One reason why some believers struggle to withstand or overcome spiritual attacks is that they are accustomed to operating in the natural realm rather than in the spiritual realm. Yet 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 says, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
Additionally, Ephesians 6:12 states, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Therefore, believers must use spiritual weapons to (fight and) overcome spiritual battles.
The Bible provides believers with seven practical yet powerful tools to fight against Satan’s cunning craftiness, deceit, trickery, and targeted spiritual attacks, which would be next to impossible without employing these various weapons of assistance:
The Belt of Truth. This apparatus is specifically designed to help believers combat Satan’s lies. Believers employ this tool by trusting God’s Word and accepting it as factual, which will dismantle any satanic fabrications. For example, when Satan tells believers that they are not saved but destined for Hell, the Belt of Truth trusts passages like John 5:24, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.”
The Breastplate of Righteousness. This symbolic shield serves to remind believers of who they are in Christ, namely, of their positional righteousness before God through faith in Jesus Christ. This tool is designed to diffuse satanic assaults that try to diminish believers’ self-worth or inflate their egos by fortifying the fact that they have been clothed in God’s righteousness by faith. Romans 3:22 says, “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”
The Preparation of the Gospel of Peace. This figurative footwear provides believers with a sure footing and the stability needed to endure and overcome spiritual attacks by keeping the gospel of peace as their foundation for everything. These protective shoes also enable believers to respond calmly and peaceably in every situation, including Satanic attacks designed to evoke hostility, anger, or wrath within them. Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
The Shield of Faith. This defensive armor repels and neutralizes Satan’s fiery darts of fear, doubt, and ridicule. Believers must boldly take up the Shield of Faith in response to attacks aimed at weakening or undermining their faith, confidence, and trust in Jesus so they do not cower under the umbrella of worry, fright, and anxiety. Ephesians 6:16 says, “Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”
The Helmet of Salvation. This symbolic headgear protects believers’ minds against discouragement and hopelessness, and safeguards them against doubting their salvation. Believers employ this tool by continually trusting in the simplicity of the Gospel, walking confidently in the assurance of their salvation, and refusing to allow discouraging, depressing, or negative thoughts to cast doubt on all they possess in Christ. Romans 8:5-6 says, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
The Sword of the Spirit. This spiritual weapon is the Bible itself, a powerful tool of warfare in the spiritual realm. The Bible is described as a sword because swords were the most advanced, effective, and efficient weapons for inflicting injury or death on an enemy during the Bible era. The same is true for the Word of God because it dismembers satanic strategies and defuses demonic attacks and deceptions with the truth. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Prayer. This powerful weapon of warfare is often underestimated or underutilized, yet it is essential for fighting and overcoming spiritual battles. Believers employ this tool by relying on Jesus and His power to overcome, rather than trying to fight in their own strength. Through prayer, believers access Jesus’ strength, power, presence, assistance, deliverance, and wisdom to defeat the enemy, for Ephesians 6:10 teaches, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might,” and James 5:16 declares, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
I hope this information has been helpful and equips you to wage war effectively against demonic attacks. If you would like a free written or audio copy of my Bible study, “Overcoming Spiritual Attacks,” email requests@scripturesubjects.net with your request.
