Overcoming Opposition to the Gospel.
“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.” Ephesians 6:12
Spiritual battles are not fought with human strength but through prayer in Jesus’ name.
Believers worldwide face opposition from unseen evil forces, but God equips us to stand firm.
- God created Satan originally as an exalted angel. (Ezekiel 28:14, Luke 10:18)
- Other names for Satan:
- “the devil,” meaning “slanderer” or “false accuser”;
- “tempter” (1 Thessalonians 3:5);
- “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31);
- “The god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4);
- “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2);
- “dragon” (Revelation 12:4);
- “the accuser of our brethren” (Revelation 12:10).
- Satan fell through pride. (Isaiah 14:12-15)
- Satan led a revolt in heaven; one-third of the angels were cast out. (Revelation 12:3–9)
- Satan uses these fallen angels/demons to exercise evil power. (Revelation 12:7; Matthew 12:28-29)
- Human pride imitates Satan to seize God’s position in our lives. (Genesis 3:4-6)
- Hell was created for Satan. (Matthew 25:41)
“The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8-9
Jesus’ prayer of submission, “not My will, but Yours be done,” His crucifixion, and resurrection brought rescue to the world. (Luke 22:42-44)
Our prayers are powerful when they align with God’s will. (1 John 5:14-15)
- Demons flee.
- Barren landscapes become fertile for God’s Word.
- Workers follow to plant, cultivate, and disciple the Gospel harvest. (Mark 9:36-38)
- Small groups and churches are planted and multiplied.
- Evil is stronger than us, but God’s power through prayer is greater.
- Through Jesus’ resurrection, believers have access to God’s power.
- Prayer is our weapon to overcome evil in any context.
- As we follow Jesus’ submission to the Father, we too can overcome satanic forces.
- Read Ephesians 6:10-12,18 as God’s great strategy for overcoming satanic forces. Discuss evil conditions in the world that indicate satanic activity.
- Not all struggles come from Satan—some result from personal sin or the world’s brokenness (Isaiah 24:5-6). Pray for discernment in your life.
In what ways have you experienced the interference of evil in your personal life, your family, your work, or ministry recently?
Write these down and pray that God will supply whatever is needed to overcome these issues.