The War is Fierce...

🛡️ Understanding the Battlefield

 

📖 Highlighted Scripture & Foundation Truth

🟨“Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,
against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness,
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
(Ephesians 6:11–12)**

🟨“We have enemies to fight against, a captain to fight for, a banner to fight under, and certain rules of war by which we are to govern ourselves.
Finally, my brethren (Eph. 6:10), it yet remains that you apply yourselves to your work and duty as Christian soldiers.”
— Matthew Henry**

🧠 Who Do You Talk to the Most?

We often think it's our spouse, our children, or those we interact with daily—but truly, we speak to ourselves the most.
And this internal dialogue is where the battlefield begins.

In my walk, I find myself constantly engaging my mind regarding my standing before a holy God.
The battle is fought—and either won or lost—in the mind.

But what chance do we have if we don’t even understand the battlefield?

⚔️ Satan's Strategy: Doubt and Confusion

Satan’s approach is subtle—he inserts just enough doubt to cause havoc.
🟨 Remember Eve’s encounter in Genesis? That single moment of deception introduced sin into the world—a disaster greater than any virus.

Those who do not understand the battlefield have zero chance.
But by the grace of God, the Christian stands.

I’m constantly reminded not to become conceited about my salvation.
🟨 It’s the goodness of God that leads us to repentance. Why one and not another? God knows!

🌌 The Spiritual War is Real

Paul affirms that there is a spiritual war taking place—an unseen but real battlefield.

"We must not overlook the unseen enemy,
their objective is to get us to fail."

These forces are on assignment by their king—Satan—to challenge daily life and target believers, just as he tried to get Job to curse God (See Job 2).

🧿 1. Possession (Demonic Possession)

Definition:
Demonic possession is when a demonic spirit takes full control over a person's body and actions.

Key Characteristics:

• The individual loses control of their will, voice, actions, or even physical strength.
• The demon operates through the person, often resulting in destructive, supernatural, or bizarre behaviour.
• This is not possible for a true, Spirit-filled Christian, because:
• 🟨 "Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit..." (1 Corinthians 6:19)
• God does not share His dwelling place with demons.
• Examples:
• Judas Iscariot: “Then Satan entered Judas…” (Luke 22:3)
• Gerasene Demoniac: Mark 5:1- 20 (Legion inside the man)

🕯️ 2. Oppression (Demonic Influence)

Definition:
Demonic oppression is when external spiritual forces influence a person—mentally, emotionally, or circumstantially—but do not take over their will or body.

Key Characteristics:

• It affects thoughts, emotions, behaviour, and temptations.
• The person still has control but is heavily pressured or manipulated.
• It is common among believers, especially when we’re spiritually vulnerable.
• Examples:
• Peter: Jesus rebuked him with “Get behind me, Satan” (Matthew 16:23) when Peter unknowingly aligned with Satan’s agenda.
• Paul’s “thorn in the flesh”: Called “a messenger of Satan to buffet me” (2 Corinthians 12:7)

😈 Possession vs Oppression

Have you ever witnessed demonic possession? It’s real—where a spirit enters and controls a body.
🟨 But all of us have experienced demonic oppression—acting contrary to God's will at some point.

How?
Satan entices us using our weaknesses—that persistent thorn in the flesh.
We either yield to it or fight for grace to withstand it.

❌ Can a Christian Be Demon Possessed?

🟨 No! A demon cannot possess a Christian.
🟨 Yes! A Christian can be influenced (oppressed) by demonic forces.

Let’s consider two biblical examples:

1. Judas Iscariot – Possession

He walked among the disciples, handled the money, and was influenced by greed.
But eventually:

🟨 “Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot…” (Luke 22:3)
From that moment, he sought to betray Jesus. Fruit of possession.

2. Peter – Oppression

Peter wanted to protect Jesus from suffering, but Jesus responds:

🟨 “Get behind me, Satan!” (Matthew 16:23)
This wasn’t possession, but oppression—influence with intent to derail God's plan.

⛪ Misconceptions in the Church

Churches that are constantly casting out demons from believers often misunderstand Scripture.

🟨 A Christian’s body houses the Spirit of God.
Would God allow Satan to dwell in His temple?

No!
Satan may try, but he will never succeed in possessing a true believer.

However, if we leave the door slightly open, oppression and chaos will follow.

🛡️ The Call to Arms

So, what must we do?

🟨 Stand firm in the finished work of Christ!
🟨 Put on the full armour of God.

Dressing for battle is an act of faith that feeds hope.

👑 Awaiting Our King

Very soon, we’ll witness our King reigning in glory.
Every knee shall bow.
Every tongue shall confess.

🟨 “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Even so,
Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

 

Signing off,
Tyrone