Reflection:

The Christian life is like a wrestling match. Our opponent is ruthless.

Crucial to attaining victory is knowing our adversary’s tactics. In 2 Corinthians 2:11, Paul writes so ‘that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.’ Scholar C. K. Barrett explains, “It is part of Paul’s apostolic business to know what Satan is after, how he plans to achieve his goal, and thus to prevent his success.” Paul’s use of ‘we’ indicates this is our business as well.

Among the devil’s tactics for defeating Christians, one is especially devastating. We see this tactic in Genesis 3. First, Satan (the serpent) sows doubt and confusion in Eve’s mind. Then, second, his ultimate goal, he maligns God’s character. ‘For God knows that when you eat from it [the tree of knowledge of good and evil] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil’ (Genesis 3:5). In other words, Satan is saying ‘Eating from that tree will be good for you. God knows this and has forbidden it. God does not have your best interests at heart. God cannot be trusted.’

Satan’s tactic is undermining your confidence in God’s trustworthiness.

Prayer:

Father, I am sorry when I entertain thoughts that you are not trustworthy, and I repent of those. I recognise that these thoughts are often the product of the spiritual battle of life, and I refuse to combine my thoughts with those the enemy is proposing. Please solidify my confidence that you, God, look exactly like Jesus, and are good all the way down.