Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual warfare involves dealing with demons and our fleshly desires. We will look at what the devil and demons do in the next few posts. We will see what they are and how they operate in our lives. We need to understand that the devil uses the human's fleshly desires against them, also known as sinful desires, to master humans. We must learn how to master our flesh so the demons can't have power over us. We see in scripture how God talks to Cain about this situation.

Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.”
Genesis 4:6-7 NASB® 1995

Strong’s Lexicon: The Hebrew word “master” is māšal 4910 which means to rule, have dominion, to govern, reign.

We see similar communication when Jesus speaks to the churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. He tells them they must overcome. The word overcome is very similar in meaning to master in Genesis.

But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place⁠—unless you repent. Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.’
Revelation 2:4-7 NASB® 1995

Strong’s Lexicon: The Greek word “overcomes” is nikaōit 3528 and it means To conquer, to overcome, to prevail, to gain victory
HELPS Word-studies: 3528 nikáō ( from 3529 /níkē, "victory") – properly, conquer (overcome); " 'to carry off the victory, come off victorious.' The verb implies a battle" (K. Wuest).

Along with the understanding that we must master/overcome sin in our lives, we must know who our enemies are and how to deal with them. We see in Ephesians how to deal with the rulers, powers, world forces of this darkness, and spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
Ephesians 6:10-18 NASB® 1995

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16-25 NASB® 1995

We must learn to walk in the Spirit so we don't live in the flesh. Living in our flesh gives authority to the devil in our lives. Ephesians tells us we must put on the armor of God. It is how we live our lives; it is not something you take on and off. Even though Paul compares it to armor, Paul never intended people to think it is like clothing to take on and off. You never step out of truth, righteousness, or the gospel of peace, or stop living in faith. Now we will look at the enemies we are dealing with and how they operate.

The thought of the devil and demons is terrifying to some people, but the way God has shown me to talk about them is to explain that they are simply creatures. These rebellious creatures are called the devil, demons, and unclean spirits. We see other names like Lucifer, dragon, serpent, and beast. These are all spiritual creatures that are our enemies.

Strong’s Lexicon: The word “devil” in Greek is diabolos 1228 which means slanderous, accusing falsely. Devil, accuser, slanderer; (adj. used often as a noun), slanderous; with the article: the Slanderer (par excellence), the Devil. It is an adjective that describes a person, place, or thing.
HELPS Word-studies: 1228 diábolos (from 1225 /diabállō, "to slander, accuse, defame") – properly, a slanderer; a false accuser; unjustly criticizing to hurt (malign) and condemn to sever a relationship.
[1228 (diábolos) is the root of the English word, "Devil"
1228 (diabolos) in secular Greek means "backbiter," i.e. an accuser, calumniator (slanderer). 1228 (diábolos) is literally someone who "casts through," i.e. making charges that bring down (destroy). Satan is used by God in this plan – as a predictable wind-up toy, playing out his evil nature.]

Strong’s Lexicon This word, diábolos, is from 1225/diabállō which means to slander, accuse, bring charges against (usually with hostile intent)
HELPS Word-studies: 1225 diabállō – properly, "to throw across (back and forth), "either with rocks or words (with slander, gossip, used only in Lk 16:1). The word implies malice even if the thing said is true. 1228 /diábolos ('slanderer') is this same root and it is used even of women, 'she-devils' (1 Tim 3:11)"

The devil is trying to accuse, slander, and bring charges against people. This description of the devil tells us that God uses Satan. The way God uses Satan is for the testing process. This testing is to see what we are made of. God uses Satan for His children's refining process. God allows satan and demons to test and tempt us to see if we will cling to the truth or take their lies. This is why we never step out of the truth, walk away from righteousness, stop preaching and living in the gospel of peace, or stop living in faith. We can see how the devil is used for testing in Matthew 4, Luke 22:31-32, and 1 Peter 5:6-10.

Strong’s Lexicon: The word “demon” is the Greek word daimonion 1140 which means an evil spirit, a demon
HELPS Word-studies: 1140 daimónion (a neuter, diminutive noun) – a demon, i.e. fallen angel. 1140 (daimónion) always refers to demons in the NT – the only exception being Ac 17:18 (which refers to heathen gods). See 1139 (diamonizomai).
[1140 /daimónion ("demon"), the diminutive form of 1142 /daímōn ("demon"), conveys how utterly powerless demons (fallen angels) are against Christ (His plan). 1140 (daimonion) is used frequently (over sixty times ) as compared to the rare 1142 (daímōn).]

Strong’s Lexicon: 1139 diamonizomai means “demon-possessed”; to be possessed by a demon (See Matthew 8:16)
HELPS Word-studies: 1139 daimonízomai (from 1142 /daímōn) – properly, demonized, i.e. coming under the power of a demon (fallen angel).

Strong’s Lexicon: 1142 daímōn means a “demon”
HELPS Word-studies: 1142 daímōn (a feminine noun) – a demon, i.e. a fallen angel. See 1139 /diamonizomai ("demonized") and 1140 /daimónion ("little demon").

In Matthew 10:1 Jesus gives His disciples power over unclean spirits.

Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.
Matthew 10:1 NASB® 1995

Strong’s Lexicon: “Unclean” is the Greek word akathartos 169 which means unclean, impure.
HELPS Word-studies: 169 akáthartos (an adjective, derived from 1 /A "not" and 2513 /katharós, "clean, purged") – properly, not pure (because mixed), i.e. adulterated with "a wrong mix" and hence "unclean" (because tainted by sin).

