InstaStudy

Spiritual Warfare: Engaging the Enemy

This study explores the reality of spiritual conflict, identifying our adversary, understanding our authority in Christ, and equipping believers for victory through prayer, the Word, and a Spirit-filled life.

1. Understanding the Enemy

1.1 The Origin and Nature of Satan

Verses: Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-17; Luke 10:18
  • Satan was a created being, Lucifer, who fell from grace.
  • He rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven.
  • He is a deceiver, an accuser, and the adversary of humanity.

1.2 Demonic Forces and Their Activities

Verses: Ephesians 6:12; Mark 5:1-13; 1 Peter 5:8
  • We wrestle against spiritual wickedness in high places.
  • Demons seek to oppress, tempt, and influence individuals.
  • They prowl like a roaring lion, seeking whom they may devour.

1.3 Satan's Strategies and Tactics

Verses: 2 Corinthians 2:11; John 8:44; Genesis 3:1-5
  • He uses deception, lies, and cunning craftiness.
  • He tempts believers to sin and doubt God's Word.
  • He seeks to sow discord, fear, and discouragement.

2. Our Authority in Christ Jesus

2.1 The Supremacy of Jesus Christ

Verses: Colossians 1:15-17; Philippians 2:9-11; John 1:1-3
  • Jesus is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, visible and invisible.
  • All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him.
  • Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

2.2 Authority Given to Believers

Verses: Luke 10:19; Mark 16:17-18; Matthew 28:18-20
  • We have been given power over all the power of the enemy.
  • Signs and wonders follow those who believe and minister in His name.
  • We are commissioned to go and make disciples, exercising this authority.

2.3 The Power of the Name of Jesus

Verses: Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9-11; John 14:13-14
  • There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
  • At the name of Jesus, every demonic force must submit.
  • We can ask anything in His name, and He will do it.

3. Weapons of Our Warfare

3.1 The Armor of God

Verses: Ephesians 6:10-18
  • We must put on the whole armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes.
  • Each piece of the armor represents a spiritual truth and defense.
  • The armor enables us to withstand evil and remain steadfast in faith.

3.2 Prayer and Fasting

Verses: Matthew 17:21; James 5:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:17
  • Some spiritual battles require intensified prayer and fasting.
  • The fervent, effectual prayer of a righteous person avails much.
  • We are called to pray without ceasing, maintaining constant communion with God.

3.3 The Word of God

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

3.4 The Blood of Jesus

Verses: Revelation 12:11; Hebrews 9:14; 1 John 1:7
  • We overcome the accuser of our brethren by the blood of the Lamb.
  • The blood of Christ cleanses our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
  • It provides atonement, purification, and protection from all evil.

4. Living a Victorious Life

4.1 Walking in the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:1-2; John 14:16-17
  • Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
  • There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.
  • The Spirit of truth, who is the Spirit of Jesus, dwells within us as our Helper and Guide.

4.2 Repentance and Holiness

Verses: Acts 2:38; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 1:15-16
  • Repentance and baptism in Jesus' name are essential for salvation and ongoing victory.
  • We are called to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness.
  • Be holy in all your conduct, because He who called you is holy.

4.3 Fellowship and Accountability

Verses: Hebrews 10:24-25; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Galatians 6:1-2
  • Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together, but encourage one another.
  • Two are better than one, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
  • Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

4.4 Steadfast Faith

Verses: Hebrews 11:6; 1 John 5:4; Romans 10:17
  • Without faith, it is impossible to please God, for whoever comes to Him must believe that He is.
  • Our faith is the victory that has overcome the world.
  • Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.