You Adversary’s Schemes: Lies (Day 11)
Lies; destroying relationships, corrupting purpose and changing the course of history since the beginning of time. And we face an opponent who is the master, inventor and father of it, which means that he will use it against you at every chance he gets. If you are to make it to the end of this championship victoriously, it is important that you know how to identify and guard against the impact of this weapon on your life.
You people are from your father the devil, and you want to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not uphold the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies. – John 8:44
Mankind’s relationship with God and his entire view of the world was tarnished with one little lie ‘you shall not surely die’. When Eve explained to the devil that she should not eat of the fruit, he twisted the truth that she had known and offered her his own version of what God meant and she fell for it. Because how could he be the father of lies if he doesn’t know how to concoct a believable lie?
Throughout the course of your championship the enemy will surely use this scheme to distract you from your cause/s. He didn’t even hold back against Jesus, who would have surely been aware of his schemes but the enemy used the vulnerable state that Jesus was in (starving in the wilderness) to try anyway. And in the same way he will with you; when your guard is down, when you’re at the top of your game, when you harbor ungodly and unchecked desires in your heart. He knows just the right context in which to push just the right buttons.
But you do not have to fall for the devil’s schemes, for though he may be known as the father of lies, Jesus is described as the truth (John 14:6). If we are to counter the enemy’s tactics we must hold fast to the truth, because it is the truth that will shine a light on the darkness of your circumstances to reveal the lies hidden in the shadows. Even the most well-crafted lie can be spotted by someone who is vigilant and equipped. Which is why the enemy always aims to distract us, to throw us off his scent so we never see the lie until it’s too late.
Note well:
1. Eve fell for the lie because she was not fully convinced of the truth
2. Jesus triumphed over the enemy’s lies because he was fully convinced of the truth of God’s word
In order to counter this particular scheme of the enemy you must be fully convinced in the truth of God’s word. You can be convinced by the word itself, that it is true, God inspired and useful, you can also be convinced by the work and sacrifice of Jesus Christ and you can be convinced by your own testimony of who God is and what He has done in your life.
And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. – Rev 12:11
When the enemy comes up against you with his well-crafted lies, God’s word which is truth raises up a standard against him, because a lie could never measure up to the truth, a counterfeit can never match up against the real thing.
So when the enemy whispers in your ear, ‘you shall not surely die’ ‘God didn’t actually mean this’ ‘you can get away with it’ ‘there’s nothing more satisfying than what I offer’. You can boldly call him on his lie, boldly resist his schemes and so maintain your footing in the fight. Know the word of God, for it is your ultimate weapon against your ultimate enemy and his schemes.
Just in case my point was not extremely clear and to further highlight the importance of it. Knowing the word of God, through study, meditation and sound teaching is an essential part of succeeding in this championship of faith. It’s not an elective, it’s a main course.
You can check out the How to study your bible page if you’re not entirely sure how to start.
Be a blessing,
KellyP
Two more entries to the end of the ‘Champions of Today’ series, I pray that you will make it to the end with me and that it will stir up in you a passion for your God-given cause, even as it has for me. Keep reading!
Kelly is the founder of Royalty Press United. Author of the Gemstone Royals fantasy series, Twist of Faith and Crossroads. Counseling psychologist, proud Grenadian and devoted follower of Christ.
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