OUR WORLDLY STRUGGLES
By W. G. Guy
Every day each one of us face a struggle of some sort as we live out our lives on this earth. What most of us fail to recognize is the source and cause of these struggles.
Ephesians 6:12 – For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
As we go through these daily struggles we assume that these are naturally occurring conflicts on the human level. Thus we try to endure and resist with our natural mind and ability, failing to recognize that our opposition is in the supernatural and spiritual realm. In so doing we find great difficulty in overcoming the opposition and fall short of the victory in each circumstance. The reason for this failure is the lack of the proper defense that God has provided to us to gain the victory.
Thus these are covert forces that are fighting against us in defiance of God and His Word. They are designed by the enemy to subvert, pervert or destroy us. God’s Word tells us what the opposition really is, as well as the source.
John 10:10a – The thief (Satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:
Satan works to destroy or pervert what God made, particularly what is made in the image and likeness of God – mankind. Remember, Jesus came to bring redemption and to destroy the efforts and works of the devil:
1 John 3:8 – He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
We need to understand, that in our struggles, we are fighting forces that we neither see, nor recognize, nor understand. These forces are horribly vile and evil. We actually struggle against Satan, the god of this world, and his servants:
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 – But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Satan also employs his servants who are listed in Ephesians 6:12 above:
Principalities – demonic and angelic influencers and promoters of evil and wickedness:
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 – And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Powers – forces that possess supernatural abilities to oppress and corrupt when yielded to:
Romans 6:16 – Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye
obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Rulers of the darkness of this world – servants of Satan that govern the occult, and the dark sciences (magic) and arts as in:
Exodus 7:11-12 – Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents:
Spiritual wickedness in high places – working depravity in and among mankind; referred to as the prince of the power of the air:
Ephesians 2:2 – wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.
Children of disobedience refers to those who are not believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and whose own lustful desires the evil spirits easily manipulate to the destructive bidding of Satan – (as referenced in Romans 6:16 above).
God knows that we believers are engaged in a spiritual warfare, and as such, He has given us exactly what we need to overcome the enemy’s tactics.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
As revealed in this passage, most of our conflicts begin in the mind. This is where most temptations are targeted and it is where decisions are made whether to act or reject those lustful temptations. God’s Word advises us to modify our way of thinking so as to live in a way that is acceptable to God.
Romans 12:1-2 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Our spiritual battles are not fought in the physical realm but in the spiritual realm that we are not able to physically observe. We are given both defensive armor as well as a powerful offensive weapon. However we must learn how to use what God has provided – which most Christian fail to do. Why – because most Christians don’t even recognize that we are engaged in a spiritual warfare; as a result they don’t know how or when to fight, nor are taught how to!
Ephesians 6:10-11, 13 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ….. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Note that we are instructed to “withstand” in the evil day; “evil day” refers to calamity or days of trials. “TO STAND” means to not yield ground, or anything that God has given you. God has provided all the defensive armor needed to defeat any and all assaults that Satan and his forces attack you with. Thus it is vital that we know what our defensive armor is and how to use it.
Ephesians 6:14-17a – Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation,
This divine armor covers our loins, our torso, our feet/legs, our body and limbs, and our head. Each piece of this spiritual armor is an application of the Word of God – “IT IS WRITTEN”, as used by Jesus.
LOINS – represent that part of the body that has the ability to reproduce. We as the Body of Christ are instructed to bring forth “fruit”; this means we are to reproduce ourselves in the image of Christ and bring forth more believers. This portion of our body is protected with TRUTH. Jesus is TRUTH and His Word is TRUTH which reproduces new believers setting aside the lies of the devil – who is a liar and the father of liars.
John 14:6 – Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 17:17 – Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
This is what Jesus said of the devil to unbelievers who are beguiled by the evil forces and fulfill Satan’s evil and corrupt plans:
John 8:44 – Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
BREASTPLATE of Righteousness – The breastplate covers the heart where faith, belief and love are rooted. Faith (belief) and love must be protected and preserved.
Romans 3:22a – even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:
Romans 10:10 – For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:4a & 7 – but in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, ….. by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
Ephesians 3:17 – …that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, …..
Romans 5:5 – and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
YOUR FEET SHOD with Gospel of Peace – Feet and legs represent mobility, the ability to carry forth the gospel into all the world. This ability needs to be protected so that the gospel can go into all the world before the end comes.
Romans 10:13-15 – For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
SHIELD OF FAITH – wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Notice regarding the “shield of faith” it says “ABOVE ALL” which means this is so important because faith is the main target in believers that Satan and his forces always attack. A shield can be manipulated and moved about to cover any incoming device that the enemy sends your way. Consider the devil’s first attack on mankind in the garden to challenge God that began with, “hath God said”; aimed to question God and disbelieve Him.
Genesis 3:1 – Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
Faith needs to be unshakable, founded firmly on the Word and promises of God because the devil will create challenges to God’s Word.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
Romans 1:17 – For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Faith and trust is essential in the life of a Christian; and your faith will be challenged, repeatedly.
