We often face challenging situations. The first half of John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” The thief referred to in this scripture is the devil. However, we do not have to be defeated! The remainder of the scripture tells us, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The person speaking is Jesus! If we focus on Jesus, have a great attitude and stand our ground then we will grow stronger and we will be blessed.
(10) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
We Are in a Struggle – but Not With People!
(12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
(13) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
(14) Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
(15) and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
(16) In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
(17) Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
(18) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Who are we fighting against?
A: Don’t give your enemy an edge
(10) Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake,
(11) in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Satan cannot outwit us. Why?
What are some ways that Satan tries to outwit us?
(26) “In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
(27) and do not give the devil a foothold.
What can cause us to sin?
Why is it important to forgive?
(2) But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.
(3) For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
What was the foothold in this situation?
What happened to the person in this scripture?
B: Give yourself the edge
(15) If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing; whoever attacks you will surrender to you.
What will happen to the devil when he attacks us?
(15) For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
(16) Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Who should we go to when we are in a time of need? Why?
(7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
(8) Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
What happens when we stand firm?
Ask a Friend
What are some potential footholds in our lives?
Are you giving the enemy any footholds in your life?
Application
How are you looking to Jesus to help you in these areas?
Prayer Model
Jesus, You know my challenges. Help me stand firm. Give me the strength to have a great attitude.
Key Verse
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
