Posted by Overcoming the enemy is a challenge that most believers struggle with in life but it can be achieved through the study of the scripture. The Bible has been made available to teach us the truth and give an understanding of every Christian’s authority.
There are stories about people of God who have done exceptionally well through the knowledge of the word in defeating their foes. Some of them have been noted down in the Bible to help strengthen your confidence and trust in God.
The Christian faith is not one without adversity. It is imperative as a Christian to be spiritually sound to tackle the ever-present challenge of obstacles. The book of Isaiah 54:15 tells us that surely adversity will arise.
It is important to know this because a lot of people assume the walk of Christianity to be an easy one, but this is not the case. Trials and temptations in the form of principalities and powers will definitely spring up to halt your advance in the kingdom.
You should not be scared of the fact that struggles are within the Christian faith though. “The commandments of God are not grievous”
The word of God is rightly described as a tool of weaponry in the warfare of spirituality. There are a lot of resources in the word of God that can help a Christian overcome the affairs of the spirit and even beyond.
These resources will be brought to light in this article and should be taken seriously if you are to advance in the kingdom of God.
Recognizing The Enemy
From the beginning of the scriptures, it is depicted that humanity has been in conflict. The book of Genesis 3:15 states “For I will put enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed and her seed. It shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel”.
This scripture connotes a struggle between the creation of God and the slanderer, the Devil. Throughout the scriptures, it is mentioned (the everlasting struggle between Christians and The Devil).
Also, The book of 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” His lies cause death and destruction; He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.
Here the Bible describes the relationship in clear terms “Your enemy the devil”. He is primarily whom we have to struggle with, for He only wants to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10).
It is important to know your enemy because that is the first step in defeating him.
In the modern world, the Devil doesn’t manifest himself. Instead, he is championed through the actions of false prophets, diviners or magicians, and sometimes astrologers, demonic possession, witchcraft, and even bad advice.
He further manifests himself through sin, the temptation and urge to sin, and so on. It is imperative that we understand that these are his mediums and tactics through which he seeks to bring about our downfall.
Strategies for Spiritual Warfare that The Bible Recommend
The methods that the Bible has provided for our Spiritual warfare are key principles to overcoming the temptation of the enemy. The Book of Ephesians 6:13-17 reads:
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
This verse tells us of the plans to follow if we’re to succeed in the battle with the enemy. “Having done all” would ensure your victory in the fight. Every one of these strategies is necessary and should not be neglected at all, for they can be said to be the Holy Grail of a Christian.
Also, the Book of Hebrews 11:33-34, says: “Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises Stopped the mouth of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong waxes valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens”. This shows a glimpse of what one can achieve if we keep the precepts.
Examples of Bible Characters that Overcame The Enemy.
There are records of Bible characters who have done astonishing work in apprehending the Devil’s plan. The book of Hebrews was written like the other books of the New Testament to admonish and strengthen believers. In verses 11, it highlights how some set of individuals overcame the enemy, one way or another, through faith.
it says in Hebrews 11 vs 32 (New World Translation) that: “And what more will I say? For time will fail me if I go on to relate about Gidʹe·on, Baʹrak, Samson, Jephʹthah, David, as well as Samuel and the other prophets”
These are just a few of the many people who overcame the hurdles the enemy placed in front of them.
Daniel’s friends refused to give in to the temptation of bowing down to a false god. They were thrown into the furnace, but because they exercised faith and displayed righteousness and in essence had the armor of God on, they came out of the furnace unscathed.
The following are examples of individuals who were valiant against their adversaries include:
I.) Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
They were faithful in their belief and wouldn’t betray God for any reason. When faced with a challenge posed by the enemy in the form of idolatry, they refused to give in. That is what it means to stand against the devil.
II.) Jesus
We all know that Jesus is the son of the living God and was tempted by the evil one to turn away from his creator, but he didn’t. His whole life is an example of the battle between God’s people and the kingdom of darkness. Hallelujah, he triumphed!
III.) Queen Esther and Mordecai
Faith and persistence are the things that Esther’s story taught us. She wasn’t about to give up on her people even as she was exempted from being the queen. With Mordecai as her guardian, she stomped on the opponent(Haman) and could reverse the devil’s sentence on her people.
