The Devil on a leash
I was listening to a bible study this morning on
KFUO and heard the pastor say something like this, "Christ has defeated the devil, put him on a leash... like a pit bull on a leash, the only way he can harm you is if you walk over into his territory."
I really like that analogy. In spite of the temptations we encounter, Satan is really powerless, only when we give him power can he do anything at all. I think I'll try and keep this image of the devil as a big slobbering rabid dog chained up out of the way, all I need to do in order to not get bitten is avoid walking over to him and letting him do it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (ESV)