Theft

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. -- 1 Peter 2:9 NIV

The devil attempts steals the confidence of who we are in Christ. It is a common attack. And if we are not confident of who we are in Christ, how can we convince others about Christ. And how can they see the light in us if we don't see it in ourself? Attacks against our confidence are a strategy to diminish the work we otherwise could do. Its theft against the Kingdom.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. -- 2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

We were literally given the righteousness of Jesus. Not any righteousness based on our conduct, but rather a free gift from God. And our sin was placed upon him in our stead. Without any pride that we can pretend to take credit for, we are meant to stand tall in confidence that we are made righteous. We aren't good enough, but God makes us good enough in Christ. Don't let the enemy tell you otherwise. The work of Christ is complete. If you believe, it is complete in you. We have a high standard to strive to, and we shouldn't accept sin in our life, but we are not defeated. He was not defeated.

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God -- John 1:12 NIV

We are adopted by the Father. He looks on us as his children. This isn't just poetics. Its real. For those of you that have children, you may have a glimpse of what that means. He is interested in our well being and growth. When my children have misbehaved, I am hoping that they show any sign of self-correction, regret, or understanding so that I don't have to impose correction upon them by punishment. Even in our rebelliousness, he is looking for any excuse, any sign of humility and repentance so that he can show us mercy and to be gracious to us. He sent his Son to sacrifice for us, while we still sinners: that is love.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. -- Romans 8:37 NIV

Because, God goes before us, we are conquerors. We are not victims. We are not helpless. Even in our suffering, we are victors. If we remain in Christ, we will never be defeated.

Is the enemy trying to convince you that you are less than in some area? Maybe, that God doesn't care for you? Perhaps, he reminds you of all your failures. Remember what the Lord has done. He has done his work to completion. Don't have confidence in yourself; have confidence in what he has done.

He didn't half forgive you. He doesn't half protect you. He didn't make you kind of righteous. He didn't "sort of" adopt you.