In 2 Timothy 6:12 we are told to fight the good fight of faith. That is the only war we as Christians are to wage as New Testament believers. Satan has been defeated by Jesus in the spirit realm and he does not have access to the spirit of a Christian.
So he attacks us in the realm of the soul. Yes, we must fight the battle of faith. But where does this battle take place? The battle of faith takes place in the mind.
First Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”
Satan is not a roaring lion but he is like a roaring lion. He is our enemy and he does seek to devour us. But how does he do it? Well since he is not a lion and is only like a lion according to 1 Peter 5:8, all he has is his “roar.” And his roar is the tool he uses to destroy us. He speaks with his mouth into our thought realm and what we do with his words is our choice.
When you hear a lie what do you do? Well, you can do one of two things. You can recognize it as a lie, reject it and forget it. Or, you can ponder it, repeat it and believe it. When you believe a lie, you usually will act on it. That can be deadly.
If you believe a lie about a friend and you repeat it, you become a part of it. And when the truth is finally revealed, and it always is, you will stand there with egg on your face and probably a relationship will be destroyed. Satan is a liar and he destroys relationships, but only if we believe his lies.
Jesus said in John 8:44 that Satan is the father of lies. Every word that proceeds out of his mouth is a lie or part of a deceptive plan. We are to resist him and not listen to the roar.
James 4:7 says, “Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will free from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” How do we resist the devil? How can we keep from listening to his lies? How do we draw near to God?
Well, these may seem like complicated questions, but the answer is really quite simple. Remember, the fight of faith takes place in the mind. That’s where Satan attacks. He moves into our thought realm and throws his lies at us. We must be prepared.
In the same way our bodies need regular food, our soul needs a steady supply of God’s Word. Let’s say in a week you eat twenty-one meals. Would it be healthy for you to eat all your meals on Sunday and not eat the rest of the week? No, that would be silly. But that’s what many Christians do spiritually. They try to get enough Word in one day to last a week or longer.
You must fill your mind with the Word of God daily. Plant the Word of God in your mind and then when Satan steps into your thought realm, he won’t be able to walk without stepping on a “Word of God land mine.” You will be so full of God’s Word that Satan will not be able to stay. That’s how you resist the devil, and the result is, he will flee.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.