7 Steps to Overcome Discouragement
(13) Spiritual Warfare in the Wilderness (Luke 4:1-13)
Dear Reader,
May “The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.’” (Numbers 6:24-26).
Spiritual Warfare in the Wilderness (Luke 4:1-13)
“The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.” - Exodus 15:3
I have a friend who is a combat veteran and formerly served in the U.S. Army. Most combat veterans suffer some forms of post-traumatic stress disorder, my friend said even his dreams he is awaken to past trauma and at times he cries for no reason. I don’t have experience with armed conflict but spiritual conflicts I do. In Luke 4:1-13 the Word shares some details as to the nature of our spiritual conflict whether we acknowledge it or not, but one aim of the enemies schemes (Ephesians 6:11) is to bring discouragement, doubt, and fear.
The Nature of the Conflict
4 Now Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He was hungry. 3 And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4 And Jesus answered him, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone (Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4).’”
5 And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this domain and its glory, for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I want. 7 Therefore if You worship before me, it shall all be Yours.” 8 Jesus replied to him, “It is written: ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”
9 And he brought Him into Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here; 10 for it is written: ‘He will give His angels orders concerning You, to protect You,’ 11 and,‘ On their hands they will lift You up, So that You do not strike Your foot against a stone.’” 12 And Jesus answered and said to him, “It has been stated, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 13 And so when the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time. - Luke 4:1-13.
7 Steps to Overcome Discouragement
Seek first things first. (Lamentations 3:25, Matthew 6:33, Luke 11:9-10, 1st Timothy 6:10, 1st John 2:15-16). Do not love what the world loves and do not seek what the world seeks. (Song: First Things First)
Encourage others. (John 13:34-35, Romans 14:19, 1st Corinthians 12:27, Hebrews 3:13). Love other believers and seek friendships that mutually encourage. Be apart of a local church in-person and join the church. God has made us that we our in need of soul-care. We are prone to wander but for our protection we need to be in community with other believers. You have gifts that can benefit others and those gifts are best distributed in the local church. In an individualize and selfish culture (40% of believers are not engaged in discipleship in the local church), showing care and concern for others stands out and may just be the light others need, being different from a biblical standpoint is good and needed. “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” - Hebrews 12:14. (Song: Strong Enough)
Remember His faithfulness and promises. (1st Corinthians 1:9, 1st John 1:9, 2nd Peter 1:4). The word ‘remember’ is repeated two hundred thirty one (x231) times in the bible. God remembered Noah’s faith (Genesis 8:1), God wants us to remember that he is slow to anger and rich in love (Psalm 145:8). God is a a defender of the fatherless (Psalm 68:5). (Song: Goodness of God).
Value God’s Word as a Treasure and Seek Refuge in Him. (Psalm 16:1; Psalm 118:8, Psalm 119:11, Proverbs 30:5, Matthew 4:4, Luke 4:4).
The Psalms speak of ‘refuge’ (repeated forty one times (x41) in the Book of Psalms). Webster’s defines ‘refuge’ as a shelter or protection from danger or distress. The biblical Greek word for ‘refuge’ expands on the urgent need to escape for safety while the biblical Hebrew word conveys a shelter of peace. Certain environments are not good for the soul or body. In what places or people do you find refuge of peace? (Song: Word of Life)
Inspire faith, love, and hope in others by living by faith in Christ (Romans 12:2, 2nd Corinthians 5:7, 1st Timothy 4:12). More is caught than taught. Being an example to others can inspire others to live for Christ. (Song: Confidence).
Choose truth over error and deception. (2nd Kings 6:17, 1st John 4:4). Ask the Lord for spiritual vision so you are not deceived by the enemy. (Song: In Christ Alone)
Expect God to do His part and to fight battles for you. (Psalm 5:3,Ephesians 6:10-20, 1st Peter 5:8). Engage with God in Prayer and be alert to the spiritual battle. (Song: Battle Belongs)
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Wow, what a treasure trove of blessing--so many power packed passages!
It is amazing how this type of heresy, as presented in this article, is so prevalent in Christianity that many believers don’t even realize they are being led astray. Paul specifically writes of the Armor of God to overcome Satan’s methodologies. Among them is discouragement. The Christian overcomes discouragement by putting on the armor of God and standing firm against Satan.
Discouragement is a methodology of Satan to persuade a Christian into a state of feeling a loss of confidence, motivation, or hope, often arising from setbacks, challenges, or repeated failures. Satan uses discouragement to weaken faith, hinder spiritual growth, or distract believers from the promises of God. It can manifest when circumstances seem overwhelming or when efforts do not produce the desired results, leading to a sense of helplessness or defeat.
The helmet of salvation relates to our salvation (Ephesians 6:17). Satan does not want us to be stable in our belief of salvation; however, God has stated that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). With the helmet we can overcome disappointment (Romans 5:5), discouragement (Hebrews 12:3-5), spiritual cowardice (Luke 22:31), and an ungracious spirit (2 Corinthians 2:10-11).
Overcoming discouragement involves using both the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.
For unto this we labor and agonize, because we hope upon a living God, Who is a Savior of all men, especially of those who believe (1 Timothy 4:10).
For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angel, nor principality, nor things impending, nor things about to come, nor inherent ability, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created things has the inherent ability to separate us from the love of God, the [love] in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).
being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).