IV.) David
Throughout the Bible, there has been no record of a better fighter than David. This was evident right from the onset. The zeal for God in him made him unique. He crushed the enemy(Goliath) at a very young age and eventually became the king of Israel. David is a good example for us to follow.
V.) Nehemiah
The adversary is crafty and has various tricks up his sleeves. This time around, it was in the form of opposition to the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem.
Nehemiah was ready to face the enemy, though. He put on the whole armor of God both figuratively and realistically to thwart the plan of the opponents.
These examples have been made available in the Bible so that we can learn from them and emerge triumphant in the struggle against the kingdom of darkness.
Bible Scriptures that you can use to Fight and Overcome the Enemy
Here is a list of verses in the Bible that can help strengthen our resolve and faith in the fight against the enemy:
- Isaiah 49:26
- Galatians 6:17
- 1 Corinthians 15:25
- Exodus 14:14
- 1 John 3:8
- 1 John 4:4
- Psalm 46:1
- Psalm 91:3
- Psalm 91:7
- Psalm 91:13
- Psalm 92:7
- Psalm 92:9
- Luke 10:19
- II Timothy 1:7
- Psalm 56:9
- Psalm 82:6
- Psalm 121:7
- Zechariah 4:6
- Malachi 4:3
- Micah 3:8
- Daniel 11:32
- Isaiah 54:17
- Isaiah 44:8
- Psalm 89:23
- Psalm 23:4
- Psalm 18:47
- Psalm 18:40
- Psalm 110:1
- Micah 5:9
- Psalm 3:7.
1.) Isaiah 49:26
“I will make those who mistreat you eat their own flesh And as with sweet wine, they will become drunk with their own blood. And all people will have to know that I am Jehovah Your Savior and your Repurchaser, The Powerful One of Jacob.”
Explanation: This verse clearly describes victory over those who oppress you. As Christians, we are God’s own, and He will do everything in His power to protect His own. He is too faithful to fail.
2.) Galatians 6:17
“From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.”
Explanation: Here we are admonished to shrug off opposition because we are for Christ. We, as Christians, should not even entertain opposition because Jesus has already defeated them all.
3.) 1 Corinthians 15:25
“For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet.”
Explanation: This verse is an assurance of the agenda of Christ. When we read this, we should be encouraged and assured of victory over the evil ones because it tells us that it is inevitable that he put all his enemies under his feet in defeat one by one.
4.) Exodus 14:14
“The lord shall fight for you and ye shall hold your peace.”
Explanation: The Egyptians were enemies of the Israelites back then. It is important to note that what God does for one, he does for all. The Bible says “he’s not a respecter of persons”. What he did for the Israelites, he’ll do for us his children through Christ.
5.) 1 John 3:8
“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
Explanation: Again, we are reminded that the role of Jesus was to halt the advance of the kingdom of darkness. When you become a Christian through salvation, you become one with God. This means you are guaranteed victory through Christ’s death already.
6.) 1 John 4:4
“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
Explanation: Rejoice and cry out in thanksgiving whenever you read this verse. We have overcome them because God is greater than all our enemies. He is bigger than all of them. Nothing can compare to his greatness.
7.) Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge aQnd strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Explanation: The whole chapter of this passage is a reassurance for believers that The Lord we serve is not a weakling. God is a strong tower and he can be relied upon. He is ready to help us wipe out our enemies to glorify his name.
8.) Psalm 91:3
“Surely he will deliver thee from the snare of the Fowler and from the noisome pestilence.”
Explanation: Our safety and superiority are promised throughout the Bible. As a Christian, you are entitled to this. The enemies work with traps and other machinations, but God will deliver us.
9.) Psalm 91:7
“A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand, but it shall not come nigh thee.”
Explanation: More and more and more and more! No force or power is obligated or allowed to touch you when God puts you under his watchful eye. He is supreme in our lives and will protect his own like a mother hen protects her chicks.
10.) Psalm 91:13
“Thou shalt tread upon the lion and the adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.”
