The Overcomer's Guide: 7 Biblical Methods to Defeat Spiritual Opposition
Standing Firm in Spiritual Warfare: The Power of God’s Armor | Replay of Free Deliverance Service 08/01/2023
Spiritual warfare is an ever-present reality for believers in Jesus Christ. We have a formidable adversary in Satan, along with the demonic forces under his command (Ephesians 6:12). The enemy uses tactics of deception, accusation, temptation, oppression, and more to hinder God's purposes in our lives. But praise God - we are not left defenseless! Christ has given us supernatural power and authority to defeat every scheme of the devil.
I felt led by the Lord today to talk about the power of Jesus to explore 7 fundamental biblical steps to overcome the spiritual opposition we face. Understanding these principles is vital for freedom and breakthrough in our lives. As we walk closely with Christ and employ these methods from God's Word and we can walk in victory in Jesus name.
The Overcomer's Guide: 7 Biblical Methods to Defeat Spiritual Opposition
1. Confess and Repent to Shut Enemy Doorways
The first vital step is to humbly confess and repent of any sin the Holy Spirit reveals. 1 John 1:9 contains an incredible promise - when we turn from sin and receive God's forgiveness through Christ, we are cleansed from all unrighteousness. Unconfessed sin provides the enemy an opening to harass us (Ephesians 4:27). As we repent, God shuts that doorway completely.
We must be quick to say "yes" to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Even secret thoughts or attitudes like pride, envy, lust, bitterness can give the enemy access (Matthew 15:19). Bring these immediately into the light through confession to God, asking Him to cleanse you completely and close that opening to the forces of darkness. 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises God will always provide the way of escape from temptation.
2. Submit Fully to Christ's Lordship
After being exhorted to humble ourselves through repentance, James 4:7 instructs us to then "submit yourselves therefore to God" before resisting the devil. Absolute surrender to Christ's Lordship in every area is essential for defeating spiritual attacks. When we yield control of our lives to Jesus - plans, time, relationships, finances, work, future - we shut the door to the enemy gaining influence (Romans 6:13).
Daily entrusting our will to the care of our Good Shepherd, who leads us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake (Psalm 23:3), removes the enemy's ability to steer us down wrong paths. As we surrender our thoughts and priorities to the obedience of Christ, the devil loses his sway over us (2 Corinthians 10:5). Our victory is found in fixing our eyes on Jesus, our Champion, as we follow where He leads (Hebrews 12:2).
3. Put on the Full Armor of God Daily
Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the spiritual armor God gives us to stand against the devil's schemes. This armor includes: the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit (God's Word). We must continually "put on" this full armor each day through renewing our minds in Scripture, believing God's truth, living righteously, praying, and trusting Christ.
The Belt of Truth: The enemy relies on lies, deceit and distortion of truth to keep us in bondage (John 8:44). But as we know, believe and speak the truth of God’s Word, we break strongholds of deception in our minds (John 17:17). We must continually saturate our thinking with Scripture and reject the subtle falsehoods the enemy whispers.
The Breastplate of Righteousness: When we walk in holiness and obedience to God, we guard our hearts from the accusations and condemnation the enemy hurls at us (1 Thessalonians 5:8). Righteous living shuts the door to the devil’s influence. We must choose daily to align our behavior with God’s standards, rejecting every temptation (Romans 6:13).
The Gospel of Peace Shoes: Standing firm in the truth of the gospel, and keeping our footing fixed on the rock of Christ’s finished work on the cross, gives us stability when the enemy attempts to unsettle us (Ephesians 6:15). Preaching this gospel to ourselves fuels our peace and joy (Romans 10:15).
The Shield of Faith: Faith in who God says He is, and what He promises in His Word, is a mighty shield that deflects and extinguishes the enemy’s attacks - doubts, fears, intimidations (Ephesians 6:16). Believing God more than our feelings dissipates fiery arrows.
The Helmet of Salvation: This helmet signifies the hope and assurance we have in our eternal salvation and security in Christ (Ephesians 6:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:8). This guards our minds and thoughts against the enemy’s schemes. We block his lies by reminding ourselves we are sealed, adopted, loved (Romans 8:31-39).
The Sword of the Spirit: This refers to the Word of God itself. It is our offensive weapon to strike back against the devil and his kingdom (Ephesians 6:17). Speaking Scripture aloud in faith and authority dismantles strongholds and silences the enemy's voice (Hebrews 4:12).
Jesus Christ has provided His followers with everything needed to walk in supernatural victory over the powers of darkness through His death and resurrection (Colossians 2:15). Let us be diligent to daily put on this armor of God, fighting the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12), that we may stand firm no matter what spiritual battles come our way. The Lord is with us (2 Chronicles 15:2)!
4. Pray Fervently and Persistently
James 5:16 declares: "...The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." Passionate, persistent prayer is so vital for victory. Through prayer, we receive divine strength, wisdom, discernment, and power from the Holy Spirit to resist and overcome the enemy's tactics (Ephesians 6:18).
