The Person of the Holy Spirit: Who is He and What does He do?

The Person of the Holy Spirit – Who is He and what does He do?

Who is the Holy Spirit?

Let’s examine scripture and discover just who the Holy Spirit is.

Genesis 1: 1, 2 (KJV)

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Okay then, here we are told that God created the heavens and the earth and right there with Him at the very beginning is the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit). Now let’s jump forward a few thousand years to the New Testament and the book of John – not the Baptist, but John the beloved disciple of Jesus, the one who wrote the chapter.

John 1:1-5, 14 (NIV)

1 In the beginning was the Word,and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Here in John 1 and in the very first verse, John takes us right back to the beginning of the book of Genesis, Genesis 1 verse 1.

Now, what do these Genesis and John verses tell us? Simply this, they expose the full Godhead, Father, Son and Holy Spirit – The Holy Trinity!

Just to summarise these verses quickly, we have ‘In the beginning’:

a. God (and the Word which is Jesus) – The Father.

b. Jesus (the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us) – The Son.

c. The Holy Spirit hovering over the waters – God’s Spirit and thus the Spirit of Jesus.

So, does this answer our original question? Who is the Holy Spirit? Yes, I think so!

The Holy Spirit is God, just as Jesus is God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity.

Just like there are three parts to an egg – yolk, white and shell, three parts but one egg!

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD!

2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV)

The Lord is the Spirit

The apostle Paul in the verse above tells us that God is Spirit.

Now that we know who the Holy Spirit is, let’s see how He relates to us as believers.

Although the Trinity or the Godhead is one God, when He (God) relates to the world (us), He becomes three distinct persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

So, in the Trinity, God the Father is the supreme creator, Jesus the Son is our Saviour and the Holy Spirit is the power of God and thus Jesus in action, he is also our comforter and guide and He is also called the Spirit of Truth.

God sees believers as sinless as we belong to Jesus, and now, because Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, He has sent the Holy Spirit to be with us as our counsellor and to lead us in all truth to fulfil God’s purpose for us here on earth. He is alive within us – energizing and empowering our born-again human spirit. He is Jesus living within us!

John 14:16-17 (AMP)

16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know you.

In the above two verses Jesus is comforting the disciples as they are crestfallen and apprehensive about their future because He is leaving them to return to the Father. He tells them not to be dismayed because the Father will send the Holy Spirit to replace Jesus to be there guide in all things. The Holy Spirit is both the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Jesus – all three are the one true God – the Holy Trinity.

In verse 17 Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as a person – ‘him’ three times and ‘he’ once!

The Holy Spirit is a Person!

Everything the Holy Spirit does is for the Glory of Jesus and, with the Holy Spirit guiding us, everything we as believers do should also be to glorify Jesus! And again, in the below verses Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as ‘he’ or ‘him’ numerous times!

John 16:7-15 (NIV)

7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”

In Genesis 1:1 the Hebrew word for God in is ‘Elohim’ which is the plural form of the Hebrew singular word ‘Eloah’ which would imply that Moses, the writer of the Book of Genesis, was familiar with the Holy Trinity (because of his close relationship with God) as we know them today – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Genesis 1:1-2 (AMP)

1 In the beginning God (Elohim) created [by forming from nothing] the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and void or a waste and emptiness, and darkness was upon the face of the deep [primeval ocean that covered the unformed earth]. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters.

In Deuteronomy 6:4 Moses (the writer of Deuteronomy) again uses the plural word ‘Elohim’ for God. Implying Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Deuteronomy 6:4 (NIV)

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

The use of the word "one" in this verse is commonly interpreted to mean that there is only "one" God. However, from a Hebraic perspective, the Hebrew word אחד (ehhad, Strong's #259) can mean a "unit" within a unity – again today we call them the Holy Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

It is also interesting to note that in the same verse above Moses uses the term ‘The Lord our God, the Lord is one’ and the Hebrew word for Lord here is ‘Yaweh’ – #Strong’s 3068 (Jehovah). In the New Testament when the word ‘Lord’ is mentioned, it is always in reference to Jesus! So I think we can safely conclude that Moses was referring to God the Father and God the Son and that the Spirit of the Father and the Spirit of the Son are one – the Holy Spirit.

