The spiritual realm is real, and the enemy tries to come in and attack several times a day. “The thief does not come, except to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Jesus conquered death at the cross, but how can we, as Christians, shut the door to spiritual attacks?
Scripture tells us examples that, when evil spirits depart, they can come back in if we don’t close the doors to sin in our life and passionately pursue a relationship with Jesus.
The Return of the Unclean Spirit
“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, it goes through dry places seeking rest. Finding none, it says, ‘I will return to my house, from which I came.’ When it comes, it finds it swept and furnished. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26).
Along with pursuing a growing relationship with the Father, Son (Jesus) and Holy Spirit, here are four ways in which you can combat spiritual attacks.
1. Intensified Personal Trials
In 2 Corinthians 12:7, we read about Paul’s thorn in the flesh. During times of trial, we need to make sure we are running to the Lord in prayer. We need to stay strong and not allow bitterness, resentment or unforgiveness to take hold of our soul.
2. Being Deceived
1 Timothy 4:1 says, “Some will depart from the faith and pay attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.” We have to be careful what we put in our ear gates and eye gates. We cannot take in the lies and give up on our faith and give in to fear. We must protect our soul and our spirit the best we can.
3. Lies of the Enemy
In 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 it says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
Strongholds are in our minds. By taking every thought captive and making it submit to the Word of God, we can clear our minds of negativity and doubt and live in the faith and belief that the Bible discusses. Behind a stronghold is a lie, and behind the lie is fear. When you discover the lie and recognize the fear, you can take every thought captive and cast out that which is not of God.
4. Sinful Activities
Ephesians 4:27 says, “Do not give place to the devil.” To prevent spiritual attacks, we must walk in obedience to the Lord’s instruction and live in alignment with the Holy Scriptures. Disobedience can be in any area of our lives including not spending personal time with God and in our eating and exercise habits.
By closing doors in these areas and others, we can keep the spiritual attacks in our lives to a minimum.
