1 Corinthians 15:57-58 – “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”  NKJV

What are some things vital for us to realize and implement in our lives and spiritual walk if we are to enjoy Present Victory and God’s Abundant Life in our Daily Lives?

• We Must Discern Satan’s Tactics…

Paul advised, “We are not ignorant of the devil’s devices…”  As we study the Bible we find that possibly the most fitting example of dealing with the devil is the man Job.  There is a pattern that is worthy of note.

1. The devil first accuses Job to God.

That is one of his primary tactics and he is called the “accuser of the brethren” for a reason.  He implied that Job was simply a “Saint for Profit” and serving God for what was in it for Job.  Notice Job 1:9, 11, the devil asked God, “Do you think he (Job) serves you for nothing?  Touch him and what he has and he will curse you to your face.”

• Then the devil attacks Job with God’s permission.

It is always accusation then attack and God allowed the devil to touch Job’s possessions, family, and his health, and finally, it got so bad Job’s wife turned on him saying, “Give up Job, curse God and die…”  I have learned that the devil does not always launch a frontal assault but will nip at the heels of his target.  If he cannot defeat you with an all-out frontal assault he will endeavor to take from you something you love and treasure.

• Then the devil harassed Job.

There are no non-aggression pacts to be made with the devil. He is merciless and has no intention of letting up until he is forced to stop.  He even used Job’s friends which Job called “Physicians of no value.”

Fortunately, God allowed this only for a time and restored Job giving him a double portion in the end.  But, Job would never have reached that point had he followed the counsel of his wife or his friends.  He had to resist the devil and stand in his faith and walk in righteousness.  The devil is a deceiver, perverter, imitator, and totally lawless.  He will use any form of subversion, diversion, or perversion to divide distract, depress, and ultimately destroy.

We find that expressed in John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.”  1 Peter 5:8 directs us to, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour.”  Then 1 John 5:4 brings us a powerful promise, “This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.”  Let me give you something that hopefully will be of great encouragement.  If the devil is attacking you now it is sure evidence that he does not have control over you and you pose a threat to him, so REJOICE!  It is as we learn the devices and tactics of the devil we can ENFORCE the Victory Jesus Won on the Cross and relegate the defeated devil to a state of defeat.

I truly want to present a few more thoughts on this matter so I will again pause and pick up in the next devotional addressing the Defeated Foe and our response to the devil.

So, until next time, God bless you and keep you is my prayer!