Are We in a Spiritual Battle?

Are we in a spiritual battle?

We are involved in a spiritual battle. The forces of darkness are real and they have devised a plan for our defeat. Please read Ephesians 6:10-12, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14, James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:8-9, and 1 John 3:8. These scriptures tell of the reality of the struggle against Satan and his demonic forces.

The beginning step toward freedom is a season of fasting and prayer. Jesus said that fasting and prayer are powerful in the warfare against the enemy (Matt. 17:21). The next step is repentance. Repentance means to "turn around and go the other direction." That means to intend never to fall into the sins that resulted in bondage! We are to confess to the Lord that we are sorry and that we intend never to engage in those sins again! The next is renounce the sins and evil that have a hold over us. When we sin we make a place for demonic forces to gain a foothold in our soul (Ephesians 4:27). This does not mean demon possession, but it does mean we can allow ourselves to be influenced by demonic beings that want to destroy us. After we have repented and renounced the sins that caused the bondage, we have the authority in the name of Jesus to break the hold of hell on our lives. He gave His Church that authority over the enemy and it is up to us to use it. We only need to have faith in Him, not in ourselves, or in our faith.

Then we must renew ourselves. Live a life of purity. Any known sin that we have been committing must be laid aside. Jesus will give us the strength to walk in this freedom, if we ask Him. If the darkness tries to come back to tempt and harass for a time, repeat the words spoken before. We have been cleansed and set free by the blood of Jesus. (See Colossians 2:13-15) Christ has triumphed over the enemy by His Cross. This renewal also involves regular and significant time reading the Bible.

It is also very important to continue in fellowship in a church. It is important to have the loving support of brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as the wise counsel, teaching and accountability to a pastor and other spiritual leaders. As we continue to walk with the Lord and in fellowship with His body, we will continue to gain freedom in areas in which we didn't even realize we were bound.

Resources:
1) Tape #1384 "Overcoming Through Spiritual Warfare"
2) Tape #1945 "The Fact of the Struggle"
3) Tape #1948 "Casting Down Imaginations"
4) Tape #1951 "Resist the Devil"

	Living Way Ministries 14820 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91405-2233 In Canada: Box 75300 White Rock, B.C. V4B 5L4 (800) 776-8180 * FAX: (818) 779-8411 Privacy Statement Last updated on: 01/18/2002