God talks to our spirit man before we choose to commit sin (Romans 2:14-15; Romans 1:19-20). We hear His voice high or low depending on our submission to Him; for it is submissive sheep that recognize their Sherperd’s voice and follow (John 10:27). Areas of our life which are not submitted to God lay a ground for Satan to express, knowing that we will not listen to God’s rebuke. Areas related to fear, anxiety, sexual lust, lust for money, selfishness, pride, self-righteousness, anger, etc. What carnality is Satan playing on within me and you?
I cannot defeat devil’s temptations without standing in the Word of God. The Word of God which is true and all contradictory evidence lies (Romans 3:4). For the words we declare with our tongue give us life (Proverbs 18:21) if spoken from the Spirit of faith in Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:13). Words therefore hold power if I speak from a standpoint of a relationship and consecration with Jesus (John 15:4-5; Acts 19:15). The opposite is also true; I do not expect power if I am not speaking from a standpoint of obedience and submission to the King. He hears us when we speak (Isaiah 65:24) and delights to act on what we believe (Matthew 9:28-29).
The basics stay basic. When it comes to the lusts of the flesh, we should be clothed with the Lord Jesus Christ and not make provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof (Romans 13:14 NIV, NKJV). When we create an opportunity for the flesh, it resembles inviting Satan into our house, for he will come and make himself home. Declare to the spirit man what Jesus obtained for us: righteousness before God, peace, and the power to resist Satan through the Holy Spirit. Like Jesus in the wilderness, declaring the Word of God is part of resisting the devil, who eventually has to flee (James 4:7; Matthew 4:1-11).
Let us pray. Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding me that trusting and obeying Your Spirit within me is the way to overcome temptations. Thank You that I am no longer a slave to say yes to the commands of Satan. I surrender the carnality that remains, consecrate me God. Thank You for always being with me. Help me to learn Your Word and bring every thought which exalts itself against You captive. Have Your way within me, God! Amen.
"Like Jesus in the wilderness, declaring the Word of God is part of resisting the devil, who eventually has to flee"
If you have not given your life to Jesus, do not let this chance pass by you. Know ye not that you are a slave to whom you submit yourself towards (Romans 6:16)? Do you still submit to your thoughts and flesh—all of which are evil and governed by Satan? Make it right with God now—you can find ministers of the Lord to help you. And then you can be a partaker of the victory the Son of the Mighty God attained for you!
