Spiritual Warfare: Our Battle and Our Victory
An exploration of the unseen battleground and how believers can overcome the enemy through faith and obedience.
1. Understanding the Enemy
1.1 The Nature of Satan
Verses: John 8:44; Revelation 12:9
- Satan is a liar and the father of lies, constantly seeking to deceive.
- He is the ancient serpent, also known as the Devil, who deceives the whole world.
1.2 Satan's Tactics
Verses: 2 Corinthians 11:14; Ephesians 6:11
- Satan disguises himself as an angel of light to mislead believers.
- We must put on the whole armor of God to stand against his schemes.
1.3 The Extent of Satan's Power
Verses: 1 John 5:19; 2 Corinthians 4:4
- The whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
- Satan is the god of this world, blinding the minds of unbelievers.
2. Our Weapons of Warfare
2.1 The Word of God
Verses: Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:17
- The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.
- The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God, our offensive weapon.
2.2 Prayer and Fasting
Verses: Matthew 17:21; James 5:16
- Some demons only come out through prayer and fasting.
- The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
2.3 The Name of Jesus
Verses: Philippians 2:9-11; Acts 3:6
- God has highly exalted Jesus and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.
- In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.
2.4 The Blood of Jesus
Verses: Revelation 12:11; Hebrews 9:14
- We overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.
- The blood of Christ cleanses our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
3. Living a Victorious Life
3.1 Putting on the Armor of God
Verses: Ephesians 6:13-18
- We must put on the full armor of God to stand firm against the enemy's attacks.
- This includes the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit.
3.2 Resisting the Devil
Verses: James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9
- Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
- Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
3.3 Walking in the Spirit
Verses: Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:14
- Walk in the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
- For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
4. The Authority of the Believer
4.1 Delegated Power
Verses: Luke 10:19; Mark 16:17-18
- Jesus has given us authority to trample on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.
- These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons.
4.2 Exercising Our Authority
Verses: Matthew 18:18; John 14:12
- Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
- Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.