PROTECTION FROM SATAN & DEMONS

Paul says “we are not ignorant of Satan’s devices” (2 Corinthians 2:5-11) but I was very ignorant about how to protect my church and family from Satan and demons when I first started pastoring.  Since that time I have learned how to minister to those in need of spiritual warfare counseling.   God has been teaching me and helping me learn how to help those who are attacked by Satan and his forces. 

WORK OF SATAN AND DEMONS:  Satan and his demons especially oppose Christians because we bring light into the darkness (John 1:5; 3:19; 8:12; 12:35, 46).  Since he can no longer attack Jesus directly he does so indirectly by attacking His children.  He accuses us before God (Job 1:6-21; 2 Corinthians 2:11; Revelation 12:9-10; Zechariah 3:1-2) but Jesus is our defense attorney, our Advocate when accused (1 John 2:1)

Satan does all he can to oppose and hinder our service to God (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 2:18; 2 Corinthians 112:7; Zechariah 3:1; Matthew 13:19).  He tries to infiltrate the church through false teaching (1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Thessalonians 2:9), false teachers (1 Timothy 4:1-3; 1 John 4:1; 2 Peter 2:1-2) and false ‘Christians’ (Matthew 13:38-40). 

While not all temptation comes from Satan and demons, he certainly does all he can to entice us into sin (2 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Timothy 3:7; 2 Timothy 2:26) as he did when tempting Jesus.  He will use our sin nature (James 1:14-15), the world system (1 John 2:15-16) or attack directly through demons (1 Corinthians 7:5).  He can cause and use anger (Ephesians 4:27), pride (1 Timothy 3:6; 1 Chronicles 21:1; 1 Timothy 3:6), immorality (1 Corinthians 7:5), lies (Acts 5:1-3), doubting God’s Word and God’s goodness (Genesis 3:1-5; Luke 4:9-12), ‘miracles’ to deceive (Mark 4:8-9; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:3,9-11), hypocrisy (John 8:44; Acts 17:22), self-sufficiency (1 Chronicles 212:1-7), worry and fear (1 Peter 5:7-9; Hebrews 2:14; Psalm 23;4), lack of faith (Luke 22:31-32; 1 Peter 5:6-10), physical affliction (Job 1:6-22; 2:1-7; John 8:44; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:20) and sin of any kind (1 Thessalonians 3:5; Matthew 4:3; 1 Corinthians 10:19-21, 2 Corinthians  11:3,13-15; 1 John 3:8). 

Demons work against believers by frustrating and opposing God’s perfect will (Acts 16:16-18), putting obstacles in the path of following God (1 Thessalonians 2:18; Romans 15:22), influencing believers to mislead other believers (Matthew 16:22-23.) and instigating things such as jealousy, pride and disunity (James 3:13-16).  They seek to get believers to turn from God and not live for Him (1 Timothy 4:1).  They can cause physical torment (2 Corinthians 12:7), and they try to get us to operate by our own strength and ability (2 Timothy 3:5).  All this work will intensify as the return of Jesus gets closer (1 Timothy 4:1).

GOD IS GREATER:  God is greater than Satan and his forces (I John 4:4), so 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).  Be aware of sins and temptations that Satan uses in your life (Psalm 32:5; 139:23-24), and confess any sin (I 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; Matthew 3:7-8).  Cover yourself with the armor of God each morning (Ephesians 6:10-18). Read and study 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).   

God’s plan is to bring light and life to His people, Satan instead brings death and darkness.  Demons can put thoughts into a person’s mind and feelings into their heart. The person usually thinks these are their own and so acts on them.  These are thoughts and feelings of darkness, fear, anger, violence, revenge, lust and destruction.  They lead a person to harm others and harm, even kill themselves as well.  They love pain and want to cause all the suffering and misery they can. They also put negative thoughts about God into a person so they blasphemy Jesus, doubt His deity and question if they have His love and salvation. 

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