All of us want to be free. There are three main reasons that we get stuck or bound. First, what we did to ourselves. Choices have consequences. Second, we are often bound by what others did to us. We had no choice in what happened, but the wounds, bitterness, and unforgiveness that we are left with hinder the flow of God’s Spirit in our lives. Finally, we are often bound because of what the enemy has done to us. God has a plan for us, but the devil does too! Today we will look at the Enemy of Freedom.
You Are at War
Not every problem is caused by the devil, but it is often more spiritual than you think! We need to fight the real enemy. Ephesians 6 tells us our struggle is not against flesh and blood. The devil is real. He is not a caricature in a red suit with a pitchfork! 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.” Your adversary wants to rip you, your marriage, your home, the church, the nation apart. United we stand. Divided we fall. The devil is the accuser (Rev. 12). He is a liar and the father of all lies (Jn. 8) and false accusations.
You Have Weapons
2 Corinthians 10:4 says, “…the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds.” 1 John 4:4 says, “…the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” It is not about us being great, but the One who is in us is great! Here are three weapons to fight with:
The Name of Jesus – There is power in the name of Jesus. His name is the highest name (Phil. 2:9). Luke 10:17 says, “The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’” Jesus has given us His name to use! When you are under attack, speak the name of Jesus.
The Word of God – In Matthew 4 and Luke 4, Jesus overcame the temptation of the devil by saying, “it is written.” For every problem there is a promise. Find a verse and find the victory!
The Blood of Calvary – Revelation 12:11 says, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb….” Our lifestyle should be one in which we commune with God and confront the enemy daily. Plead the blood of Jesus over your calendar, your work, your family, etc. Sing songs about the blood and name of Jesus.
You Can Win
Romans 16:20 says, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” The war you must win is the war within. James 4:7-8 says, “Therefore, submit 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, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” Order is important. Submit to God before you try to fight the devil. You are no match for Satan, but he is no match for God!
Daily Surrender to God – Any area of your life that is not surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus is open to demonic activity. There is a King and He is not you. The way you build the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of You is the same… by doing good. What is your motive? Surrender your plans, agenda, will, and desires saying, “Not my will but your will.”
Daily Close the Door – Stop flirting with things you should be fleeing! Ephesians 5:11 says, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” As an example, Ephesians 4:26 warns against being angry. Verse 27 says, “and don’t give the devil an opportunity.” It means a foothold can become a stronghold. You cannot play with fire without being burned. Don’t even crack the door open to the enemy.
Daily Resist the Devil – Repent, rejoice, and rebuke throughout your day. Remember, it is a lifestyle.Commune with God & confront the enemy. You must do both!
Freedom is available if you want it. Jesus came to set the captives free. Jesus said we will know the truth and the truth will set us free (Jn. 8:32). Here is where it starts: There is salvation in no other name but the name of Jesus. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Remember, freedom is a choice, the Person of Freedom is the Holy Spirit, and there is a real enemy of freedom that you must fight daily.
Works Consulted:
Spiritual Warfare – Sam Cathey
Freedom Curriculum – Chris Hodges
Mega Metro – Paul David Tripp – 1 Peter 5