Jesus engages in spiritual warfare as He goes about His ministry to free people from the clutches of the demonic. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus encounters the minions of satan who work to destroy humankind. Scripture gives us insight into this battle.Mark 1:38 But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” 39 So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons. [1]
Jesus has complete power over the powers of darkness cast out when they encounter Him. Demons dwell in people because they want to use and control that person to further the kingdom of darkness.
How Can I Fight This Spiritual Battle?
Ephesians 6:12, “12 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. [2]
God Wants You to Know Our Enemy is Real
1 Peter 5:8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. [3] The more impact you have building up the Kingdom of God, the more the enemy wants to attack you.
Remember Your Authority in Jesus
Most believers in Jesus don’t realize the authority He has given them. Mark 16:17These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages.[4] There is a great authority in the name of Jesus.
Put on the Full Armor of GodÂ
Ephesians 6:11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.[5] Paul says we need to dress for battle just like the Roman soldiers.
Use the Weapons the Lord Gives You
The battlefield of spiritual warfare is primarily in your thought life. 2 Corinthians 10:4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.[6] Although the enemy seems strong, when Jesus lives in your heart, you have great strength to overcome the enemy. Look to Jesus for His help to overcome the enemy.
To hear how Jesus engages in spiritual warfare, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/mark-preaching-and-healing
[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.