How to Tread on Serpents: Declaring Victory Over Our Enemies
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Understanding Spiritual Warfare
Those who have read the Bible, have read about numerous people being tormented and held in bondage by demons, as well as people being delivered from demons. I am here to testify that spiritual warfare is real and it still takes place today. Whether your struggles are in your relationships, finances, addictions, fear, anger, or health, to name a few, the most likely culprit may not be what/who we first assume. Our enemy, Satan, the god of this world, has blinded our minds and has deceived us into thinking that we are to war in the flesh. He is a liar and he seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, and his main weapon is deception.
However, there is good news. God has given us the power and authority over the enemy, in the Name of Jesus. When we put our faith in this fact, we can overcome and be victorious over the schemes of the devil. As believers, we must understand that we are not called to be passive spectators but active participants in this battle. An example of this is written in the gospel of Mark when Jesus delivered this message to His disciples, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;” We are in a war and we must be active, not passive, in order to have the victory. Just remember, that God gets the glory for He has given us victory through the power of the Holy Spirit and our Lord Jesus Christ.
There is Power in the Name of Jesus
As followers of Christ, we must realize that our battles must be fought and won in the spirit realm. We are to exercise the power given to us, in the name above all names, Jesus. In the gospel of Luke, when the 70 laborers, whom Jesus had sent, had returned, they were joyful (and no doubt somewhat astonished) and they said “Lord, even the devils (demons) are subject unto us through Thy name.” Jesus replied and said to them “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Notice here that Jesus said that “NOTHING” shall hurt you. This means that we have the power to bind, rebuke, and cast out of our lives all demonic principalities and spiritual wickedness in high places, when we exercise the authority given to us in Christ. Our battles are not fought with physical weapons but are fought in the spirit. Moreover, Paul wrote in the book of 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” We must use decrement, check our thoughts against the Word of God, and react accordingly when we are under attack. In the “Digital Age” we live in, it’s very easy to become distracted and respond in a fleshly way to what we see and how we feel. We forget that our battles are not against flesh and blood and wind up in an argument over things that, in the end, don’t even matter.
Beloved let us never forget to put on the mind of Christ and take authority over the enemy using the name of Yeshua; For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God. The most powerful weapon we have in spiritual warfare is the name of Jesus. The name of Jesus carries authority and has the power to overcome the enemy. Philippians 2:9-10 tells us, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
1. Repent!
It’s important to remember that the enemy has power, but he cannot use it against us unless we allow him to. We need to be mindful of his tactics because he is always seeking an opportunity to gain authority over our lives. Whenever we give in to sin, we give Satan the right to attack us. His strength lies in our ignorance, so we must have a proper understanding of who he is. With the right knowledge, we can resist his devices and avoid falling into his traps. If (and when) we sin, we must repent. Jesus shed his blood for the remission of our sins, making any legal authority the enemy has over us void, and redeemed us back to the Father.
2. Know Your Identity in Christ
Before engaging in spiritual warfare, it is essential to know who you are in Christ. As a believer, you are a child of God, redeemed and forgiven, a citizen of heaven, fearfully and wonderfully made in His image, blessed and anointed, saved by grace, and His Friend. You have been given the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy. Understanding your identity in Christ gives you confidence and assurance in using the name of Jesus.
3. The Word is Your Weapon
In spiritual warfare, it is crucial to stand on the promises of God. The Bible is filled with promises of protection, deliverance, and victory. When you face spiritual battles, find and use scriptures that speak to your situation and declare them with faith. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Also, Matthew 8:16 says, “When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:” So put on the full armor of God and use the sword with confidence.
Conclusion
This post is just the tip of the iceberg, but spiritual warfare is a reality that believers must face. I highly recommend doing your homework before engaging in spiritual warfare. I do want to caution you, If you lack confidence or faith then seek help from someone you can trust (someone strong in their faith) before engaging in spiritual warfare. I pray that these words will encourage you and provide comfort, knowing that you already have the victory; therefore stand up and take hold of the authority given to you in Christ. Be confident knowing who you are in Christ, declare His name, and speak the Word. Remember, spiritual warfare is not about our strength but about relying on the power and authority given to us by Yeshua. So let us put on the full armor of God, take up the sword of the Spirit, and put Satan behind us! IN JESUS NAME, AMEN!
