Fighting the Lies

We know the devil is a liar. But when it comes to combating the Enemy’s lies, we must know what is actually true. You can’t go out unarmed into this battle. Imagine how that would play out. He will speak to you like this: You are worthless. Totally worthless.

Now, if you don’t have the Word of God hidden in your heart, it’s easy to buy that lie and say, “You’re right. I am.” But if you are equipped for the moment you can say, “Wait, hold on. I’ve been created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). I’ve been purchased by His blood, that He purchased me with His Son. And I’ve been created in Christ Jesus for a purpose (Ephesians 2:10). He has a purpose for me. I’m not worthless. That is what the truth says.”

He won’t give up with his lies. You know, if you just had a little bit more. Maybe a little bit more money. If you just lived in that neighborhood, had that car, you’d be happy then. You could respond, “That is interesting, Deceiver, because Scripture tells me that whoever loves money never has enough (Ecclesiastes 5:10). That, in Proverbs 23:5, it sprouts wings and flies away. It says that with food and clothing, I should be content with these (1 Timothy 6:8–10). In fact, it says in 1 Timothy 6 that anyone who loves money falls to temptation, in a trap, and is lured away. So, you’re a liar.”

Now, if you have never practiced this, you are not going to be very good at it in the beginning. But the Scriptures tell us if we are followers of Jesus Christ and we have His Spirit, He will help us in this effort (John 14:26). We are to take thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). This is a continual, tiresome effort. I have met with lots of people who’ve said, “I can’t do this.” Really what they are saying in most cases is they have given up too easily. I encourage you to not stop short of success, which is exactly what the Enemy wants you to do.

So keep fighting! Don’t give up! Start today. Let the truth win out.

Father, equip me today with your truth. Help me seal it in my heart, so I can stand on the truth in the face of the Enemy’s lies.

Application Question:
Satan employs methods not only of destruction but also of deception. Are you confident in your ability to discern when someone is trying to deceive you? Why or why not?