Si Satchanalai Do you believe in God and Jesus? Heaven and angels? The Garden of Eden and sin?

If so, how can you not believe what the Word of God says about Satan and his demons? Listen, spiritual battle is real!

In the last two days I’ve heard of two men in my church who have experienced intense spiritual attack and they asked me how to deal with it.

I’m no “expert” on this. But I read the Bible and the Bible says that Satan and his demons are real, are on the prowl, and – this is crucial – that we are more than conquerors.

What do we do with spiritual battle?

BE ALERT

First of all be alert! 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Are you spiritually lazy and apathetic? Don’t be surprised when the enemy takes you off-guard. Be alert! Connect to the Lord every day. Pray, study, meditate on scripture. Memorize verses that deal with specific weaknesses you become aware of in your life.

DEAL WITH SIN

Secondly, deal with sin. James 1:14-15 says, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” So much of what we think is spiritual attack is really just the consequences of our sinful behaviors and attitudes. We’re called to live holy lives. We’re called to confess and repent of our sin. You cannot harbor sin and fight the spiritual battle at the same time. It’s like wearing the uniform of both armies simultaneously. Put the flesh to death. Make war on your flesh and do not give Satan a foothold.

DON YOUR GEAR

Next, don your gear! I don’t know how many times as a military leader I had to correct soldiers because they took their protective gear off. It’s more comfortable to ignore the dangers around you. That is, until you get sniped. Ephesians 6 tells us to don our gear because the battle is real.

Ephesians 6:11-18 says, “11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For 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. 13 Therefore 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. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying 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,”

Put on your gear, stand up, and pray.

BE IN COMMUNITY

Finally, recognize that it’s the stray gazelle that always gets taken down by the lion. Get yourself into community. I don’t mean go to church. I mean go be with the church. Gather with the body of believers who have all been dispersed throughout the week and are fighting the spiritual battle and have come together to worship and recharge and be sent back out. Connect with people and be vulnerable, get into a small group, be real with people rather than pretending you’re “all good.”

Spiritual battle is real. It is all around you. And it’s just a matter of time before you’re the target. But you don’t have to be a victim! Get in the fight!

To God be the Glory!