Sermon Title: Spiritual Warfare #2 – Prepare for Victory; Know the enemy.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6:10-13)
Dearly Beloved,
Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
Last week, we spoke to the reality that to “put on the full armor of God” is to firstly and essentially identify yourself as a member of the Lord’s Kingdom to the world around us; in modern language - it is to put on the “uniform” that clearly identifies you as a Christian; a member of God’s Kingdom, a disciple of Jesus Christ, and an agent of the Holy Spirit.
And thus, the first steps to being victorious over darkness is by fully putting on, and living out, our identity in Christ Jesus, our Lord; in absolutely rejecting our sinful nature – in dying to self - and wholeheartedly receiving the Holy Spirit in our lives as we participate in His work of setting us apart and making us holy!
Our faith in Christ Jesus – who “is the head over every power and authority” (Colossians 2:10) - must result in the spiritual authority and supernatural ability - bestowed upon us by GOD to take our stand against the devil’s schemes.
Of which, one of his chief schemes is to convince us that he is not real; that he doesn’t even exist.
Brethren, evil is real; but we need to understand also that behind the evil that is so evident in the world around us are demonic forces hell-bent – quite literally – on the destruction of our faith in Christ and our lives in His Kingdom, along with every human being who has rejected the Salvation and Love of God through Jesus.
Church, whether or not we recognise this reality - we are at war with the devil, and we are under constant and relentless spiritual attack.
You don’t think so?
Are you under spiritual attack?
Listen carefully – as we do a brief troubleshoot regarding your spiritual condition.
If you are struggling to maintain an ongoing and insatiable relationship with God, you are under spiritual attack.
If you are feeling apathetic towards the Lord, or if you are ‘fine’ living separate from God, or even ‘alright’ with being ignorant to His Word and Will in your life, you are under spiritual attack.
If you feel that being an ‘undercover’ Christian is acceptable given the current hostilities against biblical notions of life, gender, marriage and family – you are under spiritual attack.
If you are constantly doubting and disappointed in God; or if you are struggling to daily enter into His Holy Presence, to pray to Him, to worship Him and to read the Bible, you are under spiritual attack
If you are constantly filled with anxiety, or pride, or lust or are struggling with any form of addiction or destructive behaviour, you are under spiritual attack.
If you think that the devil cannot attack you, or worse, that you are impervious to spiritual attacks, you are under spiritual attack.
The Existence of Ancient Evil Forces
Evil is real; and there are ancient spiritual forces of darkness in the world that affects our circumstances; and concurrently works to amplify the darkness within the human heart. Conversely, there are ancient spiritual forces that is loyal only to God - who ministers and protects, believers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
One of the best indications of your relationship with God is - in fact - how frequent and intense you experience spiritual attacks.
You can be sure that the devil doesn’t leave you alone if he considers you a credible threat to his mission of populating hell.
As Christians, we must be perfectly clear that we are waging spiritual war right here in the present age – appointed, and sent by, Christ Jesus – our King and Savior – who is saying to us, “get up and stand” on our feet (Acts 26:16) - “to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’” (Acts 26:18)
Brothers and sisters in Christ, we are tasked to participate in the Holy Spirit’s campaign of opening the eyes of the world and turning them from darkness to light; from death to life in Christ.
In this, we need to fully recognise that there are spiritual forces of darkness in the world actively attacking and robbing every human being of salvation and eternal life in Christ.
We need to recognise that these spiritual forces of darkness will be relentless in attacking us with the sole military objective of making us ‘Christian’ only in name, with a faith that is as fake as it is dead.
Who, or what, is the devil? What are the spiritual forces of darkness?
To watch out for the attacks of the forces of darkness, and not fall for the schemes of the devil – we need to know the enemy.
The Apostle Paul is categorical about our adversaries in this spiritual war that we find ourselves right in the center of:
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Paul is saying to us that demonic forces are highly structured, and entrenched in every aspect of human life. No facet or level of human society is spared from this spiritual war and from demonic suppression, influence and afflictions.
However, he continues by telling us:
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)
We are to rally behind Christ our King; alongside fellow believers and angels who worship and obey God.
Understand this; and understand this well.
We cannot, and must not attempt, to fight these spiritual battles alone.
For if we do, we will lose.
This is a guarantee as certain as there are angels and demons.