We must bring our struggles and spiritual battles to God constantly in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). Pour out your heart to Him. Lay claim to the promises in His Word concerning victory and deliverance (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Ask Him for greater spiritual discernment to recognize and counter the devil's schemes. Be watchful, vigilant, and steadfast in prayer against enemy attacks (1 Peter 5:8-9). God will honor this diligence and grant you breakthrough.
5. Speak and Stand Firm on the Word of God
The primary offensive weapon we have against the forces of darkness is the Word of God. Scripture describes the Word as "living and powerful" (Hebrews 4:12) and "the sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17). When we speak God's truth aloud, it dispels the darkness and stops the enemy in his tracks (Psalm 119:130). Satan must flee when confronted with the authority of Scripture (James 4:7).
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He responded to each temptation by quoting the Word of God (Matthew 4:1-11). There is power in verbally declaring specific Scriptures that counter the enemy's lies and deceptions (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Take up the sword of the Spirit!
6. Walk in Holiness and Obedience
1 Peter 5:8-9 exhorts us: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith." A key way we "resist the devil" is by rejecting his attempts to tempt us into sin and compromise. When we guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23), refuse to entertain sinful thoughts, and obey God wholeheartedly, it shuts doors to the enemy.
Ask the Holy Spirit daily to reveal any unrighteousness, and cleanse you completely through the blood of Christ (1 John 1:9). Fix your eyes firmly on Jesus, our perfect model of resisting every temptation (Hebrews 12:2). Scripture promises that if we resist the devil, he will eventually flee as his footholds are removed (James 4:7)! Walk in holiness and obedience to gain victory.
7. Run to Jesus, Your Strong Tower and Deliverer
If you ever feel weighed down, condemned, or defeated by spiritual attacks, run quickly to Jesus - He is your shelter and mighty deliverer (Psalm 61:3)! Come to the feet of your Shepherd - His presence brings healing and sets us free from every chain (Luke 4:18). Pour out your heart to Him as He lifts your burdens with His great love (1 Peter 5:7).
Jesus was wounded and crushed at the cross to break every curse and power of sin over us (Isaiah 53:5, Galatians 3:13). Bring your pain and wounds to Him - His grace is sufficient to heal and restore you completely (2 Corinthians 12:9). He lovingly bears our griefs and sorrows (Isaiah 53:4).
Call upon the name of Jesus in childlike faith when facing any spiritual assault (Luke 18:17). Take refuge in Him. He is the strong tower and hiding place for your soul (Psalm 61:3). He is ready and willing to deliver all who take refuge in Him (Psalm 91:14-15).
Victory is found only in Christ's truth and power (John 16:33). Stay near to Him always. Employ these methods we have covered. Jesus purchased your freedom - walk boldly in it by His Spirit today (Galatians 5:1)! The battle belongs to the Lord, and He has overcome (Exodus 14:14)! Hallelujah!
Pastor Tomlinson demonstrates principles in action by engaging volunteers:
In this powerful testimony, Sophie describes the torment and attacks she has suffered for months from demonic oppressors. She shares about a heavy spirit that puts immense pressure on her head and neck, causing weakness. Sophie also tells of demons sexually (Isaiah 34:14) assaulting her through demonic sexual attacks. They disrupt her sleep (Daniel 2:1) nightly as well, kicking and awakening her every few hours (Ephesians 6:12).
Pastor Timothy guides Sophie in a time of self-deliverance. He first asks if she can identify any open doorways that gave access to Satan. Sophie shares that the Holy Spirit revealed to her about a recent argument with her mother who doesn't believe in God (1 Corinthians 3:16). Pastor Timothy then leads her through Christian Inner Healing (Luke 4:18) and to repent for unforgiveness (Mark 11:2) and ask Jesus to close that enemy access (Matthew 6:14-15).
He instructs Sophie to call upon the authority of Jesus' name (Luke 10:17) over her life. Pastor Timothy prays for the Holy Spirit to reveal any ungodly ties, but Sophie hears nothing yet (John 16:13). As she persists in crying out to Jesus for help (Luke 18:1-8), the demons taunt her audaciously. Yet Sophie refuses to give up. Though complete freedom is not achieved in this first attempt (John 15:12-15), the Lord fills her heart with hope and encouragement to continue steadfastly in deliverance prayers (Galatians 6:9). Her testimony inspires all who hear it to persevere in inner healing until Jesus brings total restoration!
Carmen courageously volunteers next, transparently sharing about her husband's severe demonic oppression that has landed him in the hospital (Mark 5:2-5). Full of compassion, Pastor Timothy first guides Carmen through receiving her own inner healing for trauma from her husband's past domestic abuse.
He asks about a traumatic memory with her husband that needs Jesus' touch (Psalm 147:3). Carmen shares about a time right before her husband was arrested for domestic abuse, when he was beating her violently just minutes before the police arrived. Pastor Timothy gently leads her to forgive and release her husband into Jesus' hands (Matthew 6:14-15).
