In spiritual warfare, how do I fight back? - Spiritual Warfare - TouchPoints

Matthew 4:7, 10Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God.’” . . . “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say . . .”

Psalm 119:11I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Ephesians 6:17Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Your best offensive weapon is the Word of God. It’s odd to think of the Bible as a weapon, but in it, God reveals his plan of attack and defense against anyone or anything that tries to bring you down. It’s your battle plan; if you don’t read it, you won’t know how to fight the battle that literally determines your destiny both here on earth and for eternity. Only by knowing who you are fighting, where the battle is, and how to defend yourself will you be able to win. It is vital to read God’s Word as regularly as possible. This weapon will send Satan running for cover and leave him defenseless.

Ephesians 6:10-18A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

1 John 4:4But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

When a dog threatens you, he will chase you if you run. But if you stand your ground, the dog will usually back down because it is actually afraid of you. The same principle applies in spiritual warfare. Stand your ground because you have the power of Jesus Christ with you. Satan and his demonic forces understand and fear the power of God, and if you are a believer, you have God’s spirit of power in you. See beyond the human antagonists to the spiritual enemy, which is often working through the unaware parties involved. Prepare yourself with the resources God provides, and count on God’s protection, not your own intellect or cleverness.

Daniel 10:12-14Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.”

This passage is a powerful image of the warfare and resistance in the unseen spiritual world. More importantly, it shows how your prayers somehow enable God’s power to triumph. Through prayer and knowing Scripture, tap into God’s powerful defense rather than being limited by your rational and finite thinking.