Every day that we live, is a day of evil that requires us to “put on the full armour of God” – to stand with the Lord Jesus Christ – in standing our ground and doing everything we must to remain standing by, and beside, our Lord Jesus.
We are far from alone in this spiritual war; if we must be found in Christ.
So the most important thing we need to know before we get to know our enemy is that the devil has been thoroughly defeated; certainly not by us, but by Christ – who has “disarmed the powers and authorities, (where) he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Colossians 9:15)
Our Lord Jesus Christ is supreme and victorious over every expression, ounce and personification of evil.
The Apostle Paul reminds us to be ever so grateful to our God who has given “us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
Our victory in every battle of this spiritual war is assured – so long as we remain in Christ.
Only in Christ; by the Power of the Holy Spirit – can we ever stand strong in the face of spiritual attacks and oppressions.
We must awake to each day prepared for the spiritual battles that lay ahead - through daily renewal of our commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ in prayer and being daily filled with the Power of the Holy Spirit.
The Apostle Peter warns us, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Let us get to know the enemy.
1. Demons are fallen angels, creatures of God who will be judged.
Unlike creating humans in His image as beings with body, soul and spirit, God created the multitude of angels as spirits (Psalm 148:2-5) – a third of whom rebelled against God and are led by Satan, also known as the devil or the ‘evil one’. (Ref: Revelations 12:3-4, 12:9).
Needless to say, angels – and demons - cannot rival God - who alone is, the eternal Creator of the Universe - omnipresent (all present); omnipotent (all-powerful); and omniscient (all-knowing).
To this point, demons will be bound in hell for judgment by the Holy People of God.
The Apostle Peter reveals to us in 2 Peter 2:4 that “God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment”; to which Jude resonates, “the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day” (Jude 6).
Pay attention. Every single agent of evil would be held accountable by God.
They would not be judged and thrown in hell.
Hell is only their holding cell for something far worse after judgment.
The point here is: God alone is Supreme.
2. Demons live to lead the world away from God.
Angels who did not rebel against God serve Him through acts of praising, glorifying and worshipping Him; demons exist to lead the world astray from praising, glorifying and worshipping God.
Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts… …
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created” (Psalm 148:2, 5)
“All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures.
They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying:
“Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” (Revelation 7:11-12)
“Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.
8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven.
9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” (Revelation 12:7-9)
It is with interest that we note that God didn’t have to personally throw the devil and his angels out; Michael and his angels were more than enough to secure victory.
And even at the end, it was an angel who fulfilled the Will of God and overcame the devil - binding him for a thousand years.
“And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain.
He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time. (Revelation 20:1-3)
3. Demons employ extensive and elaborate schemes to deceive the world, and constantly seek to harm believers.
Angels serve God through acts of service
a) As divine messengers declaring prophetic revelations as observed in their appearance before the shepherds announcing the birth of Christ;
b) Protecting God’s people:
² “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7)
² “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” (Psalm 91:11-12);
c) Ministering to us as “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14); and are
d) Actively waging war against the demonic forces (Ref: Daniel 10:12-13, 10:20, Revelation 12:7-9).
From here, in contrast to angels who are God-fearing and God-serving, it is clear that demons serve their master – the devil – by desecrating the Truth about God through ‘half-truths’ and all-out lies; deceiving nations, leading the world astray from the Love and Salvific Grace of Christ Jesus.
The Apostle Paul further warns that “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is not strange if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).
And just as angels protect and minister to the people of God, demons harm and demoralize us – casting doubts in our hearts in attempts to rob and destroy our faith in Christ and our eternal destiny in His Kingdom.
The devil’s mandate
The devil and his minions are completely vested into their demonic mandate of filling the lake of eternal fire with human souls through relentless deception, oppression, affliction, total possession and subjugation.
From the very beginning, that has been the scheme of the devil – identified in Revelation 20 as “the ancient serpent” – who deceived Adam and the woman of their eternal destiny in God’s perfect Creation; resulting in the fall of Man.
Our Lord Jesus Christ clearly reveals the devil’s purpose in John 10:10:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
Many of us do not consider Christ’s words seriously enough to realise that we are the mark of this assassination attempt.
