Power to Overcome:
Staying Dependent

Scripture Reading:  1 Corinthians 10:11-13

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:12

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!

As Christ followers, we must understand that the power to overcome is not found in self-confidence.  Our key verse reminds us that if we think we are standing firm, we must be careful lest we fall.  In other words, too much self-confidence leads to pride and the Bible reminds us pride comes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).

            Our confidence in overcoming evil is found in a deep sense of dependence.  We must remind ourselves daily that it is only in Christ that we stand firm.  The evil one is relentless in his desire to destroy us.  If we win some victories, of course, he is not happy, but he simply changes strategy.  The devil plants seeds of self-righteousness and prideful attitudes about our own strength.  His goal is to get us to rely on ourselves more than on the Holy Spirit within us.

            After each victory we gain over temptation, we must immediately give God the praise.  His strength got us through that battle.  Without Christ in us, the devil wins every time.  The reason this is true is that our flesh relates well to the suggestions of the evil one.  Selfishness was center stage before we came to Christ.  Jesus dethrones our self-interest and helps us see other values and the interests of other people.  Our daily challenge is to keep Jesus on the throne of our hearts.  Standing firm comes from staying dependent on Him!

Father, I praise you for power to overcome evil and live victoriously.  I give you the credit for that power.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.