Resources/Articles
Is A Good Defense A Sign Of A Good Offense?
Pick your sport - football, basketball, baseball, etc. Both defense and offense feed off of one another. Good plays in the outfield lend themselves toward good “at bats” in baseball, and a goal line stand on a fourth and a foot lends itself toward a good offensive series in football.
We all need to understand the offensive and defensive strategies needed against our #1 foe - Satan. He stands as a lion, “seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). His temptations cover up the consequences of sin (2 Corinthians 11:14,15; James 1:14,15). His deceptive attitudes are veiled by pleasures of temporary enjoyment.
Being tempted may not be a sin, but temptations are a regular, daily challenge for every Christian. No one knows how many times it will happen or how it will happen, but a temptation will meet you before the day is done.
To be able to resist Satan’s roaring opposition, know your weaknesses. When you are alone, build in some safeguards. If you are with others, ask someone you trust to keep you honest. Pray before the day gets started. Keep a passage of scripture that the devil does not like (which is all of them) nearby.
Do not toy with temptation. You might as well handle a snake. Never get as close to the edge as you can. Get back. Flee (1 Corinthians 10:12; 2 Timothy 2:22).
Draw from the power of Jesus to stand firm. When the two strongest forces met in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), Jesus won. His example and His word is our way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).