What does the Holy Spirit do?

1. Most importantly He will bring glory to Jesus!

John 16:14-15 (NIV)

14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”

He will make known to us, His Church – those of us that are born again, all that He receives from Jesus.


2. He is the power of God.

The Holy Spirit is the creative, enabling, and empowering force of God. He was with God at the beginning as was Jesus.

In Genesis 1:1-2 above we are told that when God created the world the Holy Spirit was hovering over the waters. In some Bible translations it says the Holy Spirit was brooding, which gives us the picture that He was waiting to birth something and He was waiting for God’s command to do this!

Genesis 1:2-3 (AMP)

2 The earth was formless and void or a waste and emptiness, and darkness was upon the face of the deep [primeval ocean that covered the unformed earth]. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

God spoke and the Holy Spirit created whatever God spoke through Christ Jesus and to His (Jesus’) glory. Throughout chapter one of Genesis god speaks and everything was created in this way through Christ Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Trinity working in perfect unity!

Colossians 1:15-20 (NIV)

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

3. The Holy Spirit gives us life and when we become born again, He lives within us, Christ in us the hope of glory – everlasting life in Christ Jesus!

Genesis 2:7 (AMP)
then the Lord God formed [that is, created the body of] man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being [an individual complete in body and spirit].

John 6:63 (AMP)

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh conveys no benefit [it is of no account]. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life [providing eternal life].

John 14:17 (NIV)
the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

Colossians 1:27 (NIV)

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

4. He seals us as sons and daughters of God. In biblical times, a seal acted as a legal signature. 

Like signing a document would today. It validated the content of the document. The Holy Spirit acts as our seal for our adoption papers as God’s sons and daughters. He validates our position as sons and daughters of God – brothers and sisters of Jesus!

Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIV)

13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

5. He empowers us the be God’s witnesses hear on earth – our testimony to others of having Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. 

Having the Holy Spirit in us means having power to be a witness. He gives us that power. We are to tell others about what Jesus did for us at Calvary, how he rose from the dead and reigns in victory!

Acts 1:8 (NIV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

6. He will convict the world about sin, righteousness and judgement.

John 16:8-11 (AMP)

8 And He, when He comes, will convict the world about [the guilt of] sin [and the need for a Savior], and about righteousness, and about judgment: 9 about sin [and the true nature of it], because they do not believe in Me [and My message]; 10 about righteousness [personal integrity and godly character], because I am going to My Father and you will no longer see Me; 11 about judgment [the certainty of it], because the ruler of this world (Satan) has been judged and condemned.

7. He will guide us into all truth and he will tell us of things to come.

John 16:13 (NIV)

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

8. He bestows upon us the gifts of the Spirit for us to use for the common good of the Church so that we can build up and edify each other.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (AMP)

4 Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers]. 5 And there are [distinctive] varieties of ministries and service, but it is the same Lord [who is served]. 6 And there are [distinctive] ways of working [to accomplish things], but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them]. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit [the spiritual illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit] for the common good.

9. He enables and empowers us to live life in the Spirit and overcome the desires of the flesh which is sin. 

This is the freedom He bestows upon us in Christ Jesus! This is how we walk the path to maturity and are conformed more and more into Christ’s image!

Galatians 5:13 and16-18 (NIV)

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

10. It is the Holy Spirit that enables us to produce fruit in keeping with repentance as evidence of our salvation. 

Without the Holy Spirit working in and through us we would be unable to produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

Are we producing good fruit in our lives and living in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ Jesus!

Are the fruit of the Spirit evident in all we do and say!

Galatians 5:19-26 (NIV)

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

11. He enables us to receive the imputed righteousness of Christ so that God sees us as cleansed and free of sin. He sets us free from the law of sin and death and enables us to live a life free of condemnation in Christ Jesus for the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Life and it is He who will give us resurrection Life just as He brought resurrection life to Jesus after the crucifixion!

