TEXT-SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Why does God allow Satan and the demons to attack us?
If God is all-powerful, why does He allow Satan and his demons to attack us? We are not given all the answers to this question, but Scripture does make certain things clear. First, it is not God's desire for Satan to attack people. Satan attacked Eve in the Garden of Eden in the form of a serpent. Adam and Eve sinned, and all people have become sinful in nature and are likewise open to the temptations of Satan (1 Peter 5:8).When God does allow Satan or his demons to attack a person, there are reasons for it. Job did not see why God allowed Satan to attack him (Job 1:12), yet God used the situation to thwart Satan's boasts and to bring glory to the Lord.
Sometimes, God allows demonic temptation as a test. Even Jesus was tested through temptation by Satan in the desert (Matthew 4:1-10). Jesus, unlike Adam, passed the test. He said "no" to sin and won the victory.
Another reason God might allow Satan or his demons to attack is to build our maturity. Ephesians 6:10-18 speaks of putting on the armor of God to stand against Satan. This requires dependence on God through prayer and the use of the Word of God.
Other times, the Lord allows testing so we can be a comfort to others later. "Blessed be the . . . God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort, too" (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).
Even when we have no clear answers to explain why God allows Satan or his demons to attack, we still have the promise of Romans 8:28: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." No matter how severe the attack, we know that "God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).
God's intention is always for our good. At times, He allows Satan or his demons to come against us, perhaps to strengthen our faith, to test us, or to prepare us to help others in their time of need. Regardless of the reason, we can stand firm in God's promises, including the promise of 1 John 4:4, "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."
We are never abandoned. When Satan or his demons attack, God's help is near. "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7).
Spiritual warfare - What does the Bible say?
There are two primary issues to address regarding spiritual warfare and the Bible. First, does spiritual warfare exist? Second, what does the Bible say about engaging in spiritual warfare?The Bible is very clear on the existence of spiritual warfare. Peter warns "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Our adversary or enemy, the devil, refers to Satan, who is a real entity, not a mythical creature or invention. Other titles of Satan include the tempter (1 Thessalonians 3:5), the wicked one (Matthew 13:19, 38), and the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10).
Three of Satan's titles indicate his authority in this world: the ruler of this world (John 12:31), the god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:4), and the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2). Satan also transforms himself into "an angel of light," a description that highlights his capacity and inclination to deceive (2 Corinthians 11:14).
Spiritual warfare, the idea that humans battle in some way with supernatural powers, is also the testimony of the apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:10-18. Here, Paul notes that believers battle against the devil's schemes and that this is a spiritual battle, not a physical one. We are to be fully aware of Satan's evil plans (2 Corinthians 2:11). Paul further describes the warfare in which we are engaged as we battle throughout our lives "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). Clearly, such powers exist.
The second question—what does the Bible say about engaging in spiritual warfare?— is somewhat more controversial. The problem typically arises when we either over emphasize spiritual warfare by seeing every occurrence in life as part of it or under emphasize it by ignoring the spiritual realm altogether.
Several biblical texts inform our understanding of this issue. First, Christians must remember we are already conquerors (Romans 8:37) and that Satan has already been defeated (Colossians 2:15; 2 Peter 3:22). Second, the power of Christ within the believer is greater than the power of Satan (1 John 4:4). We have no reason to live in fear of Satan or evil spirits as believers. Satan can harm, but he cannot defeat the believer in Christ.
Third, we must not forget that Satan can be allowed to attack believers (2 Corinthians 12:7-9; James 1:2-4) in order to fulfill God's perfect plan for His people. This was the case of Paul's thorn in the flesh and was also seen in the example of Job's life (Job 1–3). Satan's power over us is limited, however, to only that which God ordains for His purposes—to bring His children to maturity and bring glory to Himself.
Fourth, Satan's primary strategy is to blind us to God's plan for our lives (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). Rather than a supernatural battle between angels and demons that is often portrayed in modern culture, the general tactic used by Satan is to turn our eyes away from God's truth and toward self. However, we cannot blame every temptation on Satan, since the Bible also teaches that we are tempted and enticed by our own evil desires (James 1:13-15).
Fifth, the method to defeat Satan is to resist him and stay near to God. James 4:7-8 instructs, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." A close walk with God is the best protection against Satan's activities.
Sixth, Paul exhorts us to arm ourselves for the spiritual battle which is part of the Christian life by putting on the "whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11). This armor includes truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer. These weapons will enable us to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might" (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Ultimately, spiritual warfare is not about a technique to defeat Satan or demons, but a heart that walks closely with God. When God is first and foremost in our lives, Satan lacks power over us, despite his attempts to weaken our efforts to pursue Christ.
As a final warning, it is important that we do not take our God-given power over Satan as an opportunity to display arrogance. In Acts 19:13-16, we find the account of Jewish leaders who attempted to use God's power to overcome evil for their own benefit and received a harsh punishment for doing so. This stern warning should reveal our need to depend on a humble and personal walk with Christ to overcome evil rather than an external display to feed human pride.
In summary, spiritual warfare is a very real part of the Christian life, but should not be an opportunity for either fear or pride. Instead, the reality of Satan and his evil forces should cause us to draw near to God all the more, realizing His power can conquer any foe we may encounter.
