Overcoming the traps of the enemy is an ongoing spiritual battle. A day does not go by when the enemy is not trying to lead us astray or into temptation. You may be in a struggle currently, not realizing our enemy seeks to destroy you. But the Lord is also there to help His children defeat the enemy with His strength. Paul gives us insight into how to defend ourselves in this spiritual battle.
Ephesians 6:10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. [1]
King Xerxes Fell into an Enemy Trap
The Apostle Paul tells us that the enemy will try to convince us that we don’t need a Savior. 2 Corinthians 4: 4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. [2] Trying to resist the enemy with our own human strength leaves Jesus out of the picture. In a spiritual battle, this is entering a battle without armor or weapons, and as a result, we are easily defeated.
Paul makes it clear in Ephesians we need to be strong in the Lord and put on the armor of God to stand against the enemy’s schemes. King Xerxes was not a follower of the Lord and was about to follow into the enemy’s trap. Esther 2:1But after Xerxes’ anger had subsided, he began thinking about Vashti and what she had done and the decree he had made.[3] Anger led the king to make poor decisions, and now He was regretful but not repentant. Repentance is turning away from your sin and turning to the Lord. Being regretful is sorry you did something but not asking for forgiveness. The enemy sets traps to lead to our destruction.
Recognizing Enemy Traps
How do we recognize the traps of the enemy and not fall into sin and temptation? A brief response is to seek the Lord and obey Him. Jesus overcame temptation using God’s word, and we can do the same. Ask the Lord for discernment to recognize your weakness so you don’t place yourself in a place of vulnerability.
God’s word tells us He will warn us about sin and give us a way out when tempted. (1 Corinthians 10:13) As mentioned, remember you are in a spiritual battle. When we do fail, and we do, repent and ask the Lord for forgiveness. To learn more about overcoming the traps of the enemy, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-new-queen
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.