Roman 8:1-11 (AMP)

Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law could not do [that is, overcome sin and remove its penalty, its power] being weakened by the flesh [man’s nature without the Holy Spirit], God did: He sent His own Son in the likeness of sinful man as an offering for sin. And He condemned sin in the flesh [subdued it and overcame it in the person of His own Son], 4 so that the [righteous and just] requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us who do not live our lives in the ways of the flesh [guided by worldliness and our sinful nature], but [live our lives] in the ways of the Spirit [guided by His power]. 5 For those who are living according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh [which gratify the body], but those who are living according to the Spirit, [set their minds on] the things of the Spirit [His will and purpose]. 6 Now the mind of the flesh is death [both now and forever—because it pursues sin]; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace [the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God—both now and forever]; 7 the mind of the flesh [with its sinful pursuits] is actively hostile to God. It does not submit itself to God’s law, since it cannot, 8 and those who are in the flesh [living a life that caters to sinful appetites and impulses] cannot please God.

9 However, you are not [living] in the flesh [controlled by the sinful nature] but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God lives in you [directing and guiding you]. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him [and is not a child of God]. 10 If Christ lives in you, though your [natural] body is dead because of sin, your spirit is alive because of righteousness [which He provides]. 11 And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.

12. He conforms us to Christ’s image as we allow him to lead us in all things and in all truth!

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

13. He will teach us all things and remind us of what the Bible says and teaches us! Of course. you must make it your mission to read and study the Bible constantly!

John 14:26 (AMP)

But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.

14. He intercedes on our behalf in our weakness when we do not know what to pray! Just ask the Holy Spirit to help you!

Romans 8:26-27 (NIV)

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

15. He is our helper. 

It is by the infilling of the Holy Spirit that Jesus lives within us! Our Lord sent Him to us for this very purpose so that we can close fellowship with him and so that we can be empowered to live our lives in the Spirit as the Apostle Paul encourages to do in Romans 8 and Galatians 5.

John 16:7 (AMP)

But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you].

This is why the Apostle Paul commands us to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit and to follow the way of God’s agapé love and eagerly desire the spiritual gifts! When we do this God’s love is instilled within in all we do. It is God’s love in us through Christ Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit that covers a multitude of sins and becomes in us a powerful witness and testimony to the unsaved world!

Ephesians 5:18 (AMP)

Do not get drunk with wine, for that is wickedness (corruption, stupidity), but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him.

1 Corinthians 14:1 (AMP)

Pursue [this] love [with eagerness, make it your goal], yet earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual gifts [to be used by believers for the benefit of the church], but especially that you may prophesy [to foretell the future, to speak a new message from God to the people].

1 Corinthians 16:14 (AMP)

Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us].

16. He helps us in the process of sanctification as we walk our road to Christian maturity. 

To be “sanctified” means to be set apart as sacred. It means to be purified of sin and to spiritually mature to become more like Christ. This doesn’t happen overnight. It is a continual process for a Christian. We take off our old self and become a new person over time. We do become new once we are saved, but like a caterpillar, we undergo a metamorphosis during our walk with God.

1 Corinthians 6:11 (NIV)

And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

17. The Spirit brings unity and oneness to the body. 

The Spirit unites others. It is the Spirit that unites the Father and Son in the Trinity and it is the same Spirit that unites the member of the church body. When the Holy Spirit is operating in a group of people, He unites them in love and the work of the Kingdom can be carried out.

Ephesians 4:3-6 (NIV)

3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

The born again Christian should not be living their lives according to the flesh, but living live in the Spirit!

Throughout the New Testament we see the Holy Spirit direct people to do the will of God. He assists us in listening to God’s voice and, in faith, do what He is calling us to do. Be still and in prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to show you what God wants for you and what He wants you to do. Ask him, also to equip you as you carry out His will.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father
In the name of Jesus, I pray that you would help me to live my life in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Help me to know your Word and to do what it instructs in complete obedience. Help me to love as you love. Amen!

