How to Fight Satan and Win
Mysteries Beyond
Today’s Verse and Thought
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”(Ephesians 6:10-11)
From yesterday - “…we need to have a general understanding of the opposing forces that are at work in the world today because the power of evil is trying to deceive and destroy you and your family. Will you allow it?”
The Fight With Evil
One of the most misunderstood parts of our faith is the reality of the spirit world. I’m not an expert in “exorcism,” but I’ve seen people who were possessed or oppressed by demonic forces.
I’ve also known people who have dabbled or immersed themselves in the realm of Satan through religious cults like the New Age, witchcraft, and paganism. I’ve seen the destruction it brought to their lives.
I’ve also had warnings from the Lord about demonic activity. I’ve discerned an evil presence in people and places. This is not an area to be ignored, trifled with, or sought out.
The good news is, we don’t have to be afraid as a Spirt-filled Christian. God’s power in our lives protects us from evil.
“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”(1 John 4:4)
The Bible provides various teachings and principles for confronting or dealing with evil, both in spiritual and practical terms. As we’ve been looking at this week, it’s important to recognize the power struggle going on in the spiritual world because it involves us, whether we choose to believe it or not.
And this is where our true fight is.
It’s not with people, but with the spiritual world. We really are in a war and the more you live your life for the Lord, the more likely you will encounter spiritual attacks. They may come at the hand of a human, but the root is spiritual, either internally or externally.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”(Ephesians 6:12)
Yesterday we looked at the various forms and names of Satan in scripture. Today we will consider how believers should respond to evil in their lives.
God’s Word, first and foremost, emphasizes reliance on God's power, truth, and righteousness as the foundation for confronting evil. In our own strength, we can’t rightly resist or fight evil. But through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to overcome it.
“For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”(Galatians 5:17)
Recognizing the Reality of Evil
The Bible is clear that evil exists in the world. It can manifest in various ways, such as through sin, temptation, oppression, possession, and other demonic influences. However, Scripture also teaches that God is sovereign over all evil and that evil will ultimately be defeated.
While the dark realm is powerful, we sometimes give it too much credit; it’s a whimpering, sniveling coward compared to the power of our Father and the blood of Jesus Christ.
“For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.”(1 Corinthians 4:20)
The Bible teaches that Satan is the "father of lies" (John 8:44.) He is behind the evil forces in the world. Satan, the Dragon, is depicted as an adversary who seeks to deceive, destroy, and lead people away from God (1 Peter 5:8, John 10:10). Demons, or evil spirits, can cause oppression, illness, or even full spiritual possession (Luke 8:2, Acts 16:16).
Because of sin, evil is real, present, and growing in the world. And each of us is a conduit for good or evil. The Bible teaches that all people have sinned and fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23).
The satanic kingdom is the root cause of all evil and suffering in our world.
The Authority of Jesus Over Evil
Jesus Christ has authority over all evil. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus has already won the ultimate victory, and we who are God’s children are called to live in that victory.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated authority over evil spirits when he healed people from possession and cast out the demons (Matthew 8:16-17, Luke 11:20). The ultimate victory over Satan happened through Jesus' death and resurrection, when He triumphed over the powers of darkness.
“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him” (Colossians 2:15).
Believers are taught that, through Christ, we have been given the authority from Jesus over evil. Jesus tells His disciples, "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." (Luke 10:19). Our authority comes through faith in Christ, prayer, and wearing the spiritual armor of God.
Spiritual Warfare
No soldier ever goes to battle without first knowing who the enemy is, and preparing for the day of confrontation. As soldiers and ambassadors of Christ, we too must take time to prepare and be ready for the ancient spiritual war that is raging against us.
“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”(Genesis 3:15).
Ephesians 6:10-18, is a foundational text for understanding how believers should confront and deal with the evil realm. We are given explicit instructions on how to get ready for the fight.
“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”(Ephesians 6:13-17)
The Armor of God
Belt of Truth: Truth is foundational in combating deception, the primary tool of evil is to deceive. How much are we being told lies today from sources we thought were trustworthy? Knowing the truth of Christ not only sets us free, it also prepares us for confronting the deception of the dark realm. If we don’t read the truth in God’s Word, we won’t have the ability to “stand firm.”
Breastplate of Righteousness: Living a righteous life protects the believer from accusations and attacks. This is life on the narrow road. We are not to run out into the wilds where Satan is seeking someone to devour. “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”(1 Peter 5:8).
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God,” (Matthew 5:9). By seeking peace, we destroy the chaos of Satan. The message of peace, rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ, destroys evil.
Shield of Faith: Faith in God is our ultimate defensive tool that quenches the fiery darts of the enemy (Satan's temptations and lies). When we know the truth, and we live by it, our faith grows sturdy like an impenetrable shield. When we treat our faith casually, we will be unprepared on the day of testing or attack.
Helmet of Salvation: The assurance of our Salvation protects our minds from doubt and despair. Those who are in Christ will never be abandoned by Him. He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God is the greatest offensive weapon against evil. This was the way that Jesus fought Satan during his wilderness temptation. He quoted the Word of the Lord. (Matthew 4:1-11). Remember, the Word of God is powerful! (Hebrews 4:12)
Prayer: Prayer our access to God. It’s an essential part of spiritual warfare. Jesus instructed us to keep watch and pray (Matthew 26:41). We are also to pray without ceasing. What this means is living in a constant state of communication with our Father in our hearts and minds.
