I have good news and awful news.
First, the awful news: The Devil hates you and has a horrible plan for your life. Satan is real. He has an army of demons at his command, and he’s coming for you.
He’s stronger than you, he’s smarter than you, and he hates you with a fury that cannot be measured. Why? Because you, as a child of God, are receiving by faith what he failed to take by force: the Kingdom of God (Hebrews 12:28).
He longs to deceive, distract, and discourage you, so that ultimately he can destroy you.
The apostle Peter reminds us:
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
That someone is you.
Spiritual Warfare Truths
Now, the good news, which is actually amazing news: God has defeated Satan. Past tense—it’s done.
Not only that, but God is in you and has given you all the lion repellant you need to fight off the prowling enemy. Now it’s up to you to use it.
If you knew a serial killer had escaped from jail and, for some reason, had set his sights on you as his next victim, you’d take preventive measures. You’d lock the doors at night. You’d get an alarm system. You’d buy a gun and learn how to use it. You’d be ever so vigilant, ready for his attack, ready to counterattack.
Spiritual Warfare Strategies
As the apostle Paul makes clear in Ephesians 6:10-18, God has given us both defensive and offensive weapons for the spiritual battles we face. And we should take full advantage of both.
First, take defensive measures:
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the Devil’s schemes. (Ephesians 6:11)
Also, take offensive measures: Pick up “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17), and learn how to use it.
Memorize it. Meditate on it. Master it. Be ready to plunge it into Satan’s chest by quoting Scripture, as Jesus did, when you’re attacked. (See Matthew 4:1-11.)
And, finally, my dear brothers and sisters, “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). A Scripture-quoting, Bible-toting, armor-wearing, cross-bearing follower of Christ who is fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit will stand firm against Satan’s attacks. This brand of believer submits to God consistently and resists the Devil persistently. This brand of believer makes the Devil run away in the opposite direction, like an already defeated foe (James 4:7).
Spiritual Warfare Endgame
What are you fighting the Devil for? What’s the prize?
- You’re fighting to rescue the billions of lost souls around the world whom he keeps captive (2 Timothy 2:26).
- You’re fighting for the spiritual well-being and boldness of your fellow brothers and sisters (Ephesians 6:18-19).
- You’re fighting to advance the Kingdom of God, by making and multiplying disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).
May these six words describe you: Armor on. Prayed up. Battle ready.
Join me in fighting the good fight, today and every day.
This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.