The devil is spending all his time – from his thousands upon thousands of years of experience on battlefield ‘earth’ deceiving and entrapping billions upon billions of human beings – plotting to steal your destiny in God’s Kingdom, killing your faith in Christ and destroying your life.
You must take this personally.
The devil is personally plotting to destroy your very person; and to desecrate your soul so that you would not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Would you stand for it? Would you just go down without a fight?
If you ever knew of a plot to steal from you, to murder and literally, destroy you, would you go about your day as you do right now?
Many so-called ‘Christians’ are badly losing the spiritual battles by getting sucked into the anxieties and enterprises of this life.
Would you continue to live the way you do right now – in the knowledge that someone is relentless trying to destroy you?
Would you not begin to immediately get serious about your relationship with Jesus who warned us of those who falsely claimed to follow Him with these words in Matthew 25:41, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”
Would you choose to share the same fate as the devil?
You choose precisely the same fate as the devil when you have previously experienced the Grace of God through a relationship with Christ, and then choose not to get serious with the Lord Jesus.
That’s exactly what the devil is doing to Christians today – embattling our minds, overwhelming our souls into the false illusion of contentment with our lives in this world; making us think that we are fine as ‘Christians’ when in fact, we are far from being Christian.
How do we know if we are far from being Christian?
We are far from being Christian:
- when we are far from being committed to utterly denying ourselves, taking up our crosses, and following our Lord Jesus Christ;
- when we are far from being committed to utterly loving our Lord Jesus that our live would be all about fulfilling His Commands and His Great Commission for us; and
- when we are far from being committed to utterly being filled constantly with the Power of the Holy Spirit.
In more Christians than we would ever dare to think, the devil has the upper hand.
In our own lives, the devil may well have the upper hand.
Does he have the upper hand in your life?
Instead of depending solely on Christ, are you tempted to consume the fruit from the tree of knowledge? Are you tempted to live in your own strength? Are you tempted to understand the world through your own wisdom? Are you tempted to build your own kingdom- your empire - here on earth? Are you tempted to live apart from Christ – the Bread of life? Have you already consumed the forbidden fruit?
Know that you have already consumed the forbidden fruit if Christ alone is not your bread of life.
If you have not decided to live your life utterly in the Lord and for the Lord, what you have done is disobeyed God and consumed the forbidden fruit.
What you need to do is to stop relying on yourself, stop living for yourself, stop trying to build your own kingdom; and start depending solely on the Lord Jesus Christ and living for Him alone – by recommitting your life to Him right now!
In John 8:42-46, our Lord Jesus Christ reveals the existential reality of spiritual war and the true nature of the devil; and further reveals our fragility and vulnerability in that there are those who are, indeed, children of the devil - those who simply do not believe Him.
42 Jesus said to them (the Jews), “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me.
43 Why is my language not clear to you?
Because you are unable to hear what I say.
44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires.
He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.
When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!
46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?
If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me?” (John 8:42-46)
Do you believe in Jesus? Do you believe that He is the one and only Saviour? Do you believe that He is the true and living God?
From the words of Christ, we learn two key theological principles:
1. In this war, the conscious choice must be made by every human being – we either choose to belong to God, or the devil. If we are not even conscious of this choice to choose God or the devil, it is clear that the unconscious choice has been made to choose to belong to the devil.
2. Our love for Christ, attention to His words, and reception of His Truth reveal our allegiance to God, any lack thereof reveals our actual allegiance to the devil.
Choose Christ; choose victory over the enemy.
Church, listen up.
You can experience victory over the devil right now.
Only you can decide and change the outcome of your spiritual battles with the devil.
It is clear that you lose to the devil if you do not choose God.
What is frightfully unclear to most: is that you lose to the devil when you do not even choose. Ambivalence is a spiritual affliction demons employ with great frequency and effectiveness.
Defiance against God, and ambivalence towards Him - are both different names for the same highway to hell.
The devil ruthlessly schemes to corner us into isolation – through anxiety, addictions, bitterness, depression, untrammelled grief and irrational fear – forcing us to struggle, and fall alone.
Recognize the circumstances of such spiritual attacks; be alert and sober to the audacious adversary – who prowls and roars at the same time – and who would devour you whole.
