A pastor argues that Christians undermine themselves by adopting a victim mentality, when the Holy Spirit confirms their victory in Christ. The devil attacks not because believers are strong, but because they don't recognize their identity in Christ, leaving them vulnerable to deception.
The Holy Spirit convinces you in regards to your victory in Christ. Now, how many defeated Christians do you know who walk around with their head hanging low, talking about themselves in degrading terms? They think that the more they hate themselves, the more they criticize themselves, that the more spiritual they are somehow. They think that a badge of honor is the fact that they're always being attacked by the devil. And maybe you've said this, maybe you've heard others say this. Well, the only reason that the devil is attacking me is because he knows how much of a threat I am. Or the only reason that I'm under demonic attack is because I have a special calling in Christ. Now wait a minute, what does the Bible tell us? The Bible tells us that the one who is submitted to God, they can resist the devil and the devil will flee, not fight. So it's not that the devil is picking on believers because he sees how strong they are. It's because he sees how they allow him opportunities. It's because he sees that they don't really know who they are in Christ. So the devil is more likely to pick on a believer who doesn't know their identity. Now, once that believer comes to know their identity and they come to understand the victory they have in Christ, then it's a lot more difficult for the enemy To deceive them, to pick on them, to harass them. Now, I know it sounds spiritual to say this, but we have to stop thinking like victims. We have to stop thinking according to the old nature. We have to stop acting as if God holds our past over our heads. He does not. In fact, we have a new and bright future in Christ, a victorious one. And the Holy Spirit wants to convince you in regards to this victory. To learn more about the Holy Spirit, get Holy Spirit: God Within You at encounterthespirit.com.