Explanation: The key word here is “trample under feet”. You see, he’s put all your enemies under your feet as well. Nothing can harm you if you know your birthright in Christ.
11.) Psalm 92:7
“When the wicked spring as the grass and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish, it is that they shall be destroyed for ever:”
Explanation: Let it be clear that wickedness has no place in the world. They may flourish and prosper, but in the long run, doom is their portion.
As a Christian, You are a chosen generation, the anointed of God, when God anoints you, none can do you evil. Take Job for example, he overcame in the end, didn’t he? To top it all off, God gave him double for his trouble.
12.) Psalm 92:9
“For lo, thine enemies, o Lord, for lo, thunder enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.”
Explanation: Evil has no place in the perfect world that God has created. He made that very clear in His words. This speaks of victory on the part of the Christian because as a Christian, his enemies are your enemies, and your enemies are his likewise.
Keep on fighting the good fight of faith then, because victory is assured.
13.) Luke 10:19
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
Explanation: This has to be the clearest verse of reassurance proclaiming victory over the enemy. Nothing, absolutely nothing can hurt you. God’s will is that you prosper, and nothing can overshadow his will.
14.) II Timothy 1:7
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Explanation: Do not be afraid of what the evil one can do. The Holy Spirit is here to help every Christian, the Holy Spirit is what makes the difference between a Christian and a non-believer.
We should not be timid in the battle against evil but wax stronger and stronger.
15.) Psalm 56:9
“When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back; this I know; for God is for me.”
Explanation: Calling upon the name of the lord is a means of fighting against the enemy. You call him to your aid and whoever he answers is delivered automatically.
They turn their back instantly because they know the battle is already lost.
16.) Psalm 82:6
“I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.”
Explanation: This verse brings joy to anyone who understands it. Being a god depicts supremacy, being a child of God through salvation makes you a god by birthright. You are entitled to supremacy because you have been saved. Nothing can hurt you, child of God.
17.) Psalm 121:7
“The lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.”
Explanation: In case you’ve read so far and you’re still not convinced, here is yet another message of hope and victory. In other words, he (God) will keep you from harm. He will give his angels charge over you so you don’t get hurt.
18.) Zechariah 4:6
“Then he answers and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”
Explanation: It doesn’t matter what power the evil ones exhibit, it doesn’t matter how many they have in their ranks, the Holy Spirit is enough to overcome them.
They can have the numbers, but you have the superiority through the spirit’s enablement. He is after all your helper.
19.) Malachi 4:3
“And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.”
Explanation: One unique feature about the Bible and the various writers is that they were in sync due to them being inspired by the spirit of God. This fact is enough to strengthen your resolve and assure you that the promises of God are ye and amen!
20.) Micah 3:8
“But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgement, and of might to declare unto Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.”
Explanation: The key word here is “power”. You’re full of it and this is cause for celebration. You should rejoice because the power of God is enough to defeat the enemy.
21.) Daniel 11:32
“But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”
Explanation: Exploits are your birthright in Christ. It is a natural way of life for you. You exhibit the glory and power of God thereby commanding exploits daily. Do not be afraid because you are a sign and a wonder unto the earth.
22.) Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”
Explanation: “This is the heritage of the servants” It is our inheritance through salvation. No weapon formed can work against us. No force or power can manifest itself against us.
23.) Isaiah 44:8
“Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.”
Explanation: No one and absolutely nothing can come between you and your God. He is absolute and His power is for all to see. Serving Him is a guarantee of victory because He will surely reward those who diligently seek him.
24.) Psalm 89:23
“And I will beat down his foes before his face and plague them that hate him.”
Explanation: Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you because you’ve got the backing of God. He will be a plague to them because they hate you. Such is the promise of God in the lives of the Saints.
25.) Psalm 23:4
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
Explanation: When God is with you, you have no reason to fear. He is omnipotent and there is nothing he cannot do. He will not leave you nor forsake you because you are His chosen flock.
26.) Psalm 18:47
“It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.”
Explanation: God will not allow the evil that people do to you to go unpunished. He is there for those who have no one. The verse says He subdues your enemy, the Lord has your best interest in mind.
27.) Psalm 18:40
“Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.”
