A:When it comes to spiritual realm, spirits and demons...
1. The Bible says we are at war.
Ephesians 6:12 describes who this war is against. God tells us,
"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."
Matthew 4:1-11 also shows the reality of "Spiritual Warfare." In fact, the temptations of Jesus Christ show us that God has not promised us a life "free of spiritual opposition." In fact, we can expect the exact opposite! It was true for Jesus, it is true for us – we are at war!
2. While "Spiritual War" is a reality -- when it comes to God and the devil – it is not a fight among equals.
- The devil lost when he was cast from heaven by God. (Revelation 12:7-9)
- The devil lost during the ministry of Jesus, where he continually submitted to Jesus' Power and Authority. (Matthew 8:16)
- The devil lost when Jesus would not fall into temptation. (Matthew 4:10-11a)
- The devil even lost at the cross! Colossians 2:15 says, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."
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- Not only has the devil lost, the Bible says that at the second coming of Jesus Christ, the devil will face a final judgment for all eternity.
1 John 3:8b summarizes it best. It says,
"The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work."
To your question, "What is the best course of action if we feel like we are being attacked spiritually?" 3 Things:
1. Realize that the battle is not yours to win.
This truth reminds me of another "Historic War", the battle between David and Goliath.
Goliath was a powerful foe! David, on the other hand, was a young shepherd boy. On his own, David had no chance against this proven destroyer! David, however, did not wage war against Goliath in his own strength! God tells us in 1 Samuel 17:45-46a; 47-50:
David said to the Philistine, "
You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty,
the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day
the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down... 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."
As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand, he struck down the Philistine and killed him.
When I read of this historic war, I ask myself, what caused this shepherd boy to run toward this menacing adversary? David knew he did not run alone! It was not David's battle to win – the Lord Almighty would conquer!
Like Goliath, the devil is powerful! On our own, we are outmatched. But – we are not on our own! As with David, our confidence is in the Lord Almighty - the same God who proved victorious over Goliath, conquered the devil at the cross, and stands ready to conquer today! With David we can run quickly to the battle line knowing that God runs before us!
Ephesians 6:10 encourages us,
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."
2. The best course of action when being attacked spiritually is to use the armor God has given you. Ephesians 6: 13 says,
"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."
What is this armor God has given?
- The belt of truth
- The breastplate of righteousness
- Our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace
- The shield of faith
- The helmet of salvation
- The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
What a loving God we have! God goes before us in battle. He then gives us Heavenly armor to use!
When you feel as though you are under spiritual attack -- hold firm to your faith in Jesus Christ! The Bible says your faith is your
"shield of protection" to
"extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."
God has also given us a "Weapon for War" – The Bible. As we see in the temptations in the wilderness – Jesus quoted the Bible to silence the enemy. In the same way we are to "Wield the Word of God" when in War.
This enforces the importance of weekend worship, personal Bible study, group study, and adult Bible class. If the Bible is our weapon, we need to be growing in our ability to use it.
3. The best course of action when being attacked spiritually is prayer.
When teaching on prayer, among other things, Jesus tells us that we should pray that we are not "led into temptation" but "delivered from evil."
The encouragement to pray is to remind us that the power for "Spiritual Warfare" is not inherent in us. We need to pray for God's Power to work in us, and through us.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 reassures us that this prayer will be answered. It says,
"But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one."
What about when we fall into temptation? Thankfully, forgiveness through Jesus Christ is always available. The Bible tells us that Jesus was tempted in every way "yet without sin" so that he could be a perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people. Because of Jesus' death and resurrection, there is help when we fall. The "powerful pull of Christ" can always pull us past whatever temptation we face. The "powerful pull of Christ" can pick us up when we fall.
The Lord who delivered David from the hand of Goliath, the Lord who delivered you and me from sin and death at the cross, wants to deliver us from every attack of the enemy this day and always.