Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Ephesians 6:16
Much temptation originates in the physical realm where you can see, hear, smell, taste, or feel the source. For apparent temptations coming at us “down here” in the sensory/physical realm, we have the provision of Christ in us. As we take that provision, His overcoming life counteracts and overcomes the world and the flesh.
But what about being hit with temptation that lacks an apparent origin? What if you can’t point to a trigger in the physical realm? This type of temptation originates from the spiritual realm. These are the enemy’s fiery darts—darts or arrows aimed directly at the soul that target the mind and emotions. In such a case, our provision is still Jesus, albeit a different truth in Jesus. Instead of Christ in us, it is the truth of us in Christ that offers protection.
God displayed His mighty power when He raised Christ from the dead and set Him at His own right hand far above the enemy (Eph. 1:19ff). Christ seated on the throne has all authority. But God also raised us in Christ and seated us together with Christ in the “heavenlies” (the spiritual realm) in Christ (Eph. 2:1,6). When we were born again, we were placed into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). We physically dwell on the earth, but in the spiritual realm, we are in Christ who sits on the throne far above the enemy. Amazing! As Ruth Paxson states, “In Christ we are as far above the power of Satan as Christ is.” Therefore, we can claim our position in Christ on the throne and exercise His authority over the enemy.
Perhaps you find yourself in a dark mood. Ask yourself if anything in the physical realm occurred that could tempt you toward discouragement? If you can identify nothing, then recognize the attack of a fiery dart. Simply take by faith the truth that you are in Christ far above the enemy who was defeated at the cross, and reject the discouragement. As you lift up the shield of faith, the authority of Christ extinguishes the fiery dart, and you sense a lift in your spirit. You have submitted yourself to God and resisted the devil who now must flee.
Perhaps you are focused on something at home or work, and suddenly an evil pattern of thoughts rolls across your brain. Consider whether the trigger is in the physical realm, and if not, recognize the fiery dart. Claim your position in Christ and reject the thoughts: “Lord, I claim my position in You far above the enemy and I reject this attack.” Immediately, you will sense a lift in your spirit. The fiery dart has been quenched through the authority of Christ.
Truth, personified in Jesus, always sets free!
John Van Gelderen
Post Author
This is so helpful. The ultimate battle is for the mind. Any time Satan tells you a lie and you believe it, you lose part of your freedom. This is why we need to be radical about cleansing the mind with the truth. The freest people on earth are those who are living with no delusions in their mind. Do not live by your emotions. They are the worst indicator of what is actually true. Emotions are good when they are harnessed by the truth, but they are your worst enemy the you look to them for truth. Living by… Read more »
Thanks Will, good insight. Love your statement, “Any time Satan tells you a lie and you believe it, you lose part of your freedom.”
THOUSANDS OF THOUGHTS GO THROUGH OUR MIND EVERY DAY.NOT A ROBOT. BUT A REAL PERSON.GO TO THE MALL ALMOST EVERY DAY.DO I NEED TO REMIND YOU FOLKS THE WAY SOME DRESS.WAY TOO MANY JEZEBELS,DELILAHS,AND BATHSHEBAS.OUT THERE.I FEEL LIKE ADAM FALLING FOR EVE.YOU AND THE REST OF THE LADIES NEED TO DO AND SAY SOMETHING TO THESE WOMEN.WITNESS IF NOTHING ELSE.FORGOT,I BELIEVE YOU CAN’T SOLICIT.RAISE THE STANDARD,JOHN.THAT CAN BE THE NAME OF YOUR NEXT YOUTH/BIBLE CONFERENCE.DEAL OR NO DEAL!!
Jesus had a solution to your problem, brother.
I really appreciate this discussion. I have intrusive thought from time to time. It was helpful to think of it this way. In addition to asking myself where it came from, I ask, is it true? Is it pure? Is it lovely? Is it praiseworthy? If it’s not then it’s probably a fiery dart.
(This is also helpful when it comes to my speech)
Thanks Rebecca, that is another great test to check origin.