Lifejournal: Cross-clinging Fight

S: And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

Luke 4:13

O: The devil is relentless. He has no mercy-his audacity has no end. He took it upon himself to disobey and rebel against God, attempt to lure Christ into sin and false worship, and he daily drags people closer and closer to the flames of Hell with candy coated poisons.

Scripture was used on every account of temptation-and though it may have been successful in repelling Satan for that moment, this portion of Scripture clearly describes the persistence of sin and temptation in the life of all people. Satan does not lay down, permanently defeated-as long as we are in the flesh, sin can always quite possibly gain a foothold in our lives and that is the "opportune" time for the devil to strike.

I am reminded of "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

If we are not constantly placing our faith in Christ-remembering the work of the cross, our shield is lowered.

"I am poor and weak. Satan is too subtle, too cunning, too powerful; he watches constantly for advantages over my soul. The world presses in upon me with all sorts of pressures, pleas, and pretences. My own corruption is violent, tumultuous, enticing, and entangling. As it conceives sin, it wars within me and against me. Occasions and opportunities for temptation are innumerable. No wonder I do not know how deeply involved I have been with sin. Therefore, on God alone will I rely for my keeping. I will continually look to Him.”

-John Owen

I believe John Owen put it best when he says that Satan is much too powerful for us-When our flesh cries out for gratification, there is no way we can face the world alone and expect to come out unscathed.

A: I must be as vigilant as my enemy-both Satan and my flesh constantly wage war against my soul. There is only one person who is stronger-and should I look to him daily, constantly, meditatively...there can be no defeat. I will place my faith in his defense for my soul-the cross cannot be knocked down or tilted. Should I cling to the cross, the very wrath of God is averted from me. Should I cling to the cross, none of the temptations or attacks of the world can stain my soul. Should I cling to the cross, I would see more clearly the loveliness of my Saviour and the wonderful work he did on my behalf! I will cling to the cross.