Christian’s sometimes use the phrase “I got in my flesh” meaning that they did something or acted a certain way that was carnal and maybe sinful. The flesh in this case, is that part of us that stems from our soul and our bodies; and reflects our old manner of life, as we were in Adam. The soul is made up of our will, our emotions, our intellect etc. our bodies possess the 5 senses. Even though we have been born again and are new creatures in Christ; we can still act like we did before we got saved.

Judicially: God sees Christians as crucified with Christ, our old man ( what we were as a fallen people in the community of Adam, with him as the head of ) was put to death when Christ died on the cross. Jesus Christ called the last Adam ( 1 Corinthians 15:45 ) instituted a new community of which He is the Head of; born-again Christians are a part of this community and possess a new spiritual nature. ( the new man ) For a Christian to live victoriously, he or she must understand and apply these truths in every day living. A Christian can choose to live in the flesh ( live carnally ) and reflect 1st. Adam ( sinful Adam ) or walk in the spirit and reflect last Adam ( righteous Jesus ).

The Old Man is Judicially Crucified

Romans 6:3-12 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7. For he that is dead is freed from sin.
8. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
9. Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him
10. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
12. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

B. Putting on and putting off

Ephesians 4:22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,
23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness.

The phrase putting off the old man and putting on the new man is one of exchanging
clothes and refers to a change in character in light of a change in identity, having moved from our old existence ( without God, dead in sin see Ephesians 2:1-12 ) to a new existence ( with God, in righteousness see Ephesians 1:1-14 )

The old man refers to a life style consistent with sin, but inconsistent with being in Christ. The new man refers to a lifestyle consistent with being in Christ and truth.

Ephesians 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, (NASV)

Our calling is that we are the children of God. A change took place in our hearts when we were born again and that change should be reflected in our daily lives.

The moment that we were born again we became a New Man ( new creature ) therefore we are to put off the works of the old man. We are no longer that person; our character should now reflect Christ. To do so requires crucifying the flesh.

C. Works of the Flesh

Galatians 5:16-21 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
18. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness,
20. idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
21. envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

(Above) The works of the flesh are evident. One must be truthful and honest with themselves, recognize that their flesh is in control and crucify it.

How?

By the help of the Holy Spirit

By recognizing I am a child of God - A new creature - My old man was crucified with Christ etc.

By speaking out loud the word of God. It is written “the appropriate scripture”

* An Example: Outburst of anger because the little old lady at the traffic light fails to go on the green light. Recognize the flesh - Speak to it - Shut up flesh! It is written “the works of the flesh is wrath but the fruit of the spirit is gentleness.”

If you have to, slap yourself in the face. Yep that's what I said. Think that's a little radical?

Examine the words of His Majesty

Matthew 5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Galatians 5:24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

* The flesh is self centered and cannot please God

Romans 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

* Satan appeals to the flesh

* For a Christian to be victorious in spiritual warfare, the flesh must be crucified. (Gal.5:24) Temptations come through the flesh.

James 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

* Many times a sinful act was the result of a thought

An Illustration: If you plant an acorn, the results is an oak tree. Which is easier to dig up?

Get rid of the thought before it grows.

To do so - it requires a person to know who they are in Christ, the warfare, and their weapons.

Once again, one must be honest with themselves, recognize the flesh, the thought, the temptation etc. Speak God’s word to it!

An illustration: A Christian man sees a neighbor lady in a very small bikini. He begins to have fantasies about her.

Jesus said that whoever would look at a woman to lust for her has committed adultery in their heart.

What he should do. Speak! I am a child of God. Ungodly thought come out of my mind in Jesus name, for it is written! “thou shalt not commit adultery”

* One sin usually leads to another

King David took Uriah’s wife, got her pregnant and then was the cause of Uriah’s death.

It all started when David seen Bathsheba taking a bath. Do you suppose that David begin to have thoughts? ( 2 Samuel ch.11 )

The flesh will try to justify it. David may have had the thought “ I am the King, I should get what I want etc.

Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

What happens if a Christian will not correct self ?

1 Corinthians 11:31-32 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
32. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Hebrews 12: 6-11 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
7. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
8. But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
9. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
10. For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
11. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Vs.14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Israel’s example:

1 Corinthians 10:5-6 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
7. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
8. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
9. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
10. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
11. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

*These scriptures should help motivate us to crucify the flesh.

D. The fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23. Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

John 15:4-5 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

* The fruit of the Spirit is produced in us, as we abide in Christ

* To abide in Christ one must abide in his Word.

John 14:21-23 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
22. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
23. Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

* As we abide in Christ, the Holy Spirit will produce in us the fruit of the Spirit which is
the Character of Jesus Christ.