Topical Lexicon Usage: The term "akathartos" 169 is used in the New Testament to describe that which is ritually or morally unclean. It often refers to impure spirits or demons, as well as to things that are ceremonially unclean according to Jewish law. The word conveys a sense of defilement and separation from what is holy or pure.

Strong’s Lexicon: The word “spirits” is the Greek word pneuma 4151 which means spirit, wind, or breath

These creatures talk to humans to influence them to sin. We see this clearly in the garden with Eve (Genesis 3), with King Ahab (1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 18), and Jesus in Matthew 4 are some examples. If they can get humans to agree with them and consume their bait, then they can get humans to sin against God. Their bait is the lie they tell humans. They usually mix a lot of truth with a lie to get the person to take it in, even if it is not truth, it may sound like truth to the human.

Example: A person may feel they are worthless, and in their mind, they are because they have failed or have been failing in an area of their lives. So the demon tells the person they might as well die because they are a failure. Many times, people get persuaded to commit suicide for reasons like this. Another example is in marriages. A demon will feed people some truth like you shouldn't be treated this way or that way. Then they will feed you lies like you should get divorced. Part of the message may be true, but it doesn't mean the person is to get a divorce.

If you read the situation with Eve and King Ahab, you will see that it was their lustful desires that led them into sin. The devil and a lying spirit spoke to them. These creatures fed them what they wanted, and they acted out on their lustful desires. The difference between Jesus and them was what was in their hearts. Jesus only wanted to do the will of the Father, and because of this, He didn't have lustful desires to act on (John 6:38). He chose to do things the Father's way. This kept Him from sin. We must learn to follow His example so that when we are tested and tempted, we choose the Father's way of doing things so we don't sin against the Father.

When we submit to demons, we put ourselves under their authority. James 4 tells us how to resist the devil.

You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
James 4:4-10 NASB® 1995

We need to understand that if we submit to the devil's ways and thinking, then God considers us adulterous, but if we submit to God's way of thinking and doing things, then we are resisting the devil's ways and thinking, and he will flee from us. This is how we overcome. James also tells us that when we are in various trials and don't know what to do, we need to ask for wisdom from God.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:2-5 NASB® 1995

We also need to understand that the sin we have done or currently do is not God's fault or the devil's fault. The Holy Spirit may lead us into the wilderness like Jesus was led into the wilderness, and the devil and demons may present opportunities to sin. Still, the desire for that sin comes from within the human because of lustful desires. In the end, we still choose whether or not we will sin.

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
James 1:12-15 NASB® 1995

We need to understand God will always give us a way of escape if we ask Him. When He gives us the answer and direction we need, we must be obedient to His instructions.

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB® 1995

Personal Testimony:

When I was younger, I practiced gossiping and slandering people to make myself feel better and to complain about my situation. I would do this with my boss and co-workers. I would practice these sins and walk away feeling sick at myself for what I had just done. One day, I asked God for help. I heard, Go, tell your boss you gossiped and lied. I was terrified to tell her that, so I ignored that direction. A few days later, I did it again and felt terrible again, so I asked God to forgive me and ask for help. He told me the same thing. I was horrified once again and didn't want to do that. So once again, I ignored the directions. Then I did it again. This time, when I heard to go, tell your boss that you gossiped and lied, I went back and told her. I was so sick of being sick from the sin that it was worth telling her no matter what she said. After I told her, I had such peace in my soul. After experiencing so much peace, I started practicing confessing the sin I had committed. It was so embarrassing, though, that I started begging God to convict me before I even spoke the words out of my mouth. As I did, He would show me to stop talking in the middle of a sentence so I would stop talking and either correct the speech in the moment or change the direction of the conversation. By doing this, I was set free from gossip, from sin mastering me and from lying I was set free from sin having control over me. I was starting to have control over my mouth. I was learning to put a bit in my mouth. I was praising God for this because I had never had complete control over my speech. The Holy Spirit was teaching me to master sin in my life.

After we understand we must stop practicing sin and practice righteousness then we are no longer under the control and power of demons. We are abiding by the authority of God over our lives. Then we have authority over demons. Jesus tells us what happens if we don't practice righteousness. This next section of scripture shows us two different kingdoms and how they work.

And He was casting out a demon, and it was mute; when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.” Others, to test Him, were demanding of Him a sign from heaven. But He knew their thoughts and said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house divided against itself falls. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. And if I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? So they will be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed. But when someone stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied and distributes his plunder. He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters. “When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order. Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.” While Jesus was saying these things, one of the women in the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts at which You nursed.” But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”
Luke 11:14-28 NASB® 1995

We see from Luke 11 that a demon's home is the person. A person who removes all the demons out of their life must learn to be obedient to God, or the demons will come back in. Jesus tells us in John 14 who God will make His home inside of.

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me. “These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.
John 14:23-26 NASB® 1995

As we learn to abide in Him, we will learn the authority Jesus has given us over demons. We as disciples will learn how to go out into all the world and deal with demons the same way Jesus dealt with demons. Jesus did not cast demons out of every person. He had the Father's mind in every situation in the same way we need to have the Father's mind in every situation. Jesus was not fearful of demons, and often we see Jesus telling demons to be silent.

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
John 14:12-15 NASB® 1995

References:

Strong’s Lexicon: BibleHub.com
Topical Lexicon: BibleHub.com

1 Heart 1 MindMay 15, 2025