You lose when you stand alone in your human wisdom, which constitutes your human brokenness and sin; but you win when you stand with Christ – when you are made “alive with Christ” through the forgiveness of our sins established, in our Lord’s finished work on the Cross. (Ref: Colossians 2:13-15)
In Christ, the powers and authorities of darkness have been disarmed.
Apart from Christ, a fate far worse than death awaits; a cursed fate enjoined with the evil one; doomed for “the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” (Matthew 25:41)
Is that what you would knowingly choose for yourself?
Bear this in your heart.
To not choose is to choose not to.
To not choose Christ is to choose not to believe in Christ.
You need to make a conscious choice to recommit and reconnect personally and deeply with the Lord Jesus Christ.
You win the spiritual battle with the devil when you consciously choose with every waking hour to belong to God and love our Lord Jesus Christ so utterly that you would hold dearly to His Way, Truth and Life; believing solely in Him and empowered solely by the Holy Spirit.
You win the spiritual battle against the devil when you courageously reveal your identity in Christ with every waking hour – proudly wearing the armor of God – ceasing immediately to hide your Christian identity from the world.
You win the spiritual battle against the devil when you submit to God (ref: James 4:7) with every waking hour – and with every waking hour, immerse yourself in praising God, in worshiping God and in prayer to the Father and in the reading of His Holy Word found in the Bible; discerning the schemes of darkness by exposing them with the light of Christ.
You win the spiritual battle against the devil when you fear God alone; for to fear God alone - is to not fear anything, or anyone, else.
You win the spiritual battle against the devil when you get close enough to Christ Jesus our Lord to hear Him tell the devil “Get behind me, Satan! You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Mark 8:33)
Brothers and sisters in Christ, I charge you:
Start winning your spiritual battles against the devil; commit this day to deepen your relationship with King Jesus, remain constantly in Him, have in your mind the concerns of God ; and know for a fact, that:
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
Indeed, let us wake up everyday believing and living in this truth:
In Christ, we have the victory!
Shalom.
Let us pray.
Our Father in Heaven,
Hallowed be Your Name.
Your Kingdom come, Your Will be done; on earth, as it is in heaven.
Thank You for delivering me from the evil one.
Thank You for Your assurance in Isaiah 54:17 that: “No weapon forged against (me) will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses (me).
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for giving us the victory over the devil.
Help me daily to overcome my spiritual struggles and commit to remaining close to You in the reality of this spiritual war being waged in the world since the dawn of Creation.
Lord Jesus, I utterly commit my life to You – in consciously choosing to belong solely and wholly to You.
I love You, Lord Jesus, and I choose to deny myself, take up my cross and follow You – in Your Way, Your Truth and Your Life.
Lord Jesus, in my daily spiritual battle against the devil; empower me with the Power of the Holy Spirit that I may courageously reveal my Christian identity – proudly wearing the armor of God – ceasing immediately of any shame I have of the gospel.
Forgive me, Lord Jesus, for the numerous times that I have hidden my true identity as a Christian; I repent of my grievous sin and thank You for your forgiveness.
Lord Almighty, help me to daily submit to Your Will and Love in my life; that with every waking hour, I would choose to immerse myself in praising You, glorifying You, worshipping You, praying to You and reading the Bible. Grant me the wisdom to discern the schemes of darkness by exposing them with the light of life that You have given to me.
My fear is reserved for You alone, O God – I do not fear the devil; I know that the devil fears me – for Christ in me is far greater than he who is in the world.
Holy Spirit, help me to daily draw ever so close to my Lord Jesus that I would be close enough to hear Him rebuke the devil.
Lord, I ask that You would place in my mind, the concerns that are upon Yours.
I place You above all else, Lord Jesus; You are my all, and my everything.
I believe with all my heart that I belong to You, O Lord; we belong to You because we are Your Church.
Guide us daily to victory over the evil one – that Your Name be lifted up and glorified.
In all our spiritual struggles and battles, we choose to serve You alone, and in so doing, choose to be victorious through Christ Jesus our Lord!
We give thanks to You, my God – for giving us the spiritual authority and supernatural ability to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Yes, Lord - We thank You, for giving us victory over every dominion of darkness – over the rulers, the authorities, victory over the powers of this dark world and over the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms - through Christ Jesus, Your Son.
We acknowledge Your Kingship and Lordship over all Creation.
