What strategies can we use to combat "spiritual forces of evil" today? The Unseen Battle “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12) Strategy 1: Suit Up—Put On the Full Armor • Belt of Truth — anchor every thought to God’s Word. • Breastplate of Righteousness — walk in daily obedience; unconfessed sin leaves gaps. • Shoes of the Gospel of Peace — stay ready to share Christ; peace steadies your footing. • Shield of Faith — raise specific promises of God when doubts or temptations fly. • Helmet of Salvation — guard your mind with the certainty of Christ’s finished work. • Sword of the Spirit (the Word) — quote, pray, and apply Scripture as Jesus did (Matthew 4). • Prayer in the Spirit — the supply line that keeps every other piece effective. Strategy 2: Stand on Scripture, Not Feelings “For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh… We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) • Memorize key verses that answer your recurring battles. • Replace lies with truth; meditate until your mind reroutes automatically (Philippians 4:8). Strategy 3: Active Resistance “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) “Resist him, standing firm in your faith.” (1 Peter 5:9) • First step is surrender to God; resistance without submission has no power. • Speak truth aloud when attacked—darkness hates light. • Persist; fleeing may not be immediate, but it is promised. Strategy 4: Continual, All-Kinds-of Prayer “Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition.” (Ephesians 6:18) • Conversational prayers through the day keep you alert. • Intercede for others; a wider scope denies the enemy easy targets. • Include praise and thanksgiving—praise enthrones God and unsettles evil (Psalm 22:3). Strategy 5: Fellowship and Accountability “And though one may be overpowered, two can resist him.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12) • Honest relationships expose hidden schemes; secrecy is the enemy’s ally. • Corporate worship multiplies faith and courage. Strategy 6: Cultivate Holiness “Make no provision for the flesh.” (Romans 13:14) • Remove media, habits, or environments that invite darkness. • Replace them with practices that nourish the Spirit—service, Scripture, worship. Strategy 7: Practice Discernment “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1) • Weigh teachings, impressions, and emotions against clear biblical doctrine. • The Holy Spirit never contradicts the written Word. Strategy 8: Rest in Christ’s Victory “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Colossians 2:15) • Spiritual warfare is fought from victory, not for it. • Remind yourself that final authority already belongs to Christ; you stand in His triumph. |
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