1 Peter 1:5-7 – who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Faith must be built up, strengthened and maintained because it is a shield against the temptations and trials that the devil throws against every believer.
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 – And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Faith in God/Christ and His Word your shield and sustains you in this corrupt world.
HELMET OF SALVATION – the helmet protects the head, the seat of knowledge and decision making. Knowing who you are in Christ as a child of God, and knowing God’s Word, His love and care for you, is essential to resist the wiles of the devil. What God provided through Christ must be known and held to.
One of Satan’s main attacks against knowledge is that healing is not for today; that there is no such things as demons; and the introduction of false and abominable doctrines that are totally contrary to God and His Word. Knowledge of God’s Word must be increased and held onto; this is where too many Christians fail.
2 Peter 3:18 – But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Our final piece of armor is both defensive as well as offensive.
Ephesians 6:17b – and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
SWORD OF THE SPIRIT – which is THE WORD OF GOD, properly used and applied to your situation. This is why we must have knowledge of God’s Word to enable us to apply His Word as a sword against the enemy. Jesus demonstrated for us how to effectively use the Word of God as a Sword when the devil attacked Him with severe temptation and affliction.
Matthew 4:1-10 – Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Jesus quoted the Word of God, as written in the Bible. The devil had no defense against the written Word because it is the power and authority of God. Satan tried to use the Word against Jesus, but he has no authority to use it. Note also that each temptation of Jesus was the same three temptations that the devil used on Eve in the Garden: the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life; also known as I want, I will, and I am. The devil seeks to influence and control the things of the flesh, the carnal nature, with the things of this vile world.
1 John 2:15-16 – Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
The Sword of the Spirit, (the Word of God), is also used as an offensive weapon to drive out evil spirits and all of the oppressions of the devil. Again, it is in knowing the Word of God to use, when to use it, and how to use it.
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Also, quoting from the Word of God, we are given the authority to use the name that is above all names. All the power and ability of Satan and his forces is subject to Jesus and the power of His name that He freely gives to us believers to use on His behalf, and on behalf of those we minister to.
Matthew 28:18 – And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mark 16:15-18 –And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Our worldly struggles are to be dealt with in the spiritual and supernatural realm which has control over our worldly terms. Then we will have the victory in Jesus Christ as we walk in the things of the Spirit.
Romans 8:1, 4-5 – There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. ....That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Our Heavenly Father has provided for us, through Jesus Christ, to be “more than conquers”, and to be “overcomers” of the struggles of this world.
By W. G. Guy
Every day each one of us face a struggle of some sort as we live out our lives on this earth. What most of us fail to recognize is the source and cause of these struggles.
Ephesians 6:12 – For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
As we go through these daily struggles we assume that these are naturally occurring conflicts on the human level. Thus we try to endure and resist with our natural mind and ability, failing to recognize that our opposition is in the supernatural and spiritual realm. In so doing we find great difficulty in overcoming the opposition and fall short of the victory in each circumstance. The reason for this failure is the lack of the proper defense that God has provided to us to gain the victory.
Thus these are covert forces that are fighting against us in defiance of God and His Word. They are designed by the enemy to subvert, pervert or destroy us. God’s Word tells us what the opposition really is, as well as the source.
John 10:10a – The thief (Satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:
Satan works to destroy or pervert what God made, particularly what is made in the image and likeness of God – mankind. Remember, Jesus came to bring redemption and to destroy the efforts and works of the devil:
1 John 3:8 – He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
We need to understand, that in our struggles, we are fighting forces that we neither see, nor recognize, nor understand. These forces are horribly vile and evil. We actually struggle against Satan, the god of this world, and his servants:
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 – But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Satan also employs his servants who are listed in Ephesians 6:12 above:
Principalities – demonic and angelic influencers and promoters of evil and wickedness:
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 – And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Powers – forces that possess supernatural abilities to oppress and corrupt when yielded to:
Romans 6:16 – Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye
obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Rulers of the darkness of this world – servants of Satan that govern the occult, and the dark sciences (magic) and arts as in:
Exodus 7:11-12 – Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents:
Spiritual wickedness in high places – working depravity in and among mankind; referred to as the prince of the power of the air:
Ephesians 2:2 – wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.
Children of disobedience refers to those who are not believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and whose own lustful desires the evil spirits easily manipulate to the destructive bidding of Satan – (as referenced in Romans 6:16 above).
God knows that we believers are engaged in a spiritual warfare, and as such, He has given us exactly what we need to overcome the enemy’s tactics.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
As revealed in this passage, most of our conflicts begin in the mind. This is where most temptations are targeted and it is where decisions are made whether to act or reject those lustful temptations. God’s Word advises us to modify our way of thinking so as to live in a way that is acceptable to God.
Romans 12:1-2 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Our spiritual battles are not fought in the physical realm but in the spiritual realm that we are not able to physically observe. We are given both defensive armor as well as a powerful offensive weapon. However we must learn how to use what God has provided – which most Christian fail to do. Why – because most Christians don’t even recognize that we are engaged in a spiritual warfare; as a result they don’t know how or when to fight, nor are taught how to!
