Jesus was tempted in every way we are, yet He didn’t sin (Heb. 4:15). Before the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness, Jesus was full of the Spirit (Luke 4:1). So when the devil tempted Him with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, He was prepared. Jesus answered “It is written . . .” to every temptation.
Scripture says we are overcomers. But that means we’ll have challenges to overcome. I want to talk about five attacks every man faces in his soul and ways to overcome them.
Pride
Pride is not coachable. Some men never get started on their purpose because they can’t humble themselves to learn, grow, and change. Growth without change and some pain is impossible.
Pride makes excuses. Humility makes adjustments. Pride lies when sin is confronted and errors exposed. A hardened heart repents only when it is caught. A deceived heart doesn’t repent even when there’s undeniable evidence. Pride is no laughing matter.
Your Identity in Christ
Identity theft is a big problem today. Here’s my question to men: Do you know the Word well enough to resist the enemy’s lies that try to steal your identity in Christ?
Renewing your mind to who you are in Christ is your identity theft protection. First John 3:1 (MSG) says, “What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! . . . We’re called children of God! That’s who we really are.” Look in the mirror of God’s Word and let it change you.
Passivity
Matthew 11:12 (NKJV) says, “The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” A passive attitude lets things happen without resistance. If you don’t fight, you’ll lose by default.
Passive people want good things to happen to them but don’t do anything to make them happen. You can’t have what someone else has if you don’t do what they did to get it.
Fall back in love with God’s Word. IT WILL HEAL YOUR SOUL.
Isolation
Have you ever watched a nature show where lions are hunting for food? Which animals do they go after? People often say the weakest. But it’s the most isolated.
We need to run inside the protection of our pack—our company. That’s why my wife and I come back to Rhema for conferences. Our roots get nourished. The Spirit of God refills us. We move forward better equipped to win our battles.
King David was at his best when he was connected to Jonathan or his mighty men. He fell the hardest when he was isolated and not accountable. He looked at things he shouldn’t have because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
If you’ve been hurt, separating yourself might seem safe. But isolation exposes you to more danger than it protects you from. It cuts you off from the assembly and the supply of the Spirit. Isolation sets you up to be an easy target.
Lust
Regardless of the socioeconomic class, every man is tempted with lust. Porn is a huge cultural problem. Why? Because it’s anonymous, accessible, and affordable.
Statistically, there are men in church looking at porn. How do men overcome this? By making adjustments. Have you ever heard of the word repent? It means to change your direction. Turn to God for His help, and He will set you free.
Proverbs 28:13 (NKJV) says, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”
Fall back in love with God’s Word. It will heal your soul. To win these battles, you need grace every day. But it’s the humble who get more grace.
Pray and stay filled with the Holy Spirit, or you will lose heart and quit. Catch up on your praise and fight the good fight of faith. Make sure you have a pastor over you and that your pastor has license to speak into your life. Choose your friends wisely. They’ll make or break your life.
Author
Joe Coyne
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