InstaStudy

Spiritual Warfare: Engaging the Enemy

A study on understanding the spiritual battles we face and how to overcome them through the power of God.

1. Understanding the Enemy

1.1 The Origin and Nature of Satan

Verses: Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-17; John 8:44
  • Satan was a created being, Lucifer, who fell due to pride.
  • He is a liar and the father of lies.
  • His nature is one of rebellion against God.

1.2 Demonic Influence and Activity

Verses: Ephesians 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8; James 4:7
  • We wrestle against spiritual wickedness in high places.
  • The devil seeks to devour and destroy.
  • Resisting the devil causes him to flee.

1.3 The Enemy's Limitations

Verses: 1 John 4:4; Colossians 2:15; Romans 8:38-39
  • Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.
  • Jesus triumphed over principalities and powers.
  • Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

1.4 The Enemy's Strategies

Verses: 2 Corinthians 2:11; 2 Corinthians 11:14; Ephesians 4:27
  • We are not ignorant of his devices.
  • Satan transforms himself into an angel of light.
  • Do not give place to the devil.

2. The Believer's Authority and Identity

2.1 Our Position in Christ

Verses: Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 1:13; Romans 6:4
  • We are seated with Christ in heavenly places.
  • We have been delivered from the power of darkness.
  • We walk in newness of life through baptism in Jesus' name.

2.2 The Power of the Name of Jesus

Verses: Philippians 2:9-11; Acts 4:12; Mark 16:17
  • Every knee shall bow to the name of Jesus.
  • There is no other name by which we must be saved.
  • Believers cast out devils in His name.

2.3 Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 1:8; Luke 24:49; John 14:16-17
  • We receive power after the Holy Ghost comes upon us.
  • We are endued with power from on high.
  • The Spirit of truth dwells within us.

2.4 Our Identity as Children of God

Verses: John 1:12; 1 John 3:1-2; Galatians 3:26
  • To all who received Him, He gave the right to become children of God.
  • We are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known.
  • You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

3. The Armor of God

3.1 Girding with Truth

Verses: Ephesians 6:14a; John 17:17; John 8:32
  • Truth is essential for spiritual stability.
  • God's word is truth.
  • Knowing the truth sets us free.

3.2 The Breastplate of Righteousness

Verses: Ephesians 6:14b; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:17
  • Righteousness protects our heart and vital organs.
  • We are made the righteousness of God in Christ.
  • We reign in life through righteousness.

3.3 Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace

Verses: Ephesians 6:15; Romans 10:15; Isaiah 52:7
  • Readiness to share the gospel provides stability.
  • Beautiful are the feet of those who preach peace.
  • The gospel brings peace with God.

3.4 The Shield of Faith

Verses: Ephesians 6:16; Hebrews 11:6; 1 John 5:4
  • Faith extinguishes the fiery darts of the enemy.
  • Without faith, it is impossible to please God.
  • Our faith overcomes the world.

3.5 The Helmet of Salvation

Verses: Ephesians 6:17a; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; Romans 10:9-10
  • Salvation protects our mind from doubt and deception.
  • Our hope of salvation is our helmet.
  • Confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in our heart brings salvation.

3.6 The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God

Verses: Ephesians 6:17b; Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 4:4, 7, 10
  • The Word of God is our offensive weapon.
  • It is living, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.
  • Jesus used the Word to defeat temptation.

4. Weapons of Our Warfare

4.1 Prayer and Supplication

Verses: Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 5:16
  • Praying always with all prayer and supplication.
  • We are called to pray without ceasing.
  • The fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much.

4.2 Fasting

Verses: Matthew 6:16-18; Isaiah 58:6; Mark 9:29
  • Fasting is a spiritual discipline that strengthens us.
  • It breaks the bonds of wickedness.
  • Some spiritual battles require prayer and fasting.

4.3 Praise and Worship

Verses: Psalm 8:2; Acts 16:25-26; 2 Chronicles 20:22
  • God silences the enemy through the praise of His children.
  • Praise can break chains and open prison doors.
  • Praise brings victory in battle.

4.4 The Blood of Jesus

Verses: Revelation 12:11; Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 1:7
  • We overcome by the blood of the Lamb.
  • The blood cleanses our conscience from dead works.
  • The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.

4.5 Testimony and Confession

Verses: Revelation 12:11; Romans 10:10; 2 Corinthians 4:13
  • We overcome by the word of our testimony.
  • With the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
  • We believe and therefore speak.

5. Living in Victory

5.1 Renewing the Mind

Verses: Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 10:5
  • Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
  • Focus on what is true, noble, and pure.
  • Cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.

5.2 Walking in Obedience

Verses: James 4:7; 1 Samuel 15:22; John 14:15
  • Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee.
  • Obedience is better than sacrifice.
  • If you love me, keep my commandments.

5.3 Maintaining Spiritual Vigilance

Verses: 1 Peter 5:8; Matthew 26:41; Colossians 4:2
  • Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about.
  • Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.
  • Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.

5.4 The Ultimate Triumph of God

Verses: Revelation 20:10; 1 Corinthians 15:57; Romans 16:20
  • The devil will be cast into the lake of fire.
  • Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.