A Spiritual Battle

Satan is at work before we are even born.

Since the beginning of time there has been an intense battle being waged by Satan (against God) for our spirits/hearts and minds.  Most people don’t realize that before we are even born, Satan is at work trying to keep us from God.  Who is behind all of the abortions?  Satan.  From the moment we are conceived and in our mother’s womb as tiny human beings, Satan is hoping to steal, kill and destroy us.  Those who escape abortion are born into a world that is enticing to our five senses.  What the world has to offer can get us into trouble and lead us away from God.

God has temporarily allowed Satan to be in control of this world.  With our busy lives, TV, the Internet and social media, Satan keeps us distracted from knowing God.  To make matters worse, the world’s system promotes good deeds to get ahead and achieve our goals.  This makes sense in the natural world as we go through life.  But God’s word tells us good deeds for salvation are as “filthy rags”.  Isaiah 64:6 (NLT) We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.

In the following verse, Jesus points out the difference between Himself and Satan (the thief).  John 10:10 (ESV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Strategies to Guard Against Satan and Win the Spiritual Battle

Submit yourselves to God.

James 4:7 (NIV) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Put on the full armor of God. 

Ephesians 6:11-20 (NKJV) Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Know who you are in the spirit.

As a believer in Christ, you have been given a new spirit that is righteous and holy.  You have been given a new nature that desires God.  You have been placed in Christ.  When God looks at you, He sees Christ’s attributes.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Ephesians 4:24 (NLT) Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

Use the authority of Jesus’ name.

There is power in the name of Jesus.  He is our High Priest and Mediator between man and God.
Luke 10:17 (NLT) When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!”
John 14:13-14 (NIV) And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Use God’s power within you.

As a believer, you have Christ’s resurrection power within you because He lives in the believer’s spirit.
Ephesians 1:19-20 (NLV) I pray that you will know how great His power is for those who have put their trust in Him. It is the same power that raised Christ from the dead. This same power put Christ at God’s right side in heaven.

Command Jesus to do what He has already obtained.

Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection accomplished everything and obtained everything you could ever need or want that is good for you.  Jesus obtained salvation, healing, peace, joy, and prosperity – all of which reside in your born again spirit.  Instead of striving and arguing with the Lord, you have been given the authority to ask Him questions.  You also have the authority to command Jesus to do what His word says He has already accomplished for you.
Isaiah 45:11 (NKJV) Thus says the Lord, The Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: “Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons; And concerning the work of My hands, you command Me.

For more understanding, visit Our Authority Releases God’s Power.

Satan cannot harm our born again spirit or take away our salvation.

As far as our salvation is concerned, God isn’t looking for good deeds.  Instead, He’s looking for our faith in Him, specifically His Son Jesus – whose death, burial and resurrection paid our sin debt in full.  Once we realize we are all sinners in need of a savior, we can repent of our sins and claim Jesus as our personal Savior.  When that happens, our old dead spirit is removed and replaced with a new born again spirit which cannot be harmed by Satan.  We are then rescued from Satan’s domain and placed in Jesus’ Kingdom. 
Colossians 1:13 (NLT) For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,

It is our soul (mind, will, emotions, conscience) that we must renew and guard with God’s word. 

Romans 12:2 (NKJV) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

For more understanding, visit Do we need to be aware of the spiritual battle that is taking place around us?

Other helpful articles:
The Devil’s Playground
Do Not Be Deceived!