Winning the Battle

In my last blog, I discussed 1 John 2:12-14, where the Apostle John speaks to believers at different stages of spiritual maturity—children, mature adults, and young ones. He reassures them of their forgiveness, deep understanding of Christ, and victory over evil. John highlights that living in love is a sign of walking in the light of faith, while a lack of love signifies living in darkness. He urges believers to reflect on their ongoing spiritual battle against evil, reminding them to live out their initial victory through Christ daily. The message emphasises that while becoming a Christian represents a shift from darkness to light, constant vigilance remains essential.

Today, I want to share how we can continue to be victorious and how the Lord has helped me hold on to Him through the years. In these times we are living in, the enemy is after our souls more than ever. Jesus said in John 10:10, "The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy..." (The Voice) because the devil knows that his days are numbered. His plan is to entice humans into self-harm and destruction.

The fact that the devil's days are numbered is a cause for rejoicing. His defeat is our victory. It is also a cause for concern for those who are on the fence, and it should prompt us to act - to make a decision about our future.

To achieve victory over Satan, also known as the evil one, a proactive and informed approach is required. Here are detailed steps, grounded in biblical teachings, that can guide believers in effectively resisting and overcoming spiritual attacks;

---

1. Understand Our Enemy: It's crucial to know who Satan is and what he is capable of doing. Ephesians 6:11 encourages believers to put on the whole armour of God to stand against the devil’s schemes. This implies understanding the strengths and strategies of our adversary.

2. Recognise His Methods: According to 2 Corinthians 2:11, believers should not be ignorant of Satan's devices. This means staying informed about the common tactics Satan uses, such as deceit, temptation, and discouragement, to destabilise and lead believers astray.

3. Test All Spirits: 1 John 4:1 advises believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God. This step involves discerning the true nature of spiritual influences in our lives, ensuring they align with God’s truth and are not deceitful from the enemy.

4. Be Actively Watchful: Vigilance is key in spiritual warfare. Matthew 26:41 instructs you to "watch and pray" so that you will not fall into temptation. Being watchful means being aware of your spiritual surroundings and the subtle encroachments of sin.

5. Resist the Enemy: James 4:7 promises victory: "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Actively opposing Satan's temptations and refusing to yield will cause him to retreat.

6. Identify Weak Areas: Everyone has vulnerabilities that Satan is eager to exploit. Recognising these personal weaknesses allows you to guard against attacks more effectively and to be particularly vigilant in these areas.

7. Rely on God’s Strength, Not Your Own: Zechariah 4:6 reminds us that success in spiritual battles comes "not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord Almighty. Acknowledging that victory over sin and Satan comes through divine power, not personal strength, is crucial.

8. Avoid Temptation: 1 Thessalonians 5:22 advises to "abstain from every form of evil." This might involve making practical choices to avoid situations, environments, or relationships that lead to sin. This separation can be both moral and physical, as necessary.

Implementing these steps requires a daily commitment and a conscious reliance on God’s provision and protection. By applying these biblical principles, believers can strengthen their spiritual defences and maintain victory over the evil one. It’s worked for me so far, and I pray it works for you.

God bless you. 🙏🏽 🙏🏽❤️ ❤️