Ready for Battle (part 1)

As Christian men and leaders in our homes, it is crucial for us to be aware of the fact that we are engaged in spiritual warfare with a very real and very formidable enemy. In a 2006 Barna Research study, only 45% of respondents believed that Satan was real and not just a symbol of evil. While I truly believe that virtually every Christian is aware of the reality of Satan, I also believe that there are many among us who are ill-equipped to fight him effectively.

The first thing we need to know in battling our enemy is that his primary goal and mission is to keep us separated from our Heavenly Father. From the original sin in the Garden of Eden to today, Satan has used temptation and deceit to try and keep us disconnected from God. He tempts us to use our God-given desires in ways that God never intended and would dishonor Him. He deceives us into thinking that money, power and possessions are more important than what God has planned for us. He tries to make us think that the ways of the world are more important and relevant than the eternal truth of God's Word. And when we stumble and fall, as the accuser he is more than ready to use guilt and shame to try and keep us from seeking forgiveness and restoring our relationship with Him.

In the coming days, we'll cover more about how to be ready for battle but in the meantime, never forget this---our spiritual enemy has already been defeated by Jesus Christ and His death, burial and resurrection from the grave. Christ's atoning death of the cross paid our sin debt and his glorious rising from the dead defeated death and the power of Satan forever. Our enemy still hasn't stopped trying to keep us separated from God, but through Christ Jesus--our victory is assured!!