1 Peter 5:9
“But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world”
In our christian lives we have spiritual warfare. We aren’t aware that many of the attacks are from the evil one. We just think they are frustrations, temptations or bad thoughts.
It’s interesting that we are told to resist him. This seems obvious. Who would want to tangle with him. It’s because we aren’t aware it’s him and his attacks are like bait to a fish.
How do his attacks lead us? They are often attacks to our pride. It’s different for most of us as we have pride in different areas. If someone was a brawler in the BC days, then being called out by someone would be difficult to pass up. If we are quick of wit, then a sarcastic comment would be difficult to not respond in kind.
There are attacks in areas beyond pride. There are areas of vice. It could be substances, lust and more. These are obviously very alluring. Hundreds of millions struggle. The devil will use these to wreck us.
We are to resist him by being firm in our faith. This indicates that it’s easy to not be firm. How are we to be firm? Using an example from above, the quick witted one has trouble with sarcasm. We are told to love. It’s ok to have fun, but if it’s wounding, then it’s not of love. This one will need to submit that area to Christ. That area will be conquered and it will become a strength. However, there will always be the temptation to be sharp of tongue.
Lord, help us to resist the evil. Thank You that You help us with our areas of struggle