The Vulnerability of Believers

We Are Dependents of Christ

As believers we are dependents of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ. As dependents we are to rely on our Lord for all things, just as Jesus relied on the Father for all things and lived in complete dependence upon Him ("I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught Me," John 8:28; "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me," Mark 8:34).

When we think and act independently from God we become vulnerable to the enemy's schemes (Genesis 3). Here are some common issues that entrap believers:

Yielding Control to Something Other Than Jesus Christ

James 3:13 through 4:10 talks about godly wisdom versus demonic wisdom and contrasts the attitudes and actions of believers who follow one or the other. Galatians 5:1 tells us that Christ set us free but that we need to stand firm and not let ourselves be burdened again into slavery to sin. As believers we do not have the right to live independently from God. Only God has rights; we have a duty to follow Christ.

Deception

We can be deceived by the father of lies (John 8:44) or deceive ourselves (1 John 1:8). "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons" (1 Timothy 4:1).

Bitterness and Unforgiveness

We are commanded by Jesus, and it is our responsibility, to forgive others as He has forgiven us (Matthew 18:32-35).

Lust of the Flesh

Things of the flesh that we give in to will entrap and enslave us (1 John 2:16-17).

The Lord's Provision for His Own

Our Lord provided the way to be overcomers when we become ensnared by the lies and workings of the enemy. The good news is that "the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work" (1 John 3:8).

However, to live in spiritual freedom requires our participation and cooperation with Jesus Christ. When finding yourself in spiritual bondage it is vital to humble yourself before God and resist the devil (James 4:7-10). Agree with God that you have fallen prey and then be specific in telling Him how you have sinned against Him. Then pray, asking God for cleansing and that He would sever the bond that was made with the enemy while you were living life out of God's will.

This is a simple way of overcoming the ways of the enemy that have not become prolonged strongholds. For prolonged strongholds, helpful resources would be Praying God's Word by Beth Moore or The Steps to Freedom in Christ by Neil Anderson.