Christians often quote our text as referring to their struggles with satanic powers; as such
missing it’s import by way of application. But it will have a literal fulfilment in the day the
anti-Christ and all nations will sweep into Palestine in an effort to destroy all the Jews and
set up its kingdom in Jerusalem. This is one of the events of the last days often referred to
in eschatology [doctrines about death and its aftermath] as ‘’The Battle Of Armageddon.’’
Prophet Isaiah had prophesied in Isaiah chapter 57: 15 that the Israelites will have a
glorious future but in practical terms they did not see the manifestation of this prophecy
and wondered what may have happened. Prophet Isaiah’s response to their questions is
found in Isaiah Chapter 59 where he informed them that the problem is not God but rather
it was their iniquity and sins that has separated them from Him. With no one able to deliver
them, God decided to deliver His people.
God spoke to me concerning the afflictions; groaning and heart cry of the church and said
He has come this day to deliver us from all the attacks of the enemy. Isaiah described God
as a warrior ready to defend the Godly and fight on the behalf of His people.
As Christians, we should understand that whether we are living righteously or not, the
devil can still attack us but with the spirit of God inside of us, the devil cannot dwell in our
bodies. The devil will always fight against us but cannot prevail against us. In Isaiah 54: 15 –
17, the Bible records that ‘’Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me;
whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake… No weapon that is
formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment
thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is
of me, saith the LORD.‘’
WHO IS THIS ENEMY WE ARE FIGHTING AGAINST?
The enemy is not human beings but the devil. The devil is immortal and no amount of
prayers can kill the devil. So you deal with the devil by binding him and/or commanding
him to leave your house or body. Praying for the devil to die is not correct and is ineffective.
Who is the devil? In 1Peter 5: 8 – 9, it is recoded, ’’Be sober, be vigilant; because your
adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; whom
resist steadfast in the faith…’’
The reason Jesus came into the world is to destroy all the works of the devil and to set free
all that are in bondage.
WHAT ARE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE DEVIL?
The devil operates through seven areas:
1. Temptation: The devil operates by tempting us through the flesh – pride of life, lust
of the flesh and lust of the eye.

2. Curses
3. Deceptions
4. Accusations
5. Afflictions [I Corinthians 5: 13]
6. Oppositions
7. Death; death is the greatest means by which the power of Satan is manifested but
thank God He has given us victory over death.
HOW DO WE OVERCOME THE STRATEGIES OF THE DEVIL?
1. By living holy. The number one weapon of war against the devil is holiness. When
there is sin in our lives it puts a wall of division between God and us and also
because of the barrier, we cannot experience the protection, favour, salvation and
help of God. So we must live holy lives as Christians in order to maintain our
relationship with God.
2. By the word of God [Joshua 1: 8].
3. By the name of Jesus [Philippians 2: 9].
4. By the blood of Jesus. The sinless and incorruptible blood of Jesus is the cleansing
power against sin for the believer. The blood of Jesus is our redemption, justification
and keeps us clean before God.
5. By the power of the Holy Spirit. The believer who is spirit filled is given the weapon
to contend with and overcome the powers of the devil.
6. By the whole armor of God. God has provided all the armor needed by the believer
in this spiritual warfare. Each piece of this spiritual armor is important and we are
to wear them together [Ephesians 6: 10].
7. By obedience [Deuteronomy 28: 1 – 14].
CONCLUSION
The believer needs to realize his position, responsibility, battleground and the spiritual
armor God has provided for complete victory over the powers of darkness. He should
neither be fearful nor ignorant of Satan’s devices but avail himself or herself of the spiritual
armor or weapons provided by Christ. The New Testament informs the believer of his or
her position in Christ, based on all He has said and done and encourages the believer to
stand firm on that. Just like Israel had to battle for the land given them, so the believer has
to do spiritual warfare to enjoy the promises of God. Jesus as our heavenly Joshua has won
the victory for us.
QUOTES:
“The number one weapon of war against the devil is holiness. When there is sin in our lives
it puts a wall of division between God and us.”
“The devil will always fight against us but cannot prevail against us.”