Explanation: Success on the battlefield is promised once again. In the old days, placing your leg over the adversary’s neck signified triumph. God is telling us that He has already made us triumph even before the battle began.
28.) Psalm 110:1
“The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies.”
Explanation: God has invited us to rule with him. Earlier we were made to understand that we are gods on the earth. We are saved to be unique, created fearfully and wonderfully to glorify God’s name.
29.) Micah 5:9
“Your hand will be lifted up in triumph over your enemies, and all your foes will be destroyed.”
Explanation: Destruction awaits those who dare stand in your way. It is fated to happen if they cross your path because God has put a protective hedge around you and your family.
30.) Psalm 3:7
“Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: For thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; Thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.”
Explanation: The prophecy here is in the past tense, meaning it is settled already. You’ve already won the battle. You don’t need to worry. All you have to do is call upon the name of the LORD.
Bible Verses to Use Against The Enemy
Here are Bible scriptures that you can use against your foes:
- Psalm 18:17
- Psalm 23:5
- Psalm 9:3
- Deuteronomy 30:7
- Exodus 22:18
- Isaiah 63:4
- Isaiah 63:8
- Proverbs 2:22
- Proverbs 3:33
- Romans 8:31.
1.) Psalm 18:17
“He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.”
Explanation: It is God and His spirit that make the real difference. Without Him, we would perish.
2.) Psalm 23:5
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”
Explanation: The table prepared signifies dominance and superiority over your enemies.
3.) Psalm 9:3
“When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence.”
Explanation: The manifestation of God’s power makes it hard for evil to move forward.
4.) Deuteronomy 30:7
“Then Jehovah your God will bring all these curses upon your enemies, who hated and persecuted you.”
Explanation: Jehovah’s got your back, all day, any time. As a Christian, you’re His sheep and He will protect His sheep.
5.) Exodus 22:18
“You must not allow a sorceress to live.”
Explanation: The battle against principalities is a mandate. When God gave the disciples a mandate, he helped them overcome persecution and strife. This is evidence that God will help us.
6.) Isaiah 63:4
“For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.”
Explanation: We are the redeemed of God. All who have sought evil for you should watch out because vengeance is around the corner!
7.) Isaiah 63:8
“For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour.”
Explanation: He saves his people (believers). He will not leave them or forsake them.
8.) Proverbs 2:22
“But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.”
Explanation: It was mentioned earlier that there is no place for evil in the world. They may prosper for a while, but God has their days numbered
9.) Proverbs 3:3
“The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.”
Explanation: Their machinations and schemes cannot work because God has placed a curse upon them.
10.) Romans 8:31
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
Explanation: This is the conclusion of it all, if God is on your side, no one can wrestle against you and hope to win. It is inevitable that they lose.
FAQ About Scriptures On Fighting And Overcoming The Enemy
Mention five women in the Bible that overcame their enemy?
The Five recorded women that defected their Foe are: Deborah, Rahab, Esther, Sarah and Hagar.
What did Jesus say we should do when the enemy comes to fight us?
Jesus said we should watch and pray. He also told us that we mustn'tn allow our carnal desires to interfere with our spiritual prowess.
Mention five men in the Bible that overcome their enemy?
The Five men that prevail over their enemy are: David, Saul, John, Paul and Silas
What are the two things that can hinder a Christian from overcoming their foe?
There are various things that can result to a Christian being unable to defeat their foe but they all fall under these two categories, which are: Sin and lack of prayers
Conclusion
God has a lot of promises lined up for us in His word and all we need to do is obey Him. We must understand that we wrestle against principality and powers, not flesh and blood(Ephesians 5:12).
Yes! The struggle is real and only the violent can take it by force but do not be afraid for victory is assured once the right steps are taken.
It is important to not only know these verses but also understand and meditate on them daily. That way, the devil cannot catch us off guard.
We need to always be alert and on the watch. The Bible says: “resist the devil”, these days he is manifested in the works of evil-doers and demons. To overcome our foes, we must first stay away from sin. This is the first step in defeating the enemy and also invites the mercy of God thereby fulfilling the promises embedded in scriptures for our good.