Resisting the Devil: James 4:7-8 teaches that believers should "submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This passage emphasizes both submitting to God's will (staying on the narrow road of righteousness) and actively resisting the devil's temptation and attacks. For instance, if you’re angry, take a moment and resist an emotional outburst. Instead, ask God to help you. Or if you’re suddenly flooded with fear (irrational fear is not from God). Ask God to remove your fear. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.”(1 John 4:18)
Dealing with Temptation and Sin
The Bible teaches that evil is not only something external (like demonic, oppressive forces) but also something internal - sin and temptation that comes from the human heart.
Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), but He resisted by quoting Scripture and relying on God's Word. This example shows the importance of Scripture in combating temptation.
Steps for Dealing with Evil in our own lives
Flee from Sin: 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds believers that God will provide a way out of temptation. Believers are to flee from situations where they might be tempted to sin (1 Corinthians 6:18).
Confession and Repentance: 1 John 1:9 teaches that when believers confess their sins, God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse them. Repentance (turning away from sin) is key to living a life free from evil's grip.
Resisting Temptation: Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:13 ("lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil") shows that prayer is a key tool for resisting both external and internal evil forces.
Confronting Evil Through Love and Goodness
While the Bible emphasizes spiritual warfare and the importance of resisting evil, it also teaches that the way to overcome evil is through good. Believers are called to show God's love and His goodness in their actions, even toward those who do evil.
Love Your Enemies: In Matthew 5:44, Jesus teaches His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. This stops the never ending cycle of evil and revenge. It reflects the heart of God's kingdom instead.
Overcoming Evil with Good: Romans 12:21 teaches, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Christians are called to respond to evil not with violence or hatred, but with a heart toward peace. Be kind, compassionate, and forgive.
The Bible stresses the importance of forgiveness when dealing with evil. Jesus teaches that forgiveness is a constant act. Forgiveness breaks the cycle of evil, and gives opportunity for God's healing and reconciliation.(Matthew 18:21-22). If someone refuses to live in peace with you, you can live in peace apart from them. And if they actively pursue you, God will give you wisdom and protection. Sometimes peace means removal of those who insist on evil. “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”(Romans 12:18).
The Role of the Church in Confronting Evil
The Church is called to stand against evil. Jesus established the Church as the "body of Christ" to carry out His mission, including confronting evil in the world. The Church’s role includes:
Proclaim the Gospel - The gospel message is the means by which people are rescued from the power of evil and sin (Romans 1:16). Every soul who turns to the Lord is a win against evil.
Expose evil - “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”(Ephesians 5:11).
Discipleship and Spiritual Growth - Spiritual leaders are to nurture believers in spiritual maturity, helping you stand firm in your faith and resist evil. Acts 2:42-47 describes the early Church as devoted to teaching, prayer, and fellowship, which strengthens all of us as believers against the deception of Satan.
Church Discipline - When someone in the church engages in persistent sin, the Church ultimately has a role in confronting them and calling them to repentance. The ultimate goal is loving restoration, not condemnation. When we truly love someone, we won’t just stand silent when we see they are on the path to destruction. “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”(James 4:17). If we don’t speak up, our silence may be sin. This is a difficult thing as too often churches have used this incorrectly. Just know that love is supposed to be kind. If someone you love is standing on a freeway about to be run over, do you stay silent?
There’s Always Hope
While we are currently engaged in spiritual warfare, the Bible assures us that evil will ultimately be defeated. This is a final chapter in the book of Revelation, where Satan, his followers, and all evil forces will be destroyed in the final judgment. We will no longer have to deal with evil - hallelujah!
Jesus will soon return and establish His kingdom and in the end of it, there will be no more sin, pain, or suffering (Revelation 21:4). Satan - once and for all - will be completely and forever destroyed.
"And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”(Revelation 20:10)
To be continued…
Today’s Question
Verses to Explore
“Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father.”(John 14:12)
“For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”(Hebrews 4:12)
Today’s Prayer
Father I’m so grateful that we aren’t in this battle alone. Thank you for giving us faith and opening our eyes to the Truth. Thank you for giving us the weapons to fight evil. Help us to see who our real enemy is. Help us to stop fighting one another. Give us a heart of compassion and forgiveness.
So many of your children are sadly living in a defeated emotional state today. The Church has stripped us, in many instances, of the power we have to be victorious. If the Church won’t identify sin, how can we know what to fight against? If the Church calls sin good, how can we have victory? If the Church won’t teach about the reality of the spiritual realm, how can we be safe from it? Father help us to live courageously in these days of lies and deceit even from those who call themselves our priest and minister.
Your people need to wake up and watch. Give your shepherds a heart of love for those in their flocks. Love in Truth. Shield the remnant of your people throughout the world. Command your angels to guard our lives. Give us a discerning heart and mind. Help us to be alert to the schemes of your enemy. And flood us with your hope and peace. Thank you Father for making us part of your family and giving us a great future! May all glory and honor be yours. Amen❤️