OVERCOMING THE DRAGON
(This is blog14 in the series “Names of Satan.”)
Satan’s whole purpose can be summarized in one word: destruction. He wants to be worshipped and uses fear to control people. He is the Great Dragon (Revelation 12:9), Roaring Lion (1 Peter 5:8), the Murderer (John 8:44) and the thief come to kill and destroy (John 10:10). He would have us think he is the greatest power in the universe. He may be greater than us, but he is not greater than God (1 John 4:4). So how do we have victory?
Since God is greater than Satan and his forces (I John 4:4), we need not fear them (Luke 10:17-19). We must humbly depend on God’s strength, not our own (James 4:6-7; 5:16). Admit sin and open spots that Satan uses in your life (Psalm 32:5; 139:23-24), and confess any sin (1 John 1:9). Accept God’s forgiveness and, with His help, turn from the sin (Amos 3:3; Ezekiel 20:43). In prayer claim back any openings Satan is using in your life (Acts 19:18-19; Matt 3:7-8). Cover yourself with the armor of God each day (Ephesians 6:10-18). Stay in the Scriptures (Psalm 1:1-3). The Word is a mirror (James 1:22-25) a lamp (Psalm 119:105) a cleanser (Ephesians 5:25-26) a sword (Hebrews 4:12) and food (I Peter 2:2; Matthew 4:4). Use it for all these. Develop a life of continuous praise & prayer (I Thessalonians 5:17). Stay in close fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 13:5). Commit yourself to totally follow God (Ephesians 6:16).
After Paul is done listing the armor, he next mentions prayer (Ephesians 6:18-20). We can equate prayer to communication between the commander and his soldiers. Without good communication, the soldier will not know where to go or what to do. He will be left on his own. We need time talking to God and listening to Him to know His plan for us.
We need the fellowship, support and encouragement of other Christians in order to live in victory (Hebrews 10:25). Every one needs a solid, Bible-teaching church to attend regularly. In addition, we need to have a group of believers with whom we share our lives and battles. We should pray for them and share our prayer needs with them. You need to have a group of faithful praying Christians who are daily lifting up you and your needs before God. You need to be praying for them as well.
Jesus has given us His authority to pray in His name and to command demons to be gone in His name (Matthew 28:18-19; Luke 9:1; 10:18-19). He also gives us His power to have victory in our spiritual warfare (Acts 1:8). We have power from His divine nature in us (2 Peter 1:4). We have power to live the abundant life He gives us (John 10:10). Through His Word and prayer, we have all we need to have victory. What great blessings we have!
PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS FOR SIN AND DELIVERANCE
“Dear heavenly Father, You have told us to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts (Romans 13:14). I acknowledge that I have given in to sinful acts and thoughts. I have also sinned by not doing things I should have done and by doing good things for selfish motives. I know that in Christ my sins are forgiven, but I have transgressed Your holy law and given the enemy an opportunity to work against me (Ephesians 4:27; James 4:1; 1 Peter 5:8). I come before Your presence to acknowledge these sins and to seek Your cleansing (1 John 1:9) that I may be freed from the bondage of sin (Galatians 5:1). I ask You to reveal to my mind the ways that I sinned and grieved the Holy Spirit. (Confess each sin that comes to mind one by one.) In Jesus’ name I take back any ground that evil spirits have gained through my sin. Please fill me instead with your Spirit and use me for Your glory. I ask this in the wonderful name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.”
Are you growing in your prayer life? Do you have more wisdom about how to use prayer in spiritual warfare? Are there those you regularly pray for who are having serious battles in life? Who do you go to for prayer when spiritually attacked? Prayer is a powerful weapon and we miss out on victory when we don’t pray.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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