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself! I am flawed the Bible is not!

Spiritual Warfare: Part 4 What are a Christian's Weapons of War?

 

Dear Readers

Spiritual Warfare Part 4 is the last article in a series of 4:

Part 1 Are Christians really at war?

Part 2 Know your enemy - know yourself!

Part 3 What are the enemy's tactics?

This article, Part 4 the last in the series, focuses on how we as born again Christians are empowered to fight back and overcome the enemy in Christ Jesus!

AS A BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIAN REMEMBER THESE THINGS IN YOUR DAILY SPIRITUAL BATTLE!

Jesus defeated Satan at the cross! Through him we have the victory over sin and death, but we have to fight the battle for our souls. It is our souls that Satan wants! We have to bring our souls under submission to the Spirit! The spiritual battle is to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.

 

1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philppians 2:12-13 (AMP)

12 So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ]. 13 For it is [not your strength, but it is]God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.

In Jesus Christ we are more than conquerors.

Romans 8:37 (NIV)

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

The battle for our souls is not against people it is against the spiritual forces of darkness!

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.

What are our weapons are not?

Let’s start this section by establishing what a Christian’s weapons of war are not. They are not conventional weapons that the armies of the world use today, guns, tanks, fighter planes, bombs etc. No, a Christian’s weapons are far more powerful and a lot more effective than those!

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (KJV)

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

We fight a spiritual war against a spiritual enemy! A war that has already been won by Jesus on the cross. The enemy, though, refuses to believe this and continually engages us in skirmishes that will be useless if we remain fully humble, fully repentant, fully forgiving and fully obedient to the Father’s will and immersed in the Word and living our lives in the power of the Holy spirit. In others words we are to be totally submitted to God in Christ Jesus|!

1 Samuel 17:47 (NIV)

All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

Zechariah 4:6 (NLT)

Then he said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

What are our weapons:

1. Prayer - cultivate a lifestyle of continual prayer, thankfulness and praise.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)

16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

If you're a believer who is fervently trying to live like salt and light in a dark world, you won't go for long without encountering spiritual warfare.

Obstacles and attacks will be hurled in your direction by the devil. God reminds us in His word to stay aware of Satan’s schemes, to live alert in this world, and to stay submitted close to Him.

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.

God arms us with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, to stand against the enemy’s lies. He equips us with strength, wisdom, and discernment through His own Spirit to stay strong in the spiritual warfare battle. He invites us to spend time in His Presence, through prayer and worship, pressing in to know Him more each and every day.

As we grow to know God’s Truth and what is real, we will also begin to know more of what is false. In prayer we are stronger to stand against the enemy in the powerful name of Jesus. He never leaves us to fend for ourselves in a dark world, but reminds us He is constantly with us through the infilling of the Holy Spirit, fighting for us, even when we cannot see.

Praying God’s words back to Him, is a powerful weapon against the forces of evil. It is Truth going out. It reminds us that God knows our ways and understands what we face today. It builds our faith and our trust in God. It guards our hearts and focuses our minds back on Him. It wins the battle.

1 Thessalonians 3:3 (NLT)

But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.

Psalm 121 (NIV)

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

    where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the Lord,

    the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—

    he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel

    will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord watches over you—

    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,

    nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—

    he will watch over your life;

8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going

    both now and forevermore.

2. Do everything in the name of Jesus

In our spiritual battle with the enemy it is vitally important that we know Jesus as our personal Lord and Saviour and do and say everything in the name of Jesus.

It is only in His name that we have the victory. Look what happened to the seven sons of Sceva who didn’t know Jesus as Lord their personal Lord and Saviour and tried invoking the power of His name.

Acts 19:13-19 (NIV)

13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

3. Retain an attitude of humility in all you do and say when engaging the enemy

We need to walk in humility and in complete submission to God in our spiritual fight with the enemy. Never be overconfident, not even the Archangel Michael, the commander of the heavenly host, stepped out of line when dealing with Satan, he invoked the name of Jesus.

Jude verse 9 (NLT)

But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.)

