We all face Life struggles, from the day when we come out from our mother’s womb till last breath we face life challenges. You may ask a child , they will have their own struggles on school / friends etc.., when you ask a teen their struggle will be with many things (studies / Gadgets / carrier, marriage etc..), when you ask a Parents their struggle is to build a savings to sustain in old age (healthy life / House / Car / Bank balance / Job / Business etc..), when you ask people in their old age the struggle for them is to be Self dependent / Unknown future & fear of death / Health ailments & weakness / Worry about kids etc.,
When we walk with God we are separated from the world. There is a lot of struggles that we need to go thru spiritually as we walk in the world. Most of us (Child of God) get confused by looking at people in the world, they compare and contrast the people of the world to find solutions. This is mainly because most of the Christians don’t grow up to know how to Overcome this struggle as this will last till the last breath.
What is this Spiritual Struggles
Your struggle vs worldly struggle is different -
Christian life is a fight with the power of darkness (Satan) Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) - 'For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. '
Christian life will be with struggle (Jesus himself said that if Matthew 16:24 (NIV) 'Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. ') , if some one says that there will not be any struggle thats a wrong doctrine, but the struggles are meant not to weaken us, the struggles are to bring spiritual maturity to understand God / his plans for us / building the intimacy with him and us and this will be there till the end of the last breath, because Devil knows his time is short, so he will continue with the battle (' Revelation 12:12 (NIV)'Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” ')
Christian life is to overcome the fight as God’s promise, because of his love to each one of us, he will work to fight the battle for us and help thru the struggles make us more pure like him and prepare us for a eternal life. Colossians 1:13 (NIV) 'For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, '
Methods of battle - He (Satan) fights the battle with “deceiving people”, “cunning methods” as he did from early days of Adam / Eve - Genesis 3:1 - 'Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” '
The Battle is about the Spirit of Truth vs Spirit of Falsehood - 1 John 4:6 (NIV) - 'We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. ' - We will learn more on this in Part 2, for now know that it’s a Battle.
Know your enemy
Before we know how to fight the battle we should know the enemy (satan), Where did he come from ? Why is he fighting the battle ?
Who is Satan ?
Satan was an angel of God (guardian cherub) - he was filled with pride (Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor.) as a result he sinned against God and because of his sin he was kicked out from Heaven. Detailed view of how he was created to kicking out is written in book of Ezekiel (This passage speaks of the fall of the proud King of Tyre. Prophet Ezekiel links it to the fall of Satan)
Ezekiel 28:13-17 (NIV) - 'You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite and emerald, topaz, onyx and jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared. You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings. '
Satan is a spiritual being (a type of Angel - guardian cherub) who led a heavenly revolt against God and was subsequently cast down into the earth Luke 10:18 (NIV) 'He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. ', His personal name, “Satan,” means “adversary.” This name indicates Satan’s basic nature: he is the enemy of God, of all God does, and of all God loves 2 Thessalonians 2:4 'He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. ' thats the reason when we come to Salvation he wants us to take us away from God and he wants us to be the slave to world (satan)
He wants us to worship him as he is a imitator of God, As every thing in the world / heaven bows to God, Satan wants us to worship him. As a prince of the world, he wants us to be worldly and worship all the world desires.
What are the names for Satan ?
If you call - Satan / Devil / Slanderer / Beelzebul / Prince of world / Prince of Kingdom of air / God of this age / Lucifer/deceiver, all qualifies Satan, all the name is the same.
His ways of fighting is thru deception, he uses many alias names to hide himself from people to exhibit the “Spirit of falsehood”
What does he control ?