We thank You for Your victory in our lives, and pray all these – on our knees - in the Name of our King, Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6:10-13)
Dearly Beloved,
Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
Last week, we spoke to the reality that to “put on the full armor of God” is to firstly and essentially identify yourself as a member of the Lord’s Kingdom to the world around us; in modern language - it is to put on the “uniform” that clearly identifies you as a Christian; a member of God’s Kingdom, a disciple of Jesus Christ, and an agent of the Holy Spirit.
And thus, the first steps to being victorious over darkness is by fully putting on, and living out, our identity in Christ Jesus, our Lord; in absolutely rejecting our sinful nature – in dying to self - and wholeheartedly receiving the Holy Spirit in our lives as we participate in His work of setting us apart and making us holy!
Our faith in Christ Jesus – who “is the head over every power and authority” (Colossians 2:10) - must result in the spiritual authority and supernatural ability - bestowed upon us by GOD to take our stand against the devil’s schemes.
Of which, one of his chief schemes is to convince us that he is not real; that he doesn’t even exist.
Brethren, evil is real; but we need to understand also that behind the evil that is so evident in the world around us are demonic forces hell-bent – quite literally – on the destruction of our faith in Christ and our lives in His Kingdom, along with every human being who has rejected the Salvation and Love of God through Jesus.
Church, whether or not we recognise this reality - we are at war with the devil, and we are under constant and relentless spiritual attack.
You don’t think so?
Are you under spiritual attack?
Listen carefully – as we do a brief troubleshoot regarding your spiritual condition.
If you are struggling to maintain an ongoing and insatiable relationship with God, you are under spiritual attack.
If you are feeling apathetic towards the Lord, or if you are ‘fine’ living separate from God, or even ‘alright’ with being ignorant to His Word and Will in your life, you are under spiritual attack.
If you feel that being an ‘undercover’ Christian is acceptable given the current hostilities against biblical notions of life, gender, marriage and family – you are under spiritual attack.
If you are constantly doubting and disappointed in God; or if you are struggling to daily enter into His Holy Presence, to pray to Him, to worship Him and to read the Bible, you are under spiritual attack
If you are constantly filled with anxiety, or pride, or lust or are struggling with any form of addiction or destructive behaviour, you are under spiritual attack.
If you think that the devil cannot attack you, or worse, that you are impervious to spiritual attacks, you are under spiritual attack.
The Existence of Ancient Evil Forces
Evil is real; and there are ancient spiritual forces of darkness in the world that affects our circumstances; and concurrently works to amplify the darkness within the human heart. Conversely, there are ancient spiritual forces that is loyal only to God - who ministers and protects, believers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
One of the best indications of your relationship with God is - in fact - how frequent and intense you experience spiritual attacks.
You can be sure that the devil doesn’t leave you alone if he considers you a credible threat to his mission of populating hell.
As Christians, we must be perfectly clear that we are waging spiritual war right here in the present age – appointed, and sent by, Christ Jesus – our King and Savior – who is saying to us, “get up and stand” on our feet (Acts 26:16) - “to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’” (Acts 26:18)
Brothers and sisters in Christ, we are tasked to participate in the Holy Spirit’s campaign of opening the eyes of the world and turning them from darkness to light; from death to life in Christ.
In this, we need to fully recognise that there are spiritual forces of darkness in the world actively attacking and robbing every human being of salvation and eternal life in Christ.
We need to recognise that these spiritual forces of darkness will be relentless in attacking us with the sole military objective of making us ‘Christian’ only in name, with a faith that is as fake as it is dead.
Who, or what, is the devil? What are the spiritual forces of darkness?
To watch out for the attacks of the forces of darkness, and not fall for the schemes of the devil – we need to know the enemy.
The Apostle Paul is categorical about our adversaries in this spiritual war that we find ourselves right in the center of:
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Paul is saying to us that demonic forces are highly structured, and entrenched in every aspect of human life. No facet or level of human society is spared from this spiritual war and from demonic suppression, influence and afflictions.
However, he continues by telling us:
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)
We are to rally behind Christ our King; alongside fellow believers and angels who worship and obey God.
Understand this; and understand this well.
We cannot, and must not attempt, to fight these spiritual battles alone.
For if we do, we will lose.
This is a guarantee as certain as there are angels and demons.
