Last Night, at Starbucks we started reading C.S. Lewis’s Screwtape Letters as part of my new Bible Study for college students. We are studying the spiritual warfare that Christians are in everyday. Even though the book is fictional it’s is very good at showing how the devil works. The book is about a elder demon writing to a younger demon about how to temp and defeat Christians. As Christians we need to know what we are up against, but not to the point we lose focus of God. Jesus is King. He’s in Control. The Devil is not his evil co-equal. We need to remember that. We are up against a real thing but do not lose heart. God is on our side. Here’s what the bible says about the enemy and his forces:

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places-Ephesians 6:10-12

 Even though the devil is real we can have victory over him, and in fact our ultimate victory has come through Jesus:

13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities  and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.-Colossians 2:13-15

The enemy is disarmed, he can’t accuse us before God anymore because our sins have been taken away by Jesus on the Cross. We who trust Jesus are free to love God and live for Him,Nevertheless, the enemy remains in the world until the Day of Judgement,and Christians must contiue their struggle against the devil. The devil can’t take your salvation but he can keep you ineffective for Jesus. That’s why we need to stay connected to God for his help, and remember that the same power that freed us from the guilt and punishment from our sin is the same power that can free us from the power of our SIN. Keep your eyes on Jesus. In Christ is Freedom. Freedom from the enemy, freedom from the world, and freedom from the flesh(the part of you who wants to sin). But it all starts with cross and knowing your forgiven. Don’t ever forget the cross. When the devil attacks with things like “you’re not saved” or “your not a christian”, remember the words of Colossians 2:13-15 

   And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities  and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.-Colossians 2:13-15

 You’re forgiven, You’re Free from the accuser. Jesus is your Victor.

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