4. Continually walk in the Spirit.

When we are moving in the flesh it is impossible to please God - live life in the Spirit as Paul always encourages to do, especially in Romans 8 - the whole chapter!

Romans 8:5-8 (NIV)

5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law,

nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

James 5:16b (AMP)

The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].

5. Keep the flame of the Spirit ever fervently burning inside of you.

Ask the Lord to continually fill you with His Holy Spirit!

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 (NLT)

19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.

Ephesians 5:15-18 (AMP)

18 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is wickedness (corruption, stupidity), but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him. 19 Speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, [offering praise by] singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for all things, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 being subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.

6. Take up your authority in Christ Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus gives us all power and authority to overcome the enemy byb the power of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 10:1, 8 (KJV)

1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Matthew 16:19 (NIV)

19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Acts 1:8 (NLT)

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

John 14:12-14 (NIV)

12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

It is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to be imitators of Christ and even to do greater things. The Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us in all truth!

7. Cultivate an ever repentant and ever forgiving heart.

We have already established that born again Christians do sin, King David was our example, and that this sin adversely affects our relationship with God.

It is therefore essential that Christians examine themselves daily and repent of any sin quickly and ask forgiveness in order to restore our relationship with God fully. And just as importantly we need to forgive others that sin against us.

When we do this, we shut the door on Satan, and he is unable to influence and manipulate us. Unconfessed sin leaves the door open for Satan to infect our souls. We all need to say sorry for the things we do in the flesh that are contrary to His Word just as we need to say sorry to others that we have wronged!

James 5:16 (AMP)

Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].

Matthew 18:21-22 (AMP)

21 Then Peter came to Him and asked, “Lord, how many times will my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered him, “I say to you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven.

8. Be slow to anger and swift to bless in love and be full of compassion for others always.

Do everything in love!

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)

13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.

James 1:19 (NLT)

19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.

Psalm 103:8 (NIV)

The Lord is compassionate and gracious,

slow to anger, abounding in love.

9. Be in humble obedience to and under submission to Jesus and His Word. 

Don’t be a people pleaser – be a Jesus pleaser!

2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV)

3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.

James 4:7

7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 5:6 (AMP)

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time

10. Be always dressed in the full Armour of God.

Ephesians 6:10-17

This is a key passage of scripture that is essential for all born again believers to know and implement in order to be a relevant and an effective spiritual warrior in the Kingdom of God. It is important for us to examine the verses in some detail.

In his writing of these verses I think we need to understand that Paul would have been very familiar with the Roman soldier dressed in full battle armour, after all he was escorted by Roman soldiers on more than a few occasions.

He also knew that no Roman soldier would ever dream of going into battle without putting on his full battle armour. The Roman soldier was probably the best protected soldier of the time and his armour was designed to be effective against most enemy weapons of the time.

In the table below we can examine each part of the Armour of God that Paul mentions:

Verse(s) (NIV) – 10 - 13

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 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. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Commentary:
In these four verses Paul is giving us a pre-battle pep talk. He knows what battles we’re going to face in our daily walk because he’s been there and done it. He’s been whipped, stoned, left for dead, bitten by a poisonous snake and for good measure, whipped some more.

He knows we’re facing a spiritual battle and he tells us to be prepared and make sure that we clothe ourselves in God’s protection – the Armour of God. When we do this, we will be able to stand firm and strong in the Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit. We will then be fully equipped to defeat the enemy in our daily walk!

Verse 14 (KJV)

14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

Commentary:
On a Roman soldier it is the belt that holds the other pieces of body armour in place and it is on the belt that the sword is hung. When a Roman soldier had finished putting on his body armour, he would gird his loins with a belt as described above. This meant that he was now ready for service and to go into battle. So what Paul is saying here is that we need to gird ourselves to do battle with the belt of truth which is our integrity and right standing (being born again) in Christ Jesus and our walking in the Spirit.

