5 Practical Steps to Deal With Your Spiritual Enemies - E-Books

I want to share with you five practical ways that will help you identify and deal with your spiritual enemies.

1. Spiritual Discernment

What is Spiritual Discernment?

Spiritual discernment is the ability to perceive and distinguish between truth and falsehood, good and evil, the divine and the deceptive, according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It involves recognising God’s voice, identifying spiritual realities, and understanding His will in various situations.

Hebrews 5:14 says, “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” This verse highlights that discernment is a mark of spiritual maturity, where Christians, through constant practice, learn to distinguish between what is from God and what is not.

1 John 4:1 further tells us, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God,” emphasizing the need for discernment in identifying the truth amidst spiritual deception.

Why is Spiritual Discernment Important?

Spiritual discernment is crucial because it helps you navigate the complexities of life and make decisions aligned with God’s will. Without discernment, you are vulnerable to deception, false teachings, and misleading influences.

Spiritual discernment is very critical, or else you'll end up fighting with the wrong people. You might look at those around you and say, "You're the one who's stopping me."

Spiritual discernment will help you identify:

Who are your friends?
Who are your enemies?
And who are your frenemies?

(A frenemy is someone who pretends to be your friend but secretly harbours rivalry, envy, or ill intentions towards you.)

2. Understanding of the Word

To effectively recognize and confront your spiritual enemies, you must have a deep understanding of the Word of God. While reading the Bible is beneficial, understanding its profound truths is even more crucial.

David, a man after God’s own heart, recognised this and prayed for deeper insight into God’s Word. He said, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law” (Psalm 119:18). This prayer highlights the importance of not just reading but truly grasping the richness of the Word.

As a pastor, I cannot emphasise enough the importance of praying for spiritual understanding before diving into the Bible. The first and most critical step in unlocking the treasures of Scripture is humbly asking for God’s guidance. The Bible itself teaches this principle in Psalm 25:8-9 (NKJV): “Good and upright is the LORD; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way. The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way.”

The Bible isn’t just another book; it’s a sacred text that demands more than mere intellectual effort to understand. If you approach it with pride or rely solely on your understanding, you’ll miss the deeper revelations. Luke 24:45 reminds us that it is God who opens our minds to understand the Scriptures.

All Scripture is God-breathed, inspired by His Spirit, and it takes the Holy Spirit’s help to truly understand, accept, and act upon its truths. Without His guidance, the Bible’s teachings may remain hidden or misunderstood.

Therefore, before you open your Bible, take a moment to pray, asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate your heart and mind. This humble approach will lead you to a richer, more transformative understanding of God’s Word, equipping you to discern your enemies and walk in victory.

Remember, spiritual discernment begins with understanding the Word and understanding the Word begins with seeking God’s help.

When we recognise that our battles are spiritual in nature, we can approach them with the right tools and strategies.

3. Pray in the Spirit

Praying in the Spirit, particularly through the gift of tongues, is a powerful tool in your spiritual arsenal. 1 Corinthians 14:4 (AMPC) states, "He who speaks in a [strange] tongue edifies and improves himself." This means that when you pray in tongues, you are not only communicating with God in a divine language, but you are also strengthening and improving yourself spiritually.

Praying in the Spirit builds your inner man, breaking the strongholds of anger, fear, and other negative emotions. It improves your spiritual condition, making you more resilient to the attacks of the enemy. As you regularly speak in tongues, you will notice a change—a strengthening of your spirit, a clearer mind, and an increase in spiritual discernment.

To grow in this practice, start by setting aside a few minutes each day to pray in tongues. Gradually increase this time, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers. This discipline will lead to profound spiritual growth and an increased ability to overcome your spiritual enemies.

4. Walk in the Spirit

Romans 8:14 (NKJV) says, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." Walking in the Spirit means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide every aspect of your life—your thoughts, decisions, and actions. When you walk in the Spirit, you are less likely to fall into temptation because the Spirit leads you toward righteousness.

Walking in the Spirit is a daily commitment. It involves constant communication with God, being sensitive to His leading, and yielding to His will. Galatians 5:16 (NKJV) advises, "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." When you allow the Holy Spirit to direct your path, you gain the strength to resist the enemy’s schemes and live in victory.

To walk in the Spirit, start your day with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you. Throughout the day, stay focused on God, meditating on His Word, and being mindful of His presence in every decision you make.

5. Fellowship with Other Believers

Fellowship with other believers is essential in your battle against spiritual enemies. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NKJV) states, "Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Being part of a community of believers provides strength, accountability, and encouragement.

In fellowship, you are sharpened and refined, just as "iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17). It is in these relationships that your weaknesses are exposed and dealt with, helping you grow stronger in your faith. However, fellowship also involves challenges—being rubbed the wrong way, dealing with disagreements, and learning to love unconditionally.

When you engage in fellowship, you learn how to deal with people, how to forgive, and how to grow in love. This is crucial in overcoming spiritual enemies because it teaches you to rise above petty conflicts and focus on what truly matters—your walk with God and your mission in life.

The Reward of Victory

When Solomon dealt with his enemies, his kingdom was firmly established. Similarly, when you confront and overcome your spiritual enemies, you will experience peace, growth, and stability in your spiritual life. James 4:7 (NKJV) promises, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." By applying these five practical steps, you will not only defeat your spiritual enemies but also emerge stronger, more anointed, and more aligned with God’s purpose for your life.