Source Ministries International

“The world is experiencing the highest number of state-based armed conflicts since World War II, making it one of the deadliest periods globally since 1989, according to the Peace Research Institute.” But God’s Word tells us that THE REAL ENEMY is Satan. The Apostle Paul explained in Ephesians 6:11-12 that we are engaged in spiritual warfare. He specifically stated that our primary struggle is not with people, but rather with the spiritual forces of wickedness.

In 2 Corinthians 2:11, the Apostle Paul cautioned us not to be ignorant of Satan’s deceitful ways, “lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” Today, however, most people are ignorant of Satan’s devices. Thus, the verse in Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,” would be much more accurate. Ignorance of Satan’s devices has resulted in large-scale spiritual blindness among God’s people.

Satan’s devices are accomplished by his ministers, who are wicked spirits disguised as messengers of light to deceive God’s people. These Satanic forces are classified in the Holy Bible as “the powers of darkness.” The phrase “powers of darkness” refers to demons or other evil spirits. Both Paul and Christ referred to such wicked forces as demons. So, what hope do you have against such demonic forces?

THE APPLICATION:  If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are protected by a much greater power. “Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). This means that the indwelling Christ is far greater than the powers of darkness within the world. Therefore, in union with Christ you have the power to resist and rebuke the devil. As you submit to the control of the Holy Spirit, you can do just that. This is why the Apostle James instructed us to “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

Tragically, many Christians are unaware of this. Therefore, they are constantly engaging in futile attempts to overcome Satan. Christians have been known to try wearing crosses, clinging to the Holy Bible, chanting the name of Jesus, quoting Scriptures, fasting, and many other things to ward off evil spirits. Ironically, Satan has already been overcome. Christ defeated Satan on the cross! Your union with Christ makes you an overcomer. You have overcome the world! “For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).

Overcoming Satan is simply walking in the victory that is already yours in Christ. Therefore, as an overcomer, the weapons of your warfare should not be fleshly but spiritual, to effectively destroy the works of the devil. This means that you must recognize your human inadequacies, and yield yourself to the Lord Jesus Christ for the victory. Then acknowledge that you are now strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10). Finally, after having done all, just stand . . . stand in faith relying upon your victorious King Jesus. The victory is assured!

THE PRAYER:  “Oh Lord, I realize I have been ignorant of Satan’s devices. But Your Word is clear: our real enemy is Satan. Praise God that You defeated Satan upon the cross. And now, I am more than a conqueror through Christ. Therefore, I am now strong in the Lord. The victory that overcomes is my faith. As I submit myself to You, I trust You to cause the devil to flee from me. Thank You, Lord, for victory over the devil!”

For further information on this subject, read my article on Generational Curses.

Copyright©1998 Dr. Lewis Gregory