The breastplate of a soldier’s armour does as it says it covers the breast; the area between the waist and the shoulders. It protects the soldier’s vital organs and most significantly it protects the heart. For the soldier of the flesh the breastplate is made of iron. For us, the spiritual soldier, our breastplate is made of our righteousness in Christ Jesus, our righteousness protects our hearts and minds from the attack of the evil one!

We all know that the Devil constantly attacks our hearts and minds with lies, accusations and reminders of our past sin. If we do not clothe ourselves with the breastplate of righteousness the Devil’s lying arrows will penetrate our hearts and render us null and void. Be aware of who you are in Christ Jesus and come boldly into His presence and he will fill you with his Holy Spirit who will cement your righteousness in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Don’t try and take on the enemy without first praying and then being led by the Holy Spirit with all your armour on!

Verse 15 (NIV)

15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

Commentary:
Now, keeping the Roman soldier in mind, what did he wear on his feet when marching and going into battle? He wore heavy duty, hobnailed boots called Caligae – no Roman soldier marched or went into battle without them! They were the strongest footwear going – military Doc Martens!

For the battle shoes of the Church, the spiritual soldier, we need to put on the peace that comes from the Good News of the Gospel in Christ Jesus so that you will be fully prepared. Our spiritual shoes (our peace in Christ Jesus) allow us to step freely and without fear while we turn our full attention to the battle at hand.

They aid in our movement and defence. The peace God gives us will propel us onward to proclaim the true peace, which is available only in Christ Jesus. The peace that surpasses all understanding. We need to prepare ourselves to follow the Lord no matter what.

Verse

16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Commentary

The shield not only defends the Roman soldier’s whole body but also His armour. The shield of faith has a very specific function, which the Bible makes abundantly clear: it will quench all the fiery darts of the evil one and all his wicked followers. Not some, not most but all of them.

The shield moves with the attack no matter what direction it is coming from. This is the kind of faith that Moses had when he confronted Pharaoh to let Israel go. It is the kind of faith that Elijah had when he confronted the prophets of Baal, the faith David had when he fought Goliath, the kind of faith Jesus has and that he gives to us today through the Holy Spirit! Without faith it is impossible to please God – Heb 11:6.

Verse 17 (NIV)

17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Commentary:
The Roman soldier’s helmet was made of iron and was strong enough to withstand several hefty sword or spiked battle club blows. It covered the whole head and the back of the neck with just slits for the eyes and for the mouth. It even had an iron piece to protect the bridge of the nose and the cheeks.

Satan's favourite target is our mind. We have often heard it said that our minds are the devil’s playground. Satan's weapons are lies and false accusations. The enemy wants to make us doubt God and our salvation.

The helmet of salvation protects our minds from doubting the truth of God's saving work in us.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 (NIV)

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

The Roman soldier’s sword was light and short and ideal for hand-to-hand combat where short, stabbing motions were required. It was not only a weapon of offence but was also ideal for defence as well.

The believer as a spiritual soldier needs to be prepared to go head to head and toe to toes with the devil at all times.

The sword of the Spirit – the Bible, the Word of God, is not only a weapon of offense in the armour, but also a tool for defence. Strongholds, arguments and thoughts are all weapons the enemy uses against us. With the Sword of the Spirit, God's word, the Church is equipped to deal with them all. We need to trust in the truth of God's Word.

Have confidence in the value of God's word and develop a hunger and desire to know it and study it. When Jesus went head to head with the devil in the dessert –Matt 4:10-11 – he used the Word to defeat him and resist temptation. We need to be prepared to battle the enemy in the same way. By the Word of God and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 4:10-11

10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Heb 4:12 (KJV)

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Verse 18

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Commentary:
And last but not by any means least, prayer! Every believer and the Church corporately, need to be constantly in prayer. Praying in the Spirit in tongues and praying in the Spirit in our understanding.

Praying the Word into our lives and into the lives of others, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, Eph 6:12, and so we always need to be in the Spirit – walking in the Spirit. The battle is won in the heavenly realms. Prayer is an integral part of our worship of God – it should never be neglected. Praying in the Spirit in our understanding and praying in the Spirit in tongues always!