* The Holy Spirit will help us to crucify the flesh ( works of the flesh ) as he brings forth
the fruit of the Spirit. God has not abandon us in our struggle but has sent his Spirit to
help us.

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2. The World

John 17:14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

World - cosmos, The world in this case is the sphere of ungodliness that dominates mankind because of his fallen state. The word cosmos refers to order - arrangement and in the bad sense, the order - arrangement under which Satan has organized this world of fallen mankind upon his principles of selfishness, force, greed, ambitions, and pleasure. This worlds system is very often, outwardly religious, cultured, philosophical, and refined but blind to the truth.

Every day we are bombarded by the influences of this fallen world, a lost humanity that doesn’t know God, want God, nor hold to Godly principals. All one has to do is turn on the TV and all that the world stands for is presented in situation comedy shows etc. Slowly Christians are desensitized by the subtle messages that Satan preaches to the masses.

Ephesians1:1-3 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2. Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Apostle Paul wrote this to Christians

This scripture sums up the state of mankind in his fallen state. We used to be in this state
before we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior. Thank God for his salvation!

Seeing that the world is like this, what else can we expect? People that are not saved are of their father, the devil, the lusts of their father they will do.

You and I can believe what society says, what Hollywood says, or what the Word of God says.

Examples:

The world says homosexuality is normal.

God says it’s an abomination, a sin.

The world’s schools say that mankind evolved from an ape.

God says man was created by Him.

Who are we going to believe? Who will you believe?

A. The condition of this world

Ephesians 2:2-3 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

1 John 5:19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

B. The god of this world

2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

* Satan, through the fall of Adam and Eve gained control on this earth and set up his
empire, in which he works out his principles through fallen man.

* Notice the following Scripture

Luke 4:5-7 And the devil, taking him (Jesus) up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
6. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
7. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.

* Jesus Christ came to this world; defeated Satan and made it possible to liberate
   fallen humanity, the slaves of Satan. To all that hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
   respond to and accept him as their Savior, these are set free from Satan and sin. Those
   who reject Jesus Christ remain slaves.

Thank you Lord Jesus!!

C. Jesus came to Save the lost inhabitants of this world

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Matthew 18:11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

D. Christians are not to love this world

1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

* At the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, this world will pass away, as Christ
establishes his glorious reign, which shall be in righteousness.

Come soon Lord Jesus!

James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

E. Beware of the world’s Philosophies

Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. ( NASV )

Colossians 2:18 Let no one defraud you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, ( NIV )

F. Be not unequally yoked with the world

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15. And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16. And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

G. Christians are to be a light to the world

Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Matthew 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. ( NASV )

H. Christians are to set their heart on the things of God

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Colossians 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

I. Do not conform to the world

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

* The word conform means ( to fashion one self according to the pattern of )

A few examples:

Speech

Dress

Entertainment

Work ethics

Unforgiveness

Christians are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, by God’s Word

1 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

* As we become doers of God’s word, His word will conform us to the principles of his kingdom.

* We must allow God’s word to instruct us about the issues of life. What we believe about abortion, homosexuality, marriage, government, where we came from, why we are here, etc.

* Remember, this world is blind to the truth.

James 1:23-25 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;
24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.
25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does. ( NASV )

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3. Satan

Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Jesus said of Satan that, "He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it" ( John 8:44 ). The devil is not some character out of Hollywood, nor a cartoon character, but is in fact a fallen angel, who has access and dominion in this world. He opposes God and the people of God and is the enemy of mankind. The Lord Jesus came to this earth and defeated him, so that people could be set free from his rule. In the plan of God that is being worked out in the ages, Satan was overthrown and will have his place in the lake of fire ( Revelations 20:10 ).

If you are going to fight in a war, then you must know your enemy, be acquainted with his tricks, weapons and tactics. Many Christians are naive concerning Satan and whither they know it or not, they are involved in a cosmic conflict.

The scripture above says to be strong in the Lord and the power of his might.

Let us take a look at our enemy, the enemy of all of mankind.

A. He is organized

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

The underline words denote ranks of order

Jesus cast demons out of people, in one place he asked their name and they said "Legion for we are many."

A Fact: Jesus Christ defeated Satan in behalf of mankind

Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he
also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him
that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

1 John 3:8.....For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy
the works of the devil.

B. Preys upon people

1 PETER 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

C. Resist him

EPHESIANS 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

JAMES 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

As said before, Jesus defeated Satan in behalf of humanity; this was a legal victory and it is up to us to enforce the victory of Jesus Christ.

An illustration

As A child I played king of the hill with my friends. The object of the game was to knock down whoever was at the top of the hill, usually the strongest kid was able to control the top. Maybe you played this game or one similar.