TOOLS
What is the full armor of God?
The armor of God is described in Ephesians 6:10-18. In this passage we are told that our primary battles are of a spiritual nature and that we need spiritual armor to be able to stand firm in the midst of these battles. The armor includes the following pieces:Belt of truth: The belt of truth is the first item in our arsenal. A belt holds the other pieces of clothing and armor together. It secures the outfit and allows a soldier to move freely. Truth both secures us and gives us freedom (John 8:32). One of Satan's greatest offensive tactics is to deceive us; he is the "father of lies" (John 8:44). With the belt of truth around our waists, we are prepared to defend against this. This truth also applies to the way we live our lives. When we live with honesty and integrity, the other pieces of our armor – what could be considered our spiritual selves – stay intact. A life of integrity is not easily torn asunder.
Breastplate of righteousness: The breastplate of righteousness covers our hearts and other vital organs. In a sense, the breastplate covers the most vulnerable areas of a warrior. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." The righteousness that guards a believer's heart is the righteousness of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Footwear of the readiness of the gospel: Our feet are to be "fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15 NIV). Because we know the good news of Christ and by that knowledge experience peace in Him (John 14:27), our feet are willing to move. In obedience to Christ, we will flee temptations (1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22) and walk into whatever He has called us to (Psalm 86:11; Isaiah 30:21; John 15:10).
Shield of faith: The shield of faith is used to "extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one" (Ephesians 6:16). When Satan attacks us, our faith in Christ lessens the blow. We are able to withstand the attack because we know whom we have believed (2 Timothy 1:12).
Helmet of salvation: A helmet protects the brain, basically our minds. It is because of salvation that our minds can be sound. We are assured of our eternities, and made righteous recipients of peace, practitioners of faith, and knowers of truth. Our minds are protected because of Jesus' work on the cross; we have been given the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:12-16). A helmet can also serve as a signifier. When the enemy looks at us, he sees that we belong to Christ. We carry with us the seal of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14).
Sword of the Spirit: The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. This includes God's written Word (the Bible), God's incarnate Word (Jesus as Logos), and God's spoken Word (the Holy Spirit within us). The sword is the one offensive weapon in the list. We are told, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). Second Timothy 3:16 (NIV) speaks of Scripture as being "God-breathed." When God spoke creation came into existence. He breathed life into man. There is power in the Word of God; this is why it is our best offense.
Prayer: Prayer is an often forgotten part of the armor of God, but is essential to using the armor of God well. Prayer is the way we draw strength from God and rely on Him. In essence, it is what "activates" the armor. Apart from God, and reliance on Him through prayer, our efforts in spiritual battle are ultimately futile. First Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to "pray without ceasing."
The full armor of God is a way to describe some of the blessings of God in the life of a Christian and the tools with which He has equipped us to stand firm against the evil one and have spiritual victory over the enemy.
Related Truth:
Spiritual warfare - What does the Bible say?
What is the sword of the Spirit?
Why does God allow Satan and the demons to attack us?
What is the role of the Holy Spirit? How is the Holy Spirit active in our lives today?
What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
What is the sword of the Spirit?
The sword of the Spirit is mentioned in Ephesians 6:17: "take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." This sword is the last piece of armor Paul describes in talking about the armor of God and is the only offensive weapon depicted. Scripture tells us that the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. But what exactly is the Word of God, and why is it an effective sword?The Word of God refers to God's written Word, the incarnate Word (Jesus as Logos; see John 1:1-14), and His spoken word. For us, this means that the best offense in spiritual warfare is the truth of the Bible, the reality of our salvation in Christ, and what the Holy Spirit reveals to us (John 14:16-17, 26).
We are told that the Bible is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). We also know that when God breathes, life comes into existence (Genesis 2:7). The Word of God is powerful. He created all things out of nothing by simply speaking. We are told in Isaiah 55:10-11 that God's Word does not return void. Hebrews 4:12 says "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." God's Word is truth and in it there is great power.
The sword can also be used as a defensive weapon to protect us from the lies of the enemy. Satan is the "father of lies" (John 8:44). When we know the truth, we are able to defend against his lies. Jesus demonstrated this use of Scripture during His desert temptation (Luke 4:1-13). Each time Satan tempted Jesus, He responded with the truth of Scripture.
The sword is also used defensively in the way it assures us of our salvation. Because of Jesus' work on the cross, we know the ultimate victory belongs to God. Jesus as the incarnate Word has conquered our enemy (Hebrews 2:14-15). And the Bible, the written Word, declares it to be so.
The Holy Spirit reveals God's truth to us. Jesus explained, "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you" (John 16:13-15). The Holy Spirit gives us power and reveals truth to us (2 Timothy 1:13-14). He dwells in us and is our defender in spiritual warfare.
In order to use a sword to its fullest effect, a soldier must be trained with it. We, too, should be trained in the Word of God. This is why memorizing Scripture and cultivating a sensitivity toward the Holy Spirit are important. If we do not know the way our sword works, it will do us little good in battle.
Spiritual warfare - What does the Bible say?
What is the full armor of God?
Is the Bible really the Word of God?
What is the meaning of God-breathed in reference to the Bible?
What is the role of the Holy Spirit? How is the Holy Spirit active in our lives today?
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