by Dorcas Kulwa | 1 February 2021 08:46 am02
The Bible makes it clear that believers are engaged in a constant spiritual battle. The Apostle Paul reminds us:
Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
However, through Christ Jesus, every believer has authority over Satan and his works. Jesus declared:
Luke 10:19 (NKJV)
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
There are three primary ways we can keep the devil away from our lives and experience daily victory over him:
By driving him out through the Word and spiritual authority
By putting him under our feet through righteous living
By living in such obedience and power that he flees from us
At times, the devil comes near to tempt us into sin or to discourage us from following God’s will. In such moments, believers must verbally take authority over him in the name of Jesus and command him to leave.
Jesus Himself demonstrated this in the wilderness.
Matthew 4:10–11 (NKJV)
“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.”’
Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.”
Notice that Jesus overcame Satan not by debate, emotion, or fear—but by the Word of God (“It is written”) and by direct command.
This is what James later affirms when he says:
James 4:7 (NKJV
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
Rebuking the devil is not merely shouting or using human willpower; it is declaring spiritual truth with divine authority. That authority is only found in Christ Jesus.
Mark 16:17 (NKJV)
“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons…”
When the devil comes near with temptation—whether through thoughts, desires, or people—you must boldly rebuke him using the Word of God. For example, if someone tries to lead you into sin, you must not entertain it. Speak the Word, separate yourself, and rebuke that influence.
Jesus rebuked Peter—not because Peter was the devil—but because Satan was using Peter’s emotions to oppose the cross.
Matthew 16:23 (NKJV)
“But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.’”
In the same way, we must learn to discern when Satan is using situations or people to hinder us from walking in God’s will—and rebuke him promptly.
The second way to overcome Satan is not through words, but through consistent, holy living. Our actions speak louder than our declarations. When we walk in obedience to God’s Word, the power of sin and Satan over us weakens daily.
Romans 16:19–20 (NKJV)
“For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.
And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.”
When you choose to be “wise in what is good” and “innocent concerning evil,” you are actively dismantling Satan’s influence in your life.
Obedience is a spiritual weapon. Every time you say no to sin and yes to righteousness, you are trampling the enemy underfoot. Holiness is not legalism—it is freedom from Satan’s dominion.
Jesus said:
John 8:34–36 (NKJV)
“Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin… Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”
Many Christians struggle to overcome the devil because they live double-minded lives—quick to embrace worldly entertainment and sin, but slow to seek God’s presence. The more we feed our flesh, the stronger Satan’s hold becomes. The more we feed our spirit through prayer, the Word, and obedience, the weaker he becomes.
When our lives are surrendered to God, Satan is forced beneath our feet—he loses all authority.
1 John 4:4 (NKJV)
“He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
The highest level of victory is when Satan himself flees before you even speak. This happens when your entire life is in submission to God. Wherever you go, the enemy gives way because the presence of God goes with you.
James 4:7 (NKJV)
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
Submission means surrendering your will, pride, and desires to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It is only when we are under God’s authority that we can exercise authority over the devil.
James 4:6 (NKJV)
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
When we live humbly before God—obeying His Word, walking in the Spirit, and rejecting sin—the devil cannot withstand us. He must flee.
Just as the Philistines fled from David after he slew Goliath (1 Samuel 17:51), so Satan flees from every believer who walks in faith, holiness, and spiritual authority.
When the light of Christ shines through you, darkness cannot remain.
John 1:5 (NKJV)
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”
Be born again. You cannot fight a spiritual enemy without spiritual life. Receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
John 3:3 (NKJV)
“Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” — John 3:3 (NKJV)
Be baptized in water. True biblical baptism is by full immersion in water, symbolizing death to sin and new life in Christ.
Acts 2:38 (NKJV)
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” —
Be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit empowers believers to live victoriously.
Acts 1:8 (NKJV)
“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” —
Stay in the Word and prayer.
Psalm 119:11 (NKJV)
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” —
Avoid sin and worldly compromise.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (NKJV)
“Abstain from every form of evil.” —
These are indeed the last days. The devil knows that his time is short, and he is full of wrath.
Revelation 12:12 (NKJV)
“Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”
Satan seeks those who are spiritually weak—those who have not been saved or who live in compromise. Don’t give him a foothold.
Ephesians 4:27 (NKJV)
“Nor give place to the devil.” —
If you have not yet surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, this is the time. Repent sincerely, turn away from sin, and receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. Seek water baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the Lord will establish you in victory.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
“Lord Jesus, I thank You for giving me authority over all the works of the enemy. I choose to submit myself fully to You. Cleanse me from every sin, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and help me to walk in obedience and holiness. Crush Satan under my feet, and let Your victory be revealed in every area of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
To live in victory over Satan, one must:
Rebuke him with the Word (Drive him out),Walk in righteousness (Put him under your feet), Submit to God completely (Make him flee).When you live this way, you will not fear the devil—for he will fear you.
Romans 8:37 (NKJV)
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always. Amen.
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