Matt 18:18 (KJV)

Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

11. Be available and be ready to serve others in true humility.

Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)

Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?”

I said, “Here I am. Send me.”

Matthew 20:26-28

25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

12. Love others as God loves you – agapê love, love that is given freely and is unconditional, love that expects nothing in return!

1 Corinthians 16:14 (NLT)

Do everything in love.

1 John 4:8-10 (NIV)

8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

1 John 4:20-21 (NLT)

20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers

In Mark 12 Jesus tells us, when asked by the religious leaders, what the most important commandment is – it is love in two directions:

Mark 12:28-31 (NIV)

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

When we are loving God with every fibre of our being as in verse 30 above, and when we are loving our neighbour as God loves us, we are walking in the Spirit and there is nothing left in us for the enemy to get his claws into and to entice us to sin!

Love, God’s agape love, is therefore our greatest weapon of warfare against the enemy! But make no mistake he will still be turning his guns on you, so beware!

13. Our authority in Christ Jesus

This is probably the most important weapon in a Christian’s armoury. The authority given to us by God himself when we are in Christ Jesus – born-again!

The one who holds absolute authority in heaven and on earth is of course Jesus. This was given to him by the Father.

Matthew 28:18 (NLT)

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

As Jesus carries all authority, he can delegate this authority to his Church. Use this authority because Jesus gave it to us and he expects us to use it!

Luke 9:1-2 (NLT)

One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. 2 Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Mark 16:17-18

17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

Live life in the Spirit (Rom 8), always be led by the Holy Spirit and continually be filled with the Holy Spirit and he will guide you in all truth. Love others as Jesus loves you. Be faithful to God in all you do!

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father

I pray in Jesus' name that you would give me wisdom to know and understand the enemy. I thank you that Jesus on the cross gave me victory over the evil one. Help me, Lord, to always be dressed in the Armour of God to ward off the fiery darts of the enemy. I declare this day that in Christ Jesus I have the victory over the spiritual forces of darkness. Jesus is light of my salvation! Amen.

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself! I am flawed the Bible is not!

Spiritual Warfare: Part 3 What are the enemy's tactics?

 

Just what are the devil's tactics and what is his motivation?

Quite simply Satan’s self-appointed function is to set himself up as God. He is so inherently wrapped up in himself, and so corrupt within himself, that everything that God sets up for the good of mankind Satan will try to tear down and destroy!

Satan hates all of God’s creation because he is unable to create, and his own pride has immersed him in sin, and it is the same with all those that follow him! 

And let me say this if your are not for God then you are against Him. And if your are against Him then you are a follower of the devil whether you believe that or not!

Matthew 12:30 (NIV)

“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 

1 John 3:8-10 (NIV)

8 The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. 9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. 10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

Because of Satan's opposition to God, we as God's creation will continually face his opposition when we are walking in God's will and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

But fear not! Remember these immortal words spoken by Jesus, our Saviour, our Lord, our King:

John 16:33 (NIV)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Now coming back to Satan’s function, the scripture below is the sum total of Satan’s job description:

John 10:10a (NLT)

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.

And conversely the same verse tells us the job description of Jesus besides being our way to salvation and being our Lord and Saviour:

John 10:10b (NLT)

My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. 

(Once they are born-again!) - brackets are my words.

The purpose of the Lord in our lives as to give us a rich and satisfying life, not a trouble free life, but a rich and satisfying one. In Christ Jesus we have the ability to overcome the world when we are walking in step with the Holy Spirit!

1 John 5:5-8

5 Who is the one who is victorious and overcomes the world? It is the one who believes and recognizes the fact that Jesus is the Son of God. 6 This is He who came through water and blood [His baptism and death], Jesus Christ—not by the water only, but by the water and the blood. It is the [Holy] Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. [He is the essence and origin of truth itself.] 7 For there are three witnesses: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three are in agreement [their testimony is perfectly consistent]. 