Every day that we live, is a day of evil that requires us to “put on the full armour of God” – to stand with the Lord Jesus Christ – in standing our ground and doing everything we must to remain standing by, and beside, our Lord Jesus.
We are far from alone in this spiritual war; if we must be found in Christ.
So the most important thing we need to know before we get to know our enemy is that the devil has been thoroughly defeated; certainly not by us, but by Christ – who has “disarmed the powers and authorities, (where) he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Colossians 9:15)
Our Lord Jesus Christ is supreme and victorious over every expression, ounce and personification of evil.
The Apostle Paul reminds us to be ever so grateful to our God who has given “us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
Our victory in every battle of this spiritual war is assured – so long as we remain in Christ.
Only in Christ; by the Power of the Holy Spirit – can we ever stand strong in the face of spiritual attacks and oppressions.
We must awake to each day prepared for the spiritual battles that lay ahead - through daily renewal of our commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ in prayer and being daily filled with the Power of the Holy Spirit.
The Apostle Peter warns us, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Let us get to know the enemy.
1. Demons are fallen angels, creatures of God who will be judged.
Unlike creating humans in His image as beings with body, soul and spirit, God created the multitude of angels as spirits (Psalm 148:2-5) – a third of whom rebelled against God and are led by Satan, also known as the devil or the ‘evil one’. (Ref: Revelations 12:3-4, 12:9).
Needless to say, angels – and demons - cannot rival God - who alone is, the eternal Creator of the Universe - omnipresent (all present); omnipotent (all-powerful); and omniscient (all-knowing).
To this point, demons will be bound in hell for judgment by the Holy People of God.
The Apostle Peter reveals to us in 2 Peter 2:4 that “God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment”; to which Jude resonates, “the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day” (Jude 6).
Pay attention. Every single agent of evil would be held accountable by God.
They would not be judged and thrown in hell.
Hell is only their holding cell for something far worse after judgment.
The point here is: God alone is Supreme.
2. Demons live to lead the world away from God.
Angels who did not rebel against God serve Him through acts of praising, glorifying and worshipping Him; demons exist to lead the world astray from praising, glorifying and worshipping God.
Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts… …
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created” (Psalm 148:2, 5)
“All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures.
They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying:
“Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” (Revelation 7:11-12)
“Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.
8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven.
9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” (Revelation 12:7-9)
It is with interest that we note that God didn’t have to personally throw the devil and his angels out; Michael and his angels were more than enough to secure victory.
And even at the end, it was an angel who fulfilled the Will of God and overcame the devil - binding him for a thousand years.
“And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain.
He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time. (Revelation 20:1-3)
3. Demons employ extensive and elaborate schemes to deceive the world, and constantly seek to harm believers.
Angels serve God through acts of service
a) As divine messengers declaring prophetic revelations as observed in their appearance before the shepherds announcing the birth of Christ;
b) Protecting God’s people:
² “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7)
² “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” (Psalm 91:11-12);
c) Ministering to us as “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14); and are
d) Actively waging war against the demonic forces (Ref: Daniel 10:12-13, 10:20, Revelation 12:7-9).
From here, in contrast to angels who are God-fearing and God-serving, it is clear that demons serve their master – the devil – by desecrating the Truth about God through ‘half-truths’ and all-out lies; deceiving nations, leading the world astray from the Love and Salvific Grace of Christ Jesus.
The Apostle Paul further warns that “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is not strange if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).
And just as angels protect and minister to the people of God, demons harm and demoralize us – casting doubts in our hearts in attempts to rob and destroy our faith in Christ and our eternal destiny in His Kingdom.
The devil’s mandate
The devil and his minions are completely vested into their demonic mandate of filling the lake of eternal fire with human souls through relentless deception, oppression, affliction, total possession and subjugation.
From the very beginning, that has been the scheme of the devil – identified in Revelation 20 as “the ancient serpent” – who deceived Adam and the woman of their eternal destiny in God’s perfect Creation; resulting in the fall of Man.
Our Lord Jesus Christ clearly reveals the devil’s purpose in John 10:10:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
Many of us do not consider Christ’s words seriously enough to realise that we are the mark of this assassination attempt.
The devil is spending all his time – from his thousands upon thousands of years of experience on battlefield ‘earth’ deceiving and entrapping billions upon billions of human beings – plotting to steal your destiny in God’s Kingdom, killing your faith in Christ and destroying your life.
