The Last Man Standing
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Perhaps you have heard the cliche’ that refers to "the last man standing." Normally, "the last man standing" would be considered the winner in a fight of many participants. I would not want to compare Christian living to a free-for all, knock down, drag out, fist fighting, road house brawl.
However, one who would be faithful to God will be faced with temptations from various sources and in many ways. To be left figuratively standing after facing off against the foes of righteousness is a spiritual accomplishment to be admired, and many fail at the challenge. For this reason, the apostle Paul wrote at First Corinthians chapter ten, verse twelve, that a man who thought he stood should take heed lest he fall.
Very apparently, the challenge to be "the last man standing" after a confrontation with the devil may be greater than that for which many may have prepared themselves. At verse thirteen, Paul went on to explain that temptation is that which is common to every man.
Therefore, there is no one who has not been tempted of the devil to transgress. Fortunately, Paul assured us that God will prevent Satan from tempting us to the extent that we are overcome and forced into the unholy against our will. Therefore, we are given to understand that anyone who wants to defeat the devil CAN defeat the devil. Since God disallows Satan from overpowering our own will, we, therefore, are left to stand or fall according to our own choice.
With this is mind, consider the words of Paul at Galatians chapter five. At verse one, he encouraged the brethren to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again in the yoke of bondage.
Even the liberated must be bound by law; else they lose their own liberty and begin even to invade the liberty of others. He who is truly free submits gladly to the will of Christ, realizing that it is only in Him that a man can possibly stand against the wiles of the devil. He who has fallen spiritually has fallen indeed.
I want to be left standing as the devil falls in defeat. Don’t you?