How can we resist Satan's attempts to "devour" our spiritual growth? Setting the Scene: The Dragon, the Child, and Us “His tail swept a third of the stars from the sky, tossing them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, ready to devour her child as soon as she gave birth.” (Revelation 12:4) The dragon is Satan—real, personal, fiercely opposed to God’s purposes. Just as he positioned himself to swallow the Messiah at birth, he now positions himself to swallow our spiritual growth. Understanding this picture keeps us sober and alert. Recognizing Satan’s Strategy to Devour • False teaching that twists Scripture (2 Corinthians 11:3–4) • Relentless temptation appealing to flesh, eyes, and pride (1 John 2:16) • Distraction through busyness, entertainment, or worry (Mark 4:18-19) • Isolation that pulls believers from fellowship and accountability (Hebrews 10:25) • Accusation and condemnation to drain confidence before God (Revelation 12:10) Staying Rooted in the Word • “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16) • “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) Practical steps: – Read and meditate daily, not casually. – Memorize key passages that answer specific temptations. – Speak Scripture aloud; the sword of the Spirit is meant to be unsheathed (Ephesians 6:17). Standing in Christ’s Victory “They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:11) • The cross is Satan’s defeat; rehearse that truth when accusations come. • Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness—verbal witness reinforces victory. • Refuse fear of loss; loving life “not unto death” disarms the enemy’s threats. Putting On the Whole Armor (Ephesians 6:10-18) • Belt of truth—honest living leaves no handle for lies. • Breastplate of righteousness—practical obedience guards the heart. • Gospel shoes—readiness to share Christ keeps us mission-focused. • Shield of faith—active trust extinguishes flaming doubts. • Helmet of salvation—secure identity protects the mind. • Sword of the Spirit—precise Scripture cuts through deception. • Praying at all times—constant communication keeps us strengthened. Practicing Active Resistance “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) • Submission aligns us under God’s authority; resistance has real power only there. • Speak firm, Scripture-based refusal to temptation. • Replace sinful allurements with Spirit-led actions (Romans 13:14). Maintaining Alert Fellowship “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds… encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Regular worship gathers momentum against isolation. • Small-group honesty exposes the enemy’s lies in the light. • Mutual exhortation keeps spiritual senses sharp. Daily Habits that Starve the Dragon • Morning surrender: begin the day acknowledging Christ’s lordship. • Scripture saturation: read, meditate, memorize. • Continuous prayer: converse with God about every circumstance. • Grateful worship: praise redirects focus from threats to God’s greatness. • Intentional service: serving others disrupts self-centered drift. • Nightly review: confess sin quickly, celebrate victories, rest in grace. Satan still crouches, longing to devour. Yet through the blood of the Lamb, the armor of God, and a life anchored in Scripture and fellowship, believers are fully equipped to stand, grow, and overflow with kingdom fruit. |
    |