As he fought the battle in Heaven he was kicked out from Heaven and he was cast into the world and he is the ruler of this world - “Prince of the world”
As he is the prince of the world - all the world is under his control - 1 John 5:19 (NIV) 'We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. '
We go thru the struggle in the world as he controls the world - children of God and the whole world 1 John 5:19 (NIV) vs Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
1 John 5:19 (NIV) 'We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. '
Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) - 'For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. '
Characteristics of Enemy
The following characters of Satan, its not meant to glorify him, its to make us understand him better so that we are careful in our spiritual battle
Wisdom & Beauty Ezek 28:12,13 — This passage speaks of the fall of the proud King of Tyre. Prophet Ezekiel links it to the fall of Satan Ezekiel 28:12 (NIV) - '“Son of man, take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre and say to him: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “ ‘You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. '
Seal of Perfection - He is perfect in what he does, He uses this character to trick us in “Spirit of Falsehood”
Full of Wisdom - Because of his wisdom, he is most cunning, he is a master in craftiness which our human mind cannot understand his schemes 2 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV) 'in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. '
Perfect in Beauty - He is not beauty with relativeness, if we compare Miss World or Mr Universe !! they are relative comparison with people, But his beauty is “Perfect in Beauty” thats why he got pride and wanted to take God’s thrown and with this perfect beauty - we get “Deceived” and “Spirit of Falsehood”
Craftiness
His craftiness is unparalleled — 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NIV) - 'But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning..'
He is so clever that you cannot easily identify him he imitates God’s characters to make us believe he is God with God’s qualities (Light / righteousness) 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (NIV) - 'And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. '
Only at the end will we know of him of his craftiness plans. Satan fakes believers in Christ but he gets exposed by the light qualities of Christ
Strength Mark gives a account of how strong a person he is - Mark 5:2-4 (NIV) 'When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. '
No one was able to control him even after he was in Chains - “no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain”
With his Power - “but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him”
Today many take whey protein / banned drugs to be strong, nothing can compare against strength of Satan
Miracle-power 2 Thessalonians 2:9 (NIV) - 'The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, '
He does express all the displays of power thru Sorcery and magicians power.
A account of his miracle power and how God counters with Mosses / Aaron and Pharaoh is recorded in Exodus 7 and 8 - Exodus 7:8-13 (NIV) - 'The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ then say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a snake.” So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs. Yet Pharaoh’s heart became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said. '
Satan’s miracle power cannot stand against God “Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs” - This is why no Sorcery / Magical Powers have no standing in front of God’s children.
Remember Satan’s magical powers cannot work on all the places - If you read Exodus 8:18-19, it gives a account of how the magicians were not able to produce the gnats with their secret power. They proclaiming to Pharaoh “This is the finger of God.”
Undivided Kingdom
Satan has an army / rulers as well - Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) - 'For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities…”
Satan has an army, authority, rulers, the tremendous power Satan has in that he has a Kingdom intact, His Kingdom also well-organised.Jesus himself testified that Matthew 12:26 - 'If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? '
They are united in their “purpose” to Oppose God - 2 Thessalonians 2:4 'He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. '
His experience
Never under estimate Satan over his experience of deceiving and tricking people he has been doing this business for more than 6000 Years beginning with our first parents (Adam / Eve)
Many Patriarchs like Job, Kings like David, Prophets like Jonah .Even Jesus was tempted. So you are no match to him.
Before his fall, Satan was one of the mighty angels of God (guardian cherub), he is well aware of how God and his angels would operate as well.
His Hyper-activeness 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) - 'Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ' Job 2:2 (NIV) - 'And the Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord , “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.” '
He goes between places in the earth and always looks out for something that catches his eyes.
He can be in only one place, he cannot be omnipresent like God to read or understand our heart.
Never Argue Matthew 4:1-10 (NIV) - 'Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ ” '
If you read Matthew 4:1-10 The devil kept on “changing” his tactics by asking God with different Questions.
Jesus did not argue with the devil, He simply quoted what is “written!”
Devil knows the scripture well, thats why he is afraid of the word of God and his promises.