Ephesians 6:10-11, 13 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ….. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Note that we are instructed to “withstand” in the evil day; “evil day” refers to calamity or days of trials. “TO STAND” means to not yield ground, or anything that God has given you. God has provided all the defensive armor needed to defeat any and all assaults that Satan and his forces attack you with. Thus it is vital that we know what our defensive armor is and how to use it.
Ephesians 6:14-17a – Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation,
This divine armor covers our loins, our torso, our feet/legs, our body and limbs, and our head. Each piece of this spiritual armor is an application of the Word of God – “IT IS WRITTEN”, as used by Jesus.
LOINS – represent that part of the body that has the ability to reproduce. We as the Body of Christ are instructed to bring forth “fruit”; this means we are to reproduce ourselves in the image of Christ and bring forth more believers. This portion of our body is protected with TRUTH. Jesus is TRUTH and His Word is TRUTH which reproduces new believers setting aside the lies of the devil – who is a liar and the father of liars.
John 14:6 – Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 17:17 – Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
This is what Jesus said of the devil to unbelievers who are beguiled by the evil forces and fulfill Satan’s evil and corrupt plans:
John 8:44 – Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
BREASTPLATE of Righteousness – The breastplate covers the heart where faith, belief and love are rooted. Faith (belief) and love must be protected and preserved.
Romans 3:22a – even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe:
Romans 10:10 – For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:4a & 7 – but in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, ….. by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
Ephesians 3:17 – …that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, …..
Romans 5:5 – and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
YOUR FEET SHOD with Gospel of Peace – Feet and legs represent mobility, the ability to carry forth the gospel into all the world. This ability needs to be protected so that the gospel can go into all the world before the end comes.
Romans 10:13-15 – For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
SHIELD OF FAITH – wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Notice regarding the “shield of faith” it says “ABOVE ALL” which means this is so important because faith is the main target in believers that Satan and his forces always attack. A shield can be manipulated and moved about to cover any incoming device that the enemy sends your way. Consider the devil’s first attack on mankind in the garden to challenge God that began with, “hath God said”; aimed to question God and disbelieve Him.
Genesis 3:1 – Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
Faith needs to be unshakable, founded firmly on the Word and promises of God because the devil will create challenges to God’s Word.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
Romans 1:17 – For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Faith and trust is essential in the life of a Christian; and your faith will be challenged, repeatedly.
1 Peter 1:5-7 – who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Faith must be built up, strengthened and maintained because it is a shield against the temptations and trials that the devil throws against every believer.
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 – And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Faith in God/Christ and His Word your shield and sustains you in this corrupt world.
HELMET OF SALVATION – the helmet protects the head, the seat of knowledge and decision making. Knowing who you are in Christ as a child of God, and knowing God’s Word, His love and care for you, is essential to resist the wiles of the devil. What God provided through Christ must be known and held to.
One of Satan’s main attacks against knowledge is that healing is not for today; that there is no such things as demons; and the introduction of false and abominable doctrines that are totally contrary to God and His Word. Knowledge of God’s Word must be increased and held onto; this is where too many Christians fail.
2 Peter 3:18 – But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Our final piece of armor is both defensive as well as offensive.
Ephesians 6:17b – and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
SWORD OF THE SPIRIT – which is THE WORD OF GOD, properly used and applied to your situation. This is why we must have knowledge of God’s Word to enable us to apply His Word as a sword against the enemy. Jesus demonstrated for us how to effectively use the Word of God as a Sword when the devil attacked Him with severe temptation and affliction.
Matthew 4:1-10 – Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Jesus quoted the Word of God, as written in the Bible. The devil had no defense against the written Word because it is the power and authority of God. Satan tried to use the Word against Jesus, but he has no authority to use it. Note also that each temptation of Jesus was the same three temptations that the devil used on Eve in the Garden: the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life; also known as I want, I will, and I am. The devil seeks to influence and control the things of the flesh, the carnal nature, with the things of this vile world.
1 John 2:15-16 – Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
The Sword of the Spirit, (the Word of God), is also used as an offensive weapon to drive out evil spirits and all of the oppressions of the devil. Again, it is in knowing the Word of God to use, when to use it, and how to use it.
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Also, quoting from the Word of God, we are given the authority to use the name that is above all names. All the power and ability of Satan and his forces is subject to Jesus and the power of His name that He freely gives to us believers to use on His behalf, and on behalf of those we minister to.
Matthew 28:18 – And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mark 16:15-18 –And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Our worldly struggles are to be dealt with in the spiritual and supernatural realm which has control over our worldly terms. Then we will have the victory in Jesus Christ as we walk in the things of the Spirit.
Romans 8:1, 4-5 – There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. ....That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Our Heavenly Father has provided for us, through Jesus Christ, to be “more than conquers”, and to be “overcomers” of the struggles of this world.
