Have you ever felt like something is pushing against you whenever you try to grow in your faith?
Maybe it’s a sudden wave of doubt when you try to pray. Maybe it’s unexpected conflict right when you step into a new season of obedience to God. Or maybe it’s just that nagging sense that something is trying to hold you back.
That’s not just your imagination. It’s part of a bigger spiritual conflict—one that existed even before time as we know it began. To fully understand this battle, we must look at its origin and how it affects us today.
1. The Root of the Battle: A War That Began Before Creation
The spiritual battle exists because there are two opposing forces at work—God’s kingdom and the kingdom of darkness.
-
God’s Kingdom: Everything that reflects His truth, love, justice, and righteousness. God desires to bring people into a relationship with Him, offering life, peace, and purpose.
-
The Kingdom of Darkness: Satan, also called “the adversary” in Scripture, is the ruler of the opposing kingdom. His mission? To steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
Before God created the world, Scripture indicates that Satan, originally an angel named Lucifer, rejected God’s authority (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:12-17). He led a rebellion among the angels, and they were cast out of heaven (Revelation 12:7-9). This battle did not start with humanity—it started in the heavenly realms before creation itself. We could say that there was the ‘fall of Satan and the angels’ before there was the ‘fall of man.’ When God created mankind, Satan turned his attention to deceiving and leading God’s beloved humanity away from God. This is why we see a constant struggle between good and evil—not just in the world but in our personal lives.
2. How Jesus Describes Satan
Jesus directly described Satan’s nature and tactics multiple times, revealing his role in this spiritual conflict:
-
A Liar and a Murderer – “You belong to your father, the devil… He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)
-
The Prince of This World – “Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.” (John 12:31)
-
A Thief Who Destroys – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
-
The Tempter – “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1)
-
The One Who Sows Evil – “The enemy who sows them is the devil.” (Matthew 13:39)
-
The Accuser – “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.” (Luke 22:31-32)
-
The Fallen One – “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” (Luke 10:18)
-
The Great Deceiver – “The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.” (Revelation 12:9)
Although Satan is powerful, Jesus makes it clear that Satan is already defeated and will ultimately be destroyed (Revelation 20:10). This battle is real, but it is not one without victory for those who follow Christ.
3. The Battle on Earth: How It Affects Us Today
When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, it wasn’t just about eating a piece of fruit (Genesis 3). It was about choosing independence from God—and that decision allowed sin and spiritual darkness into the world.
Since then, every person faces this battle. It plays out in different ways:
-
Deception – Satan is called the “father of lies” (John 8:44). He twists truth to confuse people about their identity, purpose, and God’s character.
-
Temptation – Just like he tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), the enemy uses our weaknesses to try and lead us away from God’s will.
-
Opposition – Have you ever noticed that when you try to grow spiritually, life suddenly gets harder? That’s not a coincidence. The enemy resists those who follow Christ.
-
Accusation – The Bible calls Satan “the accuser” (Revelation 12:10). He whispers lies, making people feel unworthy, ashamed, and disconnected from God.
But here’s the good news: Jesus already won the battle over sin and death. However, even though His victory is secure, we still have to fight our battles every day. This is why understanding the role and work of the Holy Spirit is essential. He is able to guide, teach, intercede and equip. He will also advocate, protect, and enable believers for works of godliness. Basically, the Holy Spirit is the super power we all need to live the God-honoring life we were chosen to lead. Now consider this, that one of the powers of darkness is convincing us it does not exist. Ask yourself, what is it you believe about Satan, the devil, the darkness and its influence in our life and world. Consider what Jesus said about it.
4. How to Stand Firm in the Battle
Even though the war is won, battles still happen every day. Your battle is going to be like the battles of others and in many ways your battle is unique to you. I believe your battle is uniquely tied to your spiritual gift or gifts. If the devil can convince you you’re not worthy, not gifted, not special–then you will never fulfill your potential. See how sneaky this can be? But, what if you are at least willing to accept what I am presenting to you as the truth? You are one of a kind, irreplaceable, and equipped to do good things for the Kingdom. Would you step into your rightful place and accept your rank of nobility?
Here’s how we fight spiritually:
-
✔ Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) – The Word of God, faith, righteousness, and prayer are our weapons.
-
✔ Recognize the enemy’s tactics – He operates through lies and deception, but truth always exposes him (John 8:32).
-
✔ Resist the devil, and he will flee (James 4:7) – We don’t fight in our own strength but through the power of Christ.
-
✔ Walk in daily surrender to Jesus – Victory comes by staying close to God, through prayer and obedience.
💡 Reflection Question: Where in your life do you see evidence of this battle? How can you stand firm in faith?