You must take this personally.
The devil is personally plotting to destroy your very person; and to desecrate your soul so that you would not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Would you stand for it? Would you just go down without a fight?
If you ever knew of a plot to steal from you, to murder and literally, destroy you, would you go about your day as you do right now?
Many so-called ‘Christians’ are badly losing the spiritual battles by getting sucked into the anxieties and enterprises of this life.
Would you continue to live the way you do right now – in the knowledge that someone is relentless trying to destroy you?
Would you not begin to immediately get serious about your relationship with Jesus who warned us of those who falsely claimed to follow Him with these words in Matthew 25:41, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”
Would you choose to share the same fate as the devil?
You choose precisely the same fate as the devil when you have previously experienced the Grace of God through a relationship with Christ, and then choose not to get serious with the Lord Jesus.
That’s exactly what the devil is doing to Christians today – embattling our minds, overwhelming our souls into the false illusion of contentment with our lives in this world; making us think that we are fine as ‘Christians’ when in fact, we are far from being Christian.
How do we know if we are far from being Christian?
We are far from being Christian:
- when we are far from being committed to utterly denying ourselves, taking up our crosses, and following our Lord Jesus Christ;
- when we are far from being committed to utterly loving our Lord Jesus that our live would be all about fulfilling His Commands and His Great Commission for us; and
- when we are far from being committed to utterly being filled constantly with the Power of the Holy Spirit.
In more Christians than we would ever dare to think, the devil has the upper hand.
In our own lives, the devil may well have the upper hand.
Does he have the upper hand in your life?
Instead of depending solely on Christ, are you tempted to consume the fruit from the tree of knowledge? Are you tempted to live in your own strength? Are you tempted to understand the world through your own wisdom? Are you tempted to build your own kingdom- your empire - here on earth? Are you tempted to live apart from Christ – the Bread of life? Have you already consumed the forbidden fruit?
Know that you have already consumed the forbidden fruit if Christ alone is not your bread of life.
If you have not decided to live your life utterly in the Lord and for the Lord, what you have done is disobeyed God and consumed the forbidden fruit.
What you need to do is to stop relying on yourself, stop living for yourself, stop trying to build your own kingdom; and start depending solely on the Lord Jesus Christ and living for Him alone – by recommitting your life to Him right now!
In John 8:42-46, our Lord Jesus Christ reveals the existential reality of spiritual war and the true nature of the devil; and further reveals our fragility and vulnerability in that there are those who are, indeed, children of the devil - those who simply do not believe Him.
42 Jesus said to them (the Jews), “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me.
43 Why is my language not clear to you?
Because you are unable to hear what I say.
44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires.
He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.
When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!
46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?
If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me?” (John 8:42-46)
Do you believe in Jesus? Do you believe that He is the one and only Saviour? Do you believe that He is the true and living God?
From the words of Christ, we learn two key theological principles:
1. In this war, the conscious choice must be made by every human being – we either choose to belong to God, or the devil. If we are not even conscious of this choice to choose God or the devil, it is clear that the unconscious choice has been made to choose to belong to the devil.
2. Our love for Christ, attention to His words, and reception of His Truth reveal our allegiance to God, any lack thereof reveals our actual allegiance to the devil.
Choose Christ; choose victory over the enemy.
Church, listen up.
You can experience victory over the devil right now.
Only you can decide and change the outcome of your spiritual battles with the devil.
It is clear that you lose to the devil if you do not choose God.
What is frightfully unclear to most: is that you lose to the devil when you do not even choose. Ambivalence is a spiritual affliction demons employ with great frequency and effectiveness.
Defiance against God, and ambivalence towards Him - are both different names for the same highway to hell.
The devil ruthlessly schemes to corner us into isolation – through anxiety, addictions, bitterness, depression, untrammelled grief and irrational fear – forcing us to struggle, and fall alone.
Recognize the circumstances of such spiritual attacks; be alert and sober to the audacious adversary – who prowls and roars at the same time – and who would devour you whole.
You lose when you stand alone in your human wisdom, which constitutes your human brokenness and sin; but you win when you stand with Christ – when you are made “alive with Christ” through the forgiveness of our sins established, in our Lord’s finished work on the Cross. (Ref: Colossians 2:13-15)
In Christ, the powers and authorities of darkness have been disarmed.
