The Devil Is a Gambler

“The thief, if he is caught, must pay back double.” Exodus 22:7

Jesus said, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” One of the great principles in spiritual warfare with man’s nemesis is when a thief is caught he must pay back a double portion.

This is good news if you know how to fight to win.  If you’re facing challenges and opposition, make no mistake about it; the fight is for your possessions, for your family, and for your life.  We’re not gaming here!  It is real.  If you don’t understand this, you will lose it all.

However, if you stand firm in your faithfulness, if you do not waiver in unbelief, and if you do not compromise your integrity, you will win.  By doing so you are literally resisting the devil and he will flee from you.

There are two extremes that defeat most men:

1. You under-estimate the devil’s deceptive powers, or
2. You over-estimate his powers.

Either choice puts you at the disadvantage.

Jesus taught us through his temptation in the wilderness how to man-handle the devil.

KEYS TO WINNING THE DOUBLE

• KNOW WHO YOU ARE: Be authentic to God’s original intent for you.  Have your identity sealed.  Satan bluffed, “If you are the Son of God.”  Jesus refused to forfeit his identity for a loaf of bread.
• KEEP YOUR FOOTING: Satan bluffed, “cast yourself down.”  Our enemy will always try to trip us up.  The steps of a righteous man are order of the Lord.
• STAY FOCUSED: Finally, Satan proposed, “All of this I will give you.”  By showing Jesus the splendors of this world, he was offering the world without sacrifice.  You will never gain through compromise.

Jesus was faithful to defeat the devil.  The devil left him, awaiting another opportunity.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

Read Matthew 4:1-11.  Are you gambling with your identity?  How secure is your footing?  Are you focused on where you are going?