The point is this: No human could have ever dethroned Satan, because of sin, all of us were under his power and control. But, Jesus Christ was born without sin and never committed sin of any kind; therefore He dethroned Satan and became King of the hill. When you and I became Christians, we were legally place at the top of the hill, Christ’s victory has become our victory. We don’t have to defeat Satan, we only have to resist him from a place of victory. Hallelujah!

D. Be not ignorant of

2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

E. He tempts

GENESIS 3:4-5 And the serpent said unto the woman, "Ye shall not surely die.
Vs.5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

MATTHEW 4:1 Then Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

F. Blinds Minds

2 CORINTHIANS 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

Vs.4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

G. Sinners Still Under His Rule

ACTS 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

H. Contends With God’s People

EPHESIANS 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

I. Fakes being an angel of light

2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

1. Servants of the devil do the same thing. ( Wolves in sheepskin clothing )

Phony preachers

Leaders of worldly religious sects

1Cor. 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as
the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

J. Is behind false doctrines

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (demons)

K. Is a fallen angel

Isaiah 14:12-15 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13. For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
15. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

Ezekiel 28:4, 15 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.
15. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.

L. Satan’s final doom

Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

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4. The Battlefield

A. Of the Mind

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4. (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

* A believer must have their minds renewed by the word of God, to effectively resist Satan.

* A carnal mind is open to the devils attacks.

* Satan seeks to plant a stronghold in our minds in which he can exercise a measure of control.

These strongholds can come through our fleshly lusts, pride, doubt and unbelief, people etc.

Let us look at Satan’s attack on Eve

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, "Has God indeed said, `You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?''
2 And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden;
3 "but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, `You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.' ''
4 And the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die.
5 "For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.''
6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.

Points of attack

Hath God said? - To make Eve doubt God’s word

You will not die --- A lie

You will be like God --- Appealed to pride of life

The woman saw

It was pleasant to the eyes

It would make her wise

Satan appealed to her senses. She disobeyed God, she gave to Adam, he disobeyed

Satan’s attack on Jesus

Matthew 4:1-11 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
2. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
3. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
5. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
6. And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
7. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
8. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9. And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
10. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
11. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

* Satan has no new tricks; he tempted Jesus in the same way he tempted Eve.

Points of attack

If thou be the Son of God- Cast doubt about who Jesus was---command these stones to turn to bread ---To act independently, not trusting God

If thou be the Son of God---Cast doubt---cast thy self down Put God to the test

*Satan even quoted scripture

Worship me and I will- Satan tried to appeal to greed, pride etc. ---give you all this

* Our Lord Jesus resisted Satan by speaking the written word of God.

* You and I can do the same thing!

Jesus knew who he was "The Son of God"
Jesus lived a crucified life
Jesus trusted God his Father

A. We have weapons ( not carnal- fleshly, worldly etc. ) Weapons that are mighty through God ( See section C. Weapons of Warfare )

B. Strongholds - Areas in which Satan can control us, due to a certain way of thinking. Our weapons are able to pull these down.

* But - one must realize, that some area of thinking is wrong. One comes to this realization through the study and meditation of God’s word.

C. Imaginations - Some translations translate this as arguments, reasoning. Sometimes we get thoughts, that would reason and argue against God. A few examples: is God real? Is there a heaven? Does God really love me? etc.

* We are to cast these down How? By realizing that the thoughts are wrong, Then as an act of our will, command the thoughts to leave, in Jesus name ( out loud ) then speak God’s word "It is written ( the appropriate scripture )

An Example:

I’m getting thoughts that God doesn’t really love me. The devil says "if God really loved you then why did he let this happen etc."

My response: ( If I have been in God’s word )

In the Name of Jesus, Ungodly thought I command you to leave my mind! For it is written " God showed his love for us ( me ) in that while I was yet a sinner Christ died for me"

An example:

"You’re not a Christian, if you were you wouldn’t have done that, said that etc."

My response:

In Jesus name "Thought, leave my mind- for it is written" "and whosoever believes in him has eternal life, also whosoever shall Call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

It is your mind You are to watch over your thoughts.

D. Thoughts - reflections, meditations,

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

* Have you ever wanted to read the bible or pray and found your thoughts wandering, to all sorts of places?

Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ is simply this: Every thought that goes against the word of God must not be allowed freedom of expression.

* I don’t have to tell you the rotten thoughts that we can have, do I? Cast them out.

Worry

Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (see all of ch.6 )

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

Philippians 4:8 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 meditate on these things. (NKJV)

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 8:6-7 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Ephesians 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

* Our minds must be renewed by the word of God. Our thinking must line up with God’s word in every area of life, regardless of what anyone or anything says.

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