Resistance, Russia, and the Devil

Warned about possible sanctions if they do anything to escalate Ukraine’s internal conflict, what did Russia do? They flew jets into Ukraine's airspace and aligned themselves with rebel Russian Ukrainians over control of the rebel-held town of Slavyansk—whose outcome could determine if Russia takes control of the whole of eastern Ukraine.  

Should it surprise anyone that after invading Crimea with almost no resistance from the U.S. or Europe, Russia is pushing the boundaries (quite literally), changing geopolitics for decades, even centuries.

Not to infer that Putin is the devil, the word “resistance” brought to mind a spiritual truth—we have to resist our enemies. If you “resist the devil, he will flee from you” (4:7). Imagine that! We have the power to put the devil to flight! And not unlike what is going on in Russia and Ukraine, if we do not resist him (giving him the advantage), the personal outcome will be disastrous. “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 stand firm (Eph. 6:13).

What are Satan's Opportune Times?

Jesus was tempted in every way that we are (Heb. 4:15), so His wilderness temptation was not His only or final encounter with Satan. Luke writes that after this incident, Satan "departed from Him until an opportune time" (Luke 4:13). Satan looks for opportunities to tempt us when we are vulnerable, which is why we are admonished in the New Testament to "be on the alert," knowing that our "adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Pet. 5:8).

What are these opportune times? The word “opportune” means fitting, timely, appropriate—in a word, opportune time means the “right” time. So what is the right time Satan is looking for? I’ve always thought the acronym used by Alcoholics Anonymous, HALT, is an excellent mnemonic for remembering the times when we are most vulnerable to temptation. The letters HALT stand for hungry/angry/lonely/tired. When you are any one of these, Satan will try to take advantage of you.

There are two things to remember during these times. First, we must be vigilant to "resist him, firm in our faith" (1 Pet. 5:9). God promises if you “resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Second, we must stand on God's Word. Since Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44), truth is our primary defense. His lies tell you that if you do the thing you are tempted to do, you will feel better. That was his strategy against Jesus, but Jesus resisted Satan by quoting scriptures that contradicted Satan's lies. We should follow Jesus’ example. But you cannot resist the devil using the Word unless you know it. What better reason is there to study and memorize the Word?

The Naked Runner

[I thought the title of this 1967 Frank Sinatra movie might grab your attention! The movie has nothing to do with my thought today, as I am led to continue the theme: God's Gymnasium.]

In the 23 years of being a member of fitness clubs, I have never employed a personal fitness trainer. Having a personal trainer is just too…well, too personal! I don’t want anyone looking that closely at my body!

As I said in my earlier post (“Are You Spending Enough Time in God’s Gymnasium?” May 18, 2009), the word for training is “gymnazo.” This Greek word is derived from the word "naked," referring to how the Greek athletes stripped down in the ancient games.

By using the Greek word “train” (Hebrews 12:11) the author pictures God as our “Personal Trainer” who knows our spiritual needs intimately, seeing “everything” about our spiritual condition— “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).

In God’s Gymnasium, you have a Personal Trainer. And He knows exactly what exercise you need to be built up in your faith. And not only what 'muscles' you need to exercise, He knows exactly how much resistance is necessary to increase your spiritual strength! (See yesterday's blog post)

Increasing Strength in God's Gymnasium

In your physical fitness training, you will have to continually increase your resistance if you hope to increase your strength. If you are a body builder, you will need to add weights and repetitions; if you are a runner, you will need to increase speed or distance or incline. So, as a card-carrying member of God’s Gymnasium, you can expect resistance. And the more RESISTANCE you can endure, the greater your spiritual growth.

Here is a biblical principle of spiritual growth:
Whenever you begin to move with God to change things in your life, you will be met by resistance—from within and without! Specifically, your enemy the devil is going to get very upset with you. He will attack you internally by doubt, fear and discouragement. He will attack you externally by slander, ridicule, even threats. One thing is clear: opposition (RESISTANCE) is inevitable.

At times like this you may need a work-out partner. Whenever the devil’s attack comes, don’t try to fight it alone. Find someone to pray with, to join you in the battle; someone to encourage you and keep you working out when you are tempted to give up. (When Elijah was so discouraged he said “Lord, take my life; it’s not worth it; I’m alone,” God sent him Elisha.) And remember: Jesus sent the disciples out in two's.

As you stay in God’s Gymnasium, don’t be surprised when you encounter RESISTANCE. But expect God to send help! “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10).

But of this you can be sure: “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).