There is a rise in exorcisms (whether stage-managed or legitimate, is not our focus now) and other related cases in churches today. At any given time in the widely watched televised church services, there is a demon-possessed or oppressed man or woman who the man of God is handling. Mostly, they are being asked to do certain things to unlock their freedom and receive a miracle. The worst cases are when the men of God go ahead and ask for money as a ‘seed’ to unlock these supernatural breakthroughs. While we are not ignorant of the existence of Satan and his demons (Ephesians 2:1-3, Acts 26:18, 2 Corinthians 4:4), we must also be conscious of the work Jesus has done to bring freedom to the captives, especially against the work of Satan (John 14:30, Acts 10:38, 1 John 3:8, Hebrews 2:14-15, Colossians 1:13). Jesus has already finished this work. Christians, therefore, need to walk in the reality of this freedom daily. Scripture gives us some guidelines for fighting against the Devil’s ploys.
Submit Yourself To God
In God’s economy, submission and surrender are not signs of weakness but the cornerstone of our Christian journey, empowering us to win significant victories in our spiritual warfare. Jesus invites us to a place of submission and surrender (John 15:1-5), where we receive the life and power we need to bear fruit. Submission is not a demand from Jesus but a choice we make. James calls us to submit to God and place ourselves under his rule (James 4:7a). Have you submitted yourself to Christ in your personal life, attitudes, thoughts, character and other areas? Or are you still the king of your life? Our first weapon of fighting against the Devil is submission, and the most basic form of submission is seen in our repentance and turning to God in faith for salvation.
Resist the Devil
Secondly, we are empowered to resist the Devil in a submitted state. Many today are caught up in the drama of exorcism, with some pastors making the act of resisting the Devil into a circus for many come to watch on Sunday services. To resist is to stand against something or refuse the influence of external dangers affecting us (James 4:7b). James says that, as we are submitted, our resistance is effective because the Devil flees. Ephesians 6:12-18 gives us the armour of God that we need to put on to resist the Devil. This ‘armour’ includes truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God. Those who take the armour up daily will surely walk in victory when the Devil taunts them. For instance, when faced with deception, we will be well-armed with the truth. When tempted to be unkind, we can choose to show love because we know that is what God’s word instructs us to do.
Be Vigilant and Sober-minded
God’s word instructs us to be vigilant, sober-minded, and alert if we are to have victory against the Devil. In 1 Peter 5:8-9, Peter asks us to be watchful (awake and aware) because the Devil prowls around seeking whom to devour. Vigilance in our faith means being aware of the spiritual battles around us and being proactive in our defence. This involves staying connected to our faith community, regularly reading and meditating on the word of God, and being mindful of our thoughts and actions. Peter relates the Devil’s tactics to those of lions in the wild. When hunting, lions isolate and then capture their prey. In a wonderfully choreographed move, they choose prey that appears to be vulnerable (young, wounded, or even just stray prey), gang against it and make the kill. That is what the Devil does as well. He seeks saints who are isolated from the fellowship (no bible studies or accountability) and hatches up a plan to devour. Hence, be watchful and ensure that you are not isolated. Intentionally seek accountability and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25) lest you be found alone. Do not put down your guard. Always be ready to fight temptation and sinful tendencies. In 2 Timothy 2:22, Paul advised Timothy to flee youthful lusts. Fleeing is a big part of being vigilant and aware of the work of Satan around us. Be sober and watchful, and you will be victorious.
Soak in Scripture
When Jesus began public ministry after his baptism (Matthew 3:13-17), scripture says he was sent to the wilderness where the Devil would tempt him. Even in the wilderness, Jesus overcame every one of the temptations. In Matthew 4:1-11, we learn that for every temptation, Jesus began his response with the words: “It is written…”. Jesus used the truth of God’s word to wade off the temptations of the Devil (Hebrews 4:12). God’s word is not empty but endowed with the breath of God, which brings the dead to life. When temptation comes our way, we must remember the power found in God’s word. The Psalmist says that this word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105); therefore, we can make use of it in times of temptation. Thus, take time to read the word of God, letting it dwell in you richly (Colossians 3:16). Memorize this word of God and hide it in your heart (Psalm 119:9-11).
Watch and Pray
Finally, to fight and defend yourself from the Devil’s ploys, be prayerful and watchful. Jesus, in Matthew 26:4, told the disciples to watch and pray lest they fall into temptation. Jesus was going through a tough time again, dealing with the tempting voices of the Devil as he neared the crucifixion. That evening, he asked the Father to remove the cup from him because he felt the weight of the responsibility. To refuse to walk through the way of the cross would have failed the intended work of redemption. He was tempted to give up. However, he stayed obedient to the Father and focused on the primary goal. We, too, must learn to do the same–watch and pray lest we miss out on the big picture. Whenever we feel tempted to despair in whatever circumstance, we must stand firm and stay the course until we get to where God wants us to be.
The Devil will always throw hurdles our way, things that will cause us to reconsider our walk of faith. However, we must keep sober and alert, immerse ourselves in scripture, and pray for strength. Jesus assures us that the Devil shall flee when we submit to him. The words of this old hymn have never rang truer:
When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast.
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast.
