Monday, March 12, 2012

Satan's Favorite Fiery Darts


The Devil knows you very well. He knows your weaknesses. He knows which buttons to push. But thankfully, as a believer, you have everything you need. The Devil can not do one thing to you... unless you let him.

In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Ephesians 6:16

Here are some of his favorites... 

1.  Unforgiveness - holding a grudge and being unwilling to forgive someone who has hurt you.

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

2. Anger - There is a righteous anger, but this is not that. Unrighteous Anger is usually personal... 

And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Ephesians 4:26–27

But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Colossians 3:8

3. Doubt - This was the very first dart shot by Satan... He got Eve to doubt God. He loves to use this one.

The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” Genesis 3:1

4. Pride - A desire to have all the attention... "Hey, look at me and my accomplishments!" This was Satan's first sin.

But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.”  So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:6–7

5. Unholy Living - In other words... anything that is not like Jesus Christ.

So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then.  But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.  For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14–16

Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 1 Peter 2:11

6. Creating Dissension - Do you like causing friction between friends? At work? At church? At school?

Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. Hebrews 13:17

7. Adversity - This is when tough things happen to you that you have no control over... you didn't cause it... you didn't ask for it... it just happened. 

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33


So which dart has your name on it?