Thoughts for Life: #58 How to Bind Satan

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Dr. Wesley L. Duewel- Since prayer warfare is so urgent and Satan so powerful, we are urged to use all the armor and all the weapons God provides to win victory. We are to put on "the full armor of God" (Eph. 6:13). This passage found in Ephesians (vv. 10-20) refers to all spiritual warfare, but primarily to prayer warfare (vv. 19-20). (see my post I Thank you, Lord, For My Armor).

The full armor includes all the separate pieces listed in this passage. The purpose of the armor and exhortation is "so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (v. 11). The Christian in this warfare is expected to do "everything" made possible by God (v. 13). This implies that there will be various aspects to your prayer warfare. (Google image,The whole armor of God presentation)

As you live a Spirit-filled life and daily fulfill your role as a fellow intercessor with Christ and the Holy Spirit, there may come unexpected emergencies when you are confronted by a manifestation of Satan's power and must, like Jesus, rebuke Satan instantly (Matt. 16:23; Luke 4:8). Do not hesitate to take the authority Christ gives you whenever you need it.

There are, however, other places and situations where Satan has been long entrenched. It is not so much an emergency situation as an urgent need. You may have prayer repeatedly and yet not seen God's answer to your prayer. God may lead you to spend a longer time in prayer until you feel the inner witness of the Spirit that your prayer has been heard and by faith you claim the binding of Satan.

It is for such a longer period of intense prayer warfare that the following suggestions are offered. You may feel free to use any of them at any time as the Spirit leads, without regard to this specific sequence.

1. Rejoice in Christ's victory at Calvary over Satan and his demonic spirits. Strengthen your prayer by reading such Scripture as Luke 10:19, John 12:31-33, Romans 16:20, 1 Corinthians 2:6, Ephesians 1:21-22, Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14, and James 4:7.

Praise God for Christ's complete victory. Thank Jesus for paying the price. Perhaps some chorus or hymn will be the expression of your heart. My Indian co-workers often sang this chorus of triumph:

He signed the deed with His atoning blood
And ever lives to make His promise good.
When all the hosts of hell combine to make a second claim
They all march out at the mention of His name.
The all march out at the mention of His name.

2. Rejoice in Christ's sovereign authority and almighty power. Praise God, Jesus has sat down "at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven" (Heb. 1:3). He is seated at God's right hand while God is putting everything beneath His feet (Ps. 110:1). "Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end" (Isa. 9:7). He has power to bring everything under His control (Phil. 3:21).

"Your God reigns!" (Isa. 52:7). Jesus is seated at God's right hand in heaven "far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given" (Eph. 1:20-21). All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Him (Matt. 28:18). Our Jesus Christ is the same in power and authority yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8).

(Chapter 17, pp. 131-133, italics added for emphasis)

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Let's pray-

"Loving and Almighty God, thank You for the amazing gift of prayer and the ways You move through it. Please help me to pray faithfully for others today!" (ODB 9/8/20)

Today's Bible verses-

Rom. 8:37 "In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

1 Cor. 15:57 "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Zech. 4:6 "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts."

Today's quotes-

~ "God moves through our prayers to accomplish great good in the lives of His people. One of the best ways to love others is to pray for them, because through our prayers we open the door to the help only God can provide. When we pray for others, we love them in His strength. There's none greater or more loving that He." (ODB 9/8/20)

~ Paul E. Billheimer- "Maybe you sill feel that, concerning the salvation of a specific person, all we can do is pray and leave the rest to God and that individual. Let's take a look at Paul's comments in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5: "I use God's mighty weapons, not those made by man, to knock down the devil's strongholds. These weapons can break down every proud argument against God and every wall that can be built to keep men from finding him. With these weapons I can capture rebels and bring them back to God, and change them into men whose hearts' desire is obedience to Christ" (TLB). [DESTINED for the THRONE, p.66]

Words of wisdom-

~ Our loving our neighbor as we love and care for ourselves, is a reflection of Christ's Love and care for us. Our love is refined as we focus our heart, soul, mind and strength on the Lord. The command to do this is complete when we love our neighbors as ourselves. No matter what our challenge may be, let's remember to love others with the same understanding we afford ourselves.

Today's Popular post-

Brokenness: The Heart God Revives

Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth- Proud people focus on the failures of others.
Broken people are overwhelmed with a sense of their own spiritual need.

[Excellent message!]