The Battlefield of the Soul

[ Back to Articles ]

February 9, 2008

The Battlefield of the Soul

Christians give the devil entirely too much credit. Sometimes we’re quicker to invoke his name than the name of the Lord! Someone stubs their toe and says “the devil is always tripping me up”. The car runs out of gas and people say “satan is always trying to frustrate me”. We get caught up in sin and we say “the devil made me do it”.

Guess what? The devil never made you do anything. In fact he can’t. As Believers, he isn’t allowed to by God. Yes, he can tempt you and entice you to look at that TV show you shouldn’t be looking at or to slip that money into your pocket that doesn’t belong to you, but you have something God has instilled in every person He’s ever created and that is…” A CHOICE”. You can choose to look the other way or you can choose to take part in what you know in your heart is wrong. “But”, we say, “it happens so quickly” or “I just did it before I thought about it”. That’s a lie we tell ourselves to justify our sinful actions. We do think about it before we sin.

That choice that God so graciously extended to us starts and stops in one place and that is in our minds. Many of us have thought the battle for our souls was being waged in our hearts but in reality all along the war was in our minds. We’ve allowed Satan to treat our minds are if they’re his backyard to do with as he pleases. When temptation comes, a battle immediately begins in your mind. Should you or shouldn’t you? Whatever the temptation is, it appeals to our senses. Sin always appeals to our natural wants and desires because the devil knows what makes us tick and he tempts us in those areas. He knows our weak spots.

First we need to realize that while temptation is a test of our faith, it is not from God. The devil is the one that tempts you. In fact, the apostle Paul called Satan, “the tempter”.

The Bible says, "when tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me".
For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone..."

(James 1:13).

So God’s not trying to trip you up and cause you to fall or stumble. The devil tries to deceive us into believing that our loving Savior, Jesus is really out to get us and that’s just not true. Scripture also points out that you’ll never be tempted beyond what you can endure and God will always give you a way out!

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it”. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

You’re not suffering with newly invented temptations or more or less temptations than any other Christian faces. These temptations are “common to man” and every person has to deal with them. It’s what you do with the temptation that determines your walk with the Lord.

We do think before we act but we have to learn to take control of our minds earlier than at the point of temptation so that when temptation comes we’re ready. How we do this? The Bible says to “meditate” or think about God. Look at these verses:

“O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your Temple”. (Psalms 48:9)

“Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful miracles”. (Psalms 119:27)

“I honor and love your commands. I meditate on your principles”. (Psalms 119:48)

“I meditate on your age-old laws; O LORD, they comfort me”. (Psalms 119:52)

“I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles”. (Psalms 145:5)

These scriptures show some ways that we should think about the Lord and His love for us. The Word also says to think about these things:

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--think on these things”. (Philippians 4:8)

So, how do we respond to temptation? How do we respond to the thoughts we have that are not from God and are not of God?

We have to condition our minds to “think on these things”, before we act. We need to take control of our minds so we immediately reject our natural instincts and bring our thoughts into submission to the will of God. Wow! Can that really happen? Can we really live a life where we’re not struggling constantly with impure thoughts and desires?? Can we capture our thoughts and make them submit to God’s will? Yes, but only by walking in the Spirit of God on a daily basis.

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

God gave us spiritual weapons to war against the lusts of our flesh. What are these weapons? We have “the whole armor of God” according to Ephesians 6:11-18. We have “weapons of Righteousness” in our hands according to 2 Corinthians 6:7. We are to pray and be watchful. We are to guard our words and actions. We are to walk in truth. We are to love one another and overlook each others faults. We are to let go of offenses and not think about the past. We are to walk by faith and not by sight. We are to walk triumphant as the Sons of God, with the mind of Christ and as heirs and joint-heirs in the Kingdom of God! As Believers our flesh has been crucified with Christ and is now in subjection to God and as the Church we are His sheep and the Bride of Christ! Hallelujah.

The Bible says, the Gospel comes “not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction”. The power of the Holy Spirit will convict us before we act on that thought. When we pray in the Spirit then we pray the will of God with knowledge and understanding. God directs us by His Spirit and then we do His will. The temptations will come but as we’re about God’s business, He’s covering our backs.

Finally, The Word asks, “Who can approach God or stand in His presence?” “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation”. (Psalms 24:4-5)

If we truly expect blessings from the Lord and righteousness or “right living”, then we have to have a walk that is pleasing to God. If we really want God to hear our prayers and answer them, then we have to have a clear conscience and “clean hands and a pure heart”. We must trust that Jesus will provide that way out of the temptations and lead us into His paths of righteousness. Strive to be an example not just in what you say but in your actions. Pay attention to the voice and the leading of God. Get up every day and put on the full armor of God and pray in the Spirit. And remember when the temptations come and the choice is before you to do the will of God or to yield to the lusts of the flesh resist the devil and he will flee.