Don’t Underestimate God
Looking at the way he (Satan) was created his characteristics, we may be able to get a feeling that if he is the “Prince of the world” and we under his control in the world how can we succeed against the battle ? is he so powerful can we even succeed ? Take heart God is more powerful and stronger than what we think and we know..
1. Created vs Creator
Satan is created - not the creator like God - Satan is only “created” by God for him to be served - we read that earlier in Ezekiel - “the day you were created” Ezekiel 28:15 'You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. '
God created angels/hosts of heaven - As he rebelled against God in Heaven he was defeated and kicked out from Heaven to earth - Revelation 12:7 (NIV) 'Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. '
Because Satan is “created” being, He is inferior to the “Creator” God!.
Unlike God, he has limitation
2. Jesus is Greater and stronger 1 John 4:4 (NIV) - 'You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. '
Even though Satan may be the Prince of the world - Jesus is greater than him (1 John 4:4), the moment they hear the name Jesus they shudder James 2:19 (NIV) - 'You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. '
Power of Jesus is seen in another incident in - Matthew 8:28-29,31-32 (NIV) - 'When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. '
Jesus can drive with just a touch of his figure - Luke 11:20 (NIV) 'But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. '
When satan fights a battles against us, Jesus has the power and authority to disarm him as he has won the victory in the cross. Colossians 2:15 (NIV) - 'And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. '
The victory over some issues will be only momentary, but once Jesus casts out that struggles thats permanent. E.g., When some one is in the bondage of Alcohol or any addiction, when he comes and says he will not drink he will be able to keep only momentary. The moment the person is touched by the spirit of God the bondage of addiction to drinking or any other addiction is thrown and it will not come back as its because of this power that we have with Jesus.
No power of Satan can overcome children of God only because of what is written in Colossians 2:15.
Jesus has the power and authority to command winds and waves (Even the winds and the waves obey him!) every thing over the earth and universe obey to him - Matthew 8:26-27 'He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” '
3. Remember he is defeated Satan is actually in his descent — He is defeated and his end game is to loose the battle with Christ. Satan does not like to be told about this truth, he gets weak when we tell he is defeated. Be bold to remind him “Satan you are defeated in Christ”
He was defeated in Heaven and was thrown to the world Ezekiel 28:17, he has no power or authority over Jesus or his children (John 14:30) Ezekiel 28:17 (NIV) - 'Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings. ' John 14:30 (NIV) - 'I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, '
All the power / curses that Satan has, has been defeated in the Cross - Colossians 2:15 (NIV) - 'And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. '
He is doomed to be in eternal fire and destroyed - Matthew 25:41 - ' “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. '
4. God’s children & Protection
When we are touched by the spirit of God to be separated from the world, then we become his children we are protected in his spirit Romans 8:14-15 (NIV) - 'For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “ Abba, Father.” '
We receive the same Spirit of God that conquered the death in Cross.
We receive the spirit of Boldness and it gets rid of the slave mentality of world.
The same spirit helps us cry Father - by him we cry, “ Abba, Father.” '
Christ died for our sins and bring a salvation to get us a eternal life thats beyond the life of earth - Hebrews 9:28 (NIV) 'so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.'
Blood of Christ has the power to clean our consciousness from the acts of sin and redeem us from all the Pits of Darkness - Hebrews 9:14 (NIV) 'How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! '
Satan does not have the power and authority to touch Children of God without the permission of God as he has a hedge around God’s children, he can bring struggles from outside to deceive that the battles are real, without God’s permission he cannot lay a finger on any Child of God.- Job’s book we can read this Job 1:9-10,12 - '“Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord . '
Even though Satan may make us fear and tremble, God’s promise is true, God comforts us not to fear and be strong and courageous as he will go with us and he will not forsake us. Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” '
The next Part - 2 (Next Week) we will learn how to Fight the battle / tools we have at our disposal / areas which weaken our Fight so that we can fight a effective battle.
I Pray the spirit of God uplift you to fight any battles that you are going thru and the word be used for God’s glory.
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