We, as born-again Christians, need to be aware of the wily Satan and how he operates in the world around us, and sometimes in and through us! Here are some prime examples taken from the Bible that Satan still uses today and that we need to be aware of so that we do not fall into his deathly trap!:

1. Satan is always on the lookout to do harm to or to try and stifle the efforts of God’s people:

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

When we deliberately sin and have unconfessed sin in our lives it gives Satan a foothold in our lives and authority over us that he shouldn’t have.

This negates our witness as Christians and hampers our effectiveness in fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives.

2. Satan often pretends to be something good – don’t be deceived, make sure that what you do lines up with the word of God and that He has told you to do it.

2 Corinthians 11:14 (NIV)

14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

3. Satan will lie to us - he is incapable of speaking the truth. He does this mainly by sowing doubt and unbelief in our minds and he will also use other people to do the same even our brothers and sisters in Christ!

John 8:44 (NIV)

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

The truth of a born again Christian's existence lies in Jesus Christ the Word of God and being continually led by the Holy Spirit!

4. Satan is a murderer in the spiritual sense that he leads people into sin and thus death which is eternal separation from God. 

John 8:44 (NIV)

….. He was a murderer from the beginning,…..

Romans 6:23 (AMP)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God [that is, His remarkable, overwhelming gift of grace to believers] is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

It is only our repentance from sin and our acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour that gives us eternal life and eternal fellowship with God! Nobody can come to God unless they repent from their sin and accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and thus become born-again!

John 3:3 (NIV)

 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.

John 14:6 (NIV)

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

5. He is a deceiver and will always try to move you into disobedience to God and His Word. When we know the Bible for ourselves and we are truly Spirit filled we will not be deceived and enticed into sin!

Revelation 12:9 (NLT)

This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.

6. He will play with your mind and lead you astray. He will try and lead you astray from the doctrine of Jesus Christ and him crucified for our sin!

2 Corinthians 11:3 (NIV)

But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (AMP)

And when I came to you, brothers and sisters, proclaiming to you the testimony of God [concerning salvation through Christ], I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom [no lofty words of eloquence or of philosophy as a Greek orator might do]; 2 for I made the decision to know nothing [that is, to forego philosophical or theological discussions regarding inconsequential things and opinions while] among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified [and the meaning of His redemptive, substitutionary death and His resurrection]. 

We cleanse our carnal minds by immersing ourselves in the Bible and its teachings and walking in step with the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 4:23 (AMP)

and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude],

Galatians 5:24-26 (NIV)

24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

7. In the same vein as 6 above, he blinds the minds of unbelievers. He is also referred to as the god of this world.

2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV)

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Make sure that you are not harbouring any unbelief and unforgiveness in your heart!

8. He will deter you from setting your mind on the things of God.

Matthew 16:23 (NLT)

Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

Colossians 3:1-6 (NIV)

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.

9. He will incite and tempt you to do the wrong thing. Doing anything that is contrary to the Word of God is sin!

1 Chronicles 21:1 (KJV)

And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked (incited) David to number Israel.

Satan even tried to tempt Jesus into sin!

Matthew 4:1 (NIV)

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil. 

We overcome temptation by being steeped in the Word of God - knowledge of the Bible. "It is written......"

We resist the devil by submitting ourselves to God by knowing the Bible and by being led by the Holy Spirit. When you resist him in this way he will run from you!

James 4:7 (NIV)

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 

10. He will set traps for you to try and entice you to do his will. In this way he will hold you captive!

2 Timothy 2:24-26 (NLT)

24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

11. Our lack of knowledge and understanding of the Word will allow him to rob us of the truth.

Matthew 13:19 (NIV)

When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.

We need to be aware of the wiles and tactics of our enemy and be on our guard at all times – without good knowledge and understanding of the Word we will always be vulnerable and likely to fall when under attack!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus I pray that you would help me to study and know your Word and that you will always fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may bring glory to Jesus! Lord, help me to be quick to repent when I sin and help me to know who I am in Christ Jesus. Amen.

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself! I am flawed the Bible is not!

Part 4 coming soon! What are the Christian's weapons of war?