Ever since Satan’s rebellion against God, the struggle against evil has been a tragic reality for the believer. Even though Jesus on the cross has triumphed over the Devil and his demons, the Devil continues to wreak havoc on Christians in the most effective way possible, either through violent persecution, the lure of sin, false doctrines, or by putting God’s people into an apathetic existence where they eventually cease to believe in God’s wonders and possibilities. However, the believer can faithfully trust that God has already won and that the kingdom of God will soon be fully visible to all. The spiritual battle is firstly to stand firm in one’s faith and not be deceived into sinning, believing in false doctrines or becoming apathetic, and secondly to go out and spread the gospel in word and deed.
Bible Verses
“10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,” (Eph 6:10–18)
“13Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (1 Co 16:13)
“8Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” (1 Jn 3:8)
“31Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.” (Jn 12:31)
“15He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” (Col 2:15)
“10Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Re 2:10)
“12Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” (2 Ti 3:12)
“8Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Pe 5:8)
“12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.” (Ro 6:12–13)
“5For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.” (1 Th 3:5)
“4For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.” (2 Co 11:4)
“27But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house.” (Mk 3:27)
Study Questions
- In what ways does the Devil try to mess things up for us Christians?
- How you should we fight the Devil?
- How can you help someone who is perishing in the fight against the Devil?
- Do you have any experience of spiritual warfare?
- Is there a risk of overemphasizing or underemphasizing the spiritual struggle?
Additional Bible Verses
2 Pet 2:4, Isa 14:12-15, Rev 12:7-9, 2 Cor 10:3-4, Job 2:7, Rev 12:13, Col 1:13, 2 Cor 4:4