Conquering Flesh and Principalities: A Dual Strategy for Spiritual Warfare

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Defeating Temptation

There are two ways to defeat temptation. In order to use these strategies, you need faith and endurance. The word says, "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope (Romans 5:3-4)." Without faith and endurance, you won't overcome anything.

Jesus never said walking with Him would be quick and easy; most things that are quick and easy are often not worth it.


Fleeing & Attacking

Whether it's avoiding temptation, praying to be delivered from temptation, or using scripture to fight deceptive thoughts or people, every way to overcome temptation falls under fleeing and attacking. There is a time to attack and a time to retreat, and I'm going to show you what, when, and how according to scripture and real-life examples.

Fleeing temptation

When people think about fleeing temptation, they usually think about prayer and leaving the tempting area. They're not wrong, but there's more to it. Fleeing temptation is also...
  • Relying on God's Word: When you encounter things that may go against God's word, you can't rely on your own thinking or try to justify it; you have to instantly listen and submit to God, no matter how annoying or hard it is.
    •     - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away form evil.(Proverbs 3:5-6)"
  • Trusting in God's Deliverance: In order to trust in God and wait on His deliverance, you need to be in prayer and be willing to endure the temptation, and to endure, you need faith.
    • - "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13)."
  • Being Mindful and Vigilant: You need to keep your eyes open. Your enemy is constantly studying you. They are patiently waiting for you to slip up so they can destroy you. You need to plan ahead and recognize patterns, but most importantly, focus on Jesus. Peter took his eyes off Jesus when they were standing on water, and he sunk.
    • - "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8)."

When you flee temptation, I don't want you to think about retreating; I want you to imagine yourself weaving the enemy's attacks like a well-trained boxer. Always keeping your eyes open, anticipating your enemy's attacks, waiting for the perfect time to throw a powerful, killing blow.



 


Attacking Temptation


God has given us the best tool to attack temptation. It isn't trying to will yourself through it or trying to convince yourself you're above sin. Our weapon against temptation is the Bible. The best example you'll ever see on how to attack temptation and obliterate it is to fight those thoughts with scripture.

Jesus went 40 days and 40 nights without food or water. When the devil came to tempt Jesus, what did he use to combat him? He didn't physically fight him; he didn't run from him; Jesus used scripture. I want you all to understand you can't always run from your fights; sometimes, you're going to have to put on the Armor of God, pick up your sword and shield, and go fight. You're going to have to say, "Lord, I can't win this fight without You and Your word. Please fight this for me."



Brothers and sisters, I ask that you take these words and apply them to your life. May the Lord bless you all, amen.



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