan’s fiery darts incite us to let our emotions run uncontrolled. Emotions cannot dictate truth.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;)

5 Casting down arguments, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (NKJ)

The opposite of faith is fear. Fear can emerge in different ways such as indecision, confusion, or doubt.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love. (NKJ) Prefect = complete, mature

The opposite of love is hate. Hate is expressed in bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, or wrath.

Galatians 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which works by love. (NKJ)

The opposite of truth is lying. Lying is any form of deception which can only bring bondage.

John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews who believed on Him, If you continue in My word, then are you My disciples indeed; 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (NKJ)

Only the truth you know and act on can make you free. Know the Word!