He instructs Carmen to call on the authority of Christ's name (Philippians 2:10), divide soul from spirit (Hebrews 4:12), and give this pain to Jesus (1 Peter 5:7). As Carmen asks the Lord to confirm His healing work (James 1:5), she senses His love wrapping around her like chains breaking off (Isaiah 61:1). Pastor Timothy affirms this beautiful glimpse of the Lord's comfort and restoration (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
With Carmen's own heart now open and receptive, Pastor Timothy equips her to stand in the gap for her husband through the courts of heaven prayers (Ezekiel 22:30). The Spirit impresses upon Carmen generational curses and wounds Jesus wants to heal in her husband (Exodus 34:7). After crying out for his freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17), Carmen exults as the Lord declares "not guilty" over her husband, signaling hope for deliverance ahead (Romans 8:1).
Two days later, we received an email praise report from Carmen sharing that after Pastor Timothy led her through the court of heaven prayers and saw a vision of shackles falling and an earthquake (Acts 16:26), her husband reported feeling much better! Praise the Lord!
Carmen's story beautifully demonstrates the power of first receiving inner healing for our own hearts before interceding for others' deliverance (Matthew 7:3-5). As we allow God's love to break our own chains, we become conduits through which His freedom can flow (John 7:38). Carmen's perseverance led to victory not only for herself, but now for her oppressed husband as well. All glory to Jesus!
40 Scriptures used in this blog with summaries using the New Living Translation (NLT)
1. Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) - "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." - Understanding the spiritual battle we face and the enemies we fight.
2. 1 John 1:9 (NLT) - "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness." - The promise of forgiveness and cleansing through repentance and confession.
3. Ephesians 4:27 (NLT) - "for anger gives a foothold to the devil." - The danger of holding onto anger and giving the enemy an opportunity to attack.
4. Matthew 15:19 (NLT) - "For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander." - The importance of dealing with even our inner thoughts and attitudes.
5. James 4:7 (NLT) - "So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." - The necessity of submitting to God and resisting the devil.
6. Romans 6:13 (NLT) - "Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God." - Surrendering our lives fully to God and living righteously.
7. Psalm 23:3 (NLT) - "He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name." - Following God's leading and walking in His paths.
8. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NLT) - "We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ." - Taking every thought captive and aligning it with Christ.
9. John 8:44 (NLT) - "For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies." - Recognizing the deception and lies of the enemy.
10. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (NLT) - "But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation." - Putting on the armor of faith, love, and the assurance of salvation.
11. Ephesians 6:15 (NLT) - "For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared." - Standing firm in the peace of the gospel.
12. Ephesians 6:16 (NLT) - "In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil." - Using faith as a shield against the enemy's attacks.
13. Ephesians 6:17 (NLT) - "Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." - Using the Word of God as our offensive weapon.
14. Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) - "For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." - The power and effectiveness of God's Word.
15. James 4:7 (NLT) - "So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." - Resisting the devil through humility and submission to God.
16. Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) - "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." - Protecting our hearts and thoughts from the enemy's influence.
17. Psalm 61:3 (NLT) - "For you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me." - Finding refuge and deliverance in God.
18. Luke 4:18 (NLT) - "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free." - The ministry of Jesus to bring freedom and deliverance.
19. Isaiah 53:5 (NLT) - "But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed." - The redemptive work of Jesus on the cross.
20. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT) - "Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." - Relying on God's grace and strength in our weakness.
21. John 16:13 (NLT) - "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future." - The role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and revealing truth.
22. Ezekiel 22:30 (NLT) - "I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn't have to destroy the land, but I found no one." - Interceding for others and standing in the gap.
23. Romans 8:1 (NLT) - "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." - The assurance of freedom from condemnation in Christ.
24. Exodus 14:14 (NLT) - "The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." - Trusting in God's ability to fight our battles.
25. Galatians 5:1 (NLT) - "So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." - Embracing the freedom Christ has given us.
26. John 7:38 (NLT) - "Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'" - Being a vessel of God's freedom to others.
27. Matthew 7:3-5 (NLT) - "And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, 'Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in
your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye." - Addressing our own issues before helping others.
28. Philippians 2:10 (NLT) - "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth." - The authority of Jesus' name.
29. Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) - "For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." - The power and effectiveness of God's Word.
30. John 10:17 (NLT) - "The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again." - The sacrificial love of Jesus.
31. Mark 5:2-5 (NLT) - "When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from a cemetery to meet him. This man lived among the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones." - A description of severe demonic oppression.
32. Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT) - "If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." - The importance of forgiveness in dealing with spiritual issues.
33. Luke 10:17 (NLT) - "When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, 'Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!'" - The authority of Jesus' name over demons.
34. Acts 16:26 (NLT) - "Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!" - The power of God to set people free.
35. Isaiah 61:1 (NLT) - "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed." - The mission of Jesus to bring freedom and healing.
36. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT) - "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." - The comfort of God in our own struggles and how we can comfort others.
37. Luke 18:1-8 (NLT) - "One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up." - The importance of persistent prayer.
38. 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NLT) - "Don't you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?" - The dwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers.
39. Psalm 91:14-15 (NLT) - "The Lord says, 'I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.'" - The promise of God's protection and presence.
40. Romans 8:1 (NLT) - "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." - The assurance of freedom from condemnation in Christ.