Apart from Christ, a fate far worse than death awaits; a cursed fate enjoined with the evil one; doomed for “the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” (Matthew 25:41)
Is that what you would knowingly choose for yourself?
Bear this in your heart.
To not choose is to choose not to.
To not choose Christ is to choose not to believe in Christ.
You need to make a conscious choice to recommit and reconnect personally and deeply with the Lord Jesus Christ.
You win the spiritual battle with the devil when you consciously choose with every waking hour to belong to God and love our Lord Jesus Christ so utterly that you would hold dearly to His Way, Truth and Life; believing solely in Him and empowered solely by the Holy Spirit.
You win the spiritual battle against the devil when you courageously reveal your identity in Christ with every waking hour – proudly wearing the armor of God – ceasing immediately to hide your Christian identity from the world.
You win the spiritual battle against the devil when you submit to God (ref: James 4:7) with every waking hour – and with every waking hour, immerse yourself in praising God, in worshiping God and in prayer to the Father and in the reading of His Holy Word found in the Bible; discerning the schemes of darkness by exposing them with the light of Christ.
You win the spiritual battle against the devil when you fear God alone; for to fear God alone - is to not fear anything, or anyone, else.
You win the spiritual battle against the devil when you get close enough to Christ Jesus our Lord to hear Him tell the devil “Get behind me, Satan! You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Mark 8:33)
Brothers and sisters in Christ, I charge you:
Start winning your spiritual battles against the devil; commit this day to deepen your relationship with King Jesus, remain constantly in Him, have in your mind the concerns of God ; and know for a fact, that:
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
Indeed, let us wake up everyday believing and living in this truth:
In Christ, we have the victory!
Shalom.
Let us pray.
Our Father in Heaven,
Hallowed be Your Name.
Your Kingdom come, Your Will be done; on earth, as it is in heaven.
Thank You for delivering me from the evil one.
Thank You for Your assurance in Isaiah 54:17 that: “No weapon forged against (me) will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses (me).
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for giving us the victory over the devil.
Help me daily to overcome my spiritual struggles and commit to remaining close to You in the reality of this spiritual war being waged in the world since the dawn of Creation.
Lord Jesus, I utterly commit my life to You – in consciously choosing to belong solely and wholly to You.
I love You, Lord Jesus, and I choose to deny myself, take up my cross and follow You – in Your Way, Your Truth and Your Life.
Lord Jesus, in my daily spiritual battle against the devil; empower me with the Power of the Holy Spirit that I may courageously reveal my Christian identity – proudly wearing the armor of God – ceasing immediately of any shame I have of the gospel.
Forgive me, Lord Jesus, for the numerous times that I have hidden my true identity as a Christian; I repent of my grievous sin and thank You for your forgiveness.
Lord Almighty, help me to daily submit to Your Will and Love in my life; that with every waking hour, I would choose to immerse myself in praising You, glorifying You, worshipping You, praying to You and reading the Bible. Grant me the wisdom to discern the schemes of darkness by exposing them with the light of life that You have given to me.
My fear is reserved for You alone, O God – I do not fear the devil; I know that the devil fears me – for Christ in me is far greater than he who is in the world.
Holy Spirit, help me to daily draw ever so close to my Lord Jesus that I would be close enough to hear Him rebuke the devil.
Lord, I ask that You would place in my mind, the concerns that are upon Yours.
I place You above all else, Lord Jesus; You are my all, and my everything.
I believe with all my heart that I belong to You, O Lord; we belong to You because we are Your Church.
Guide us daily to victory over the evil one – that Your Name be lifted up and glorified.
In all our spiritual struggles and battles, we choose to serve You alone, and in so doing, choose to be victorious through Christ Jesus our Lord!
We give thanks to You, my God – for giving us the spiritual authority and supernatural ability to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Yes, Lord - We thank You, for giving us victory over every dominion of darkness – over the rulers, the authorities, victory over the powers of this dark world and over the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms - through Christ Jesus, Your Son.
We acknowledge Your Kingship and Lordship over all Creation.
We thank You for Your victory in our lives, and pray all these – on our knees - in the Name of our King, Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.