For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 
 

The first principle of spiritual warfare is acknowledging its reality. The Bible does not shy away from the existence of evil forces. From Genesis to Revelation, there are numerous accounts of spiritual battles. In acknowledging this reality, Christian youths must understand that their fight is not against other people, but against spiritual entities that seek to disrupt their relationship with God and their effectiveness in His kingdom. The battle is spiritual and not physical. 
 

Know the Enemy 

An essential aspect of spiritual warfare is knowing your enemy. 1 Peter 5:8 warns, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Satan and his demons are real, and their mission is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Understanding their tactics, such as deception, temptation, and accusation, helps believers to be vigilant and prepared. Christian youths must be wise and discerning, recognizing that some occurrences are not merely ordinary but supernatural. Consider Henry’s real-life experience. He always dreamed of playing professional football, but despite his best efforts, he could never run fast enough during tryouts. Henry often had a recurring dream in which his football boots were on his feet, but both laces were tied together in a tight loop, and his feet submerged in a bucket of water. In the dream, he would try to run, but the bucket, water, and tied laces made it impossible. When Henry shared this dream with his MFM church pastor, he underwent a deliverance session, and only then did his breakthrough come. 
 
Your spiritual Armor 

Paul provides a clear strategy for spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:10-18, where he describes the Armor of God. Each piece of this armor is crucial for standing against the devil’s schemes. 

  1. The Belt of Truth: Truth is foundational in the battle against lies and deception. Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Knowing and living by the truth of God’s Word is the first defense. 
  1. The Breastplate of Righteousness: Righteousness protects our hearts. This righteousness is not our own but comes through faith in Christ. Living a righteous life in Christ guards us against the attacks of the enemy. 
  1. The Gospel of Peace: Shoes fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace enable us to stand firm. The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). 
  1. The Shield of Faith: Faith is essential for quenching the fiery darts of the wicked one. Believing in God’s promises and trusting His faithfulness protects us from doubt and fear. 
  1. The Helmet of Salvation: Salvation through Christ guards our minds. Knowing that we are saved and secure in Him gives us the confidence to face spiritual battles. 
  1. The Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God is our offensive weapon. Jesus used Scripture to counter Satan’s temptations (Matthew 4:1-11), and we must do the same, wielding it effectively through knowledge and faith. 
  1. Prayer: Prayer is the glue that holds the armor together. Paul exhorts believers to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18). Constant communication with God empowers and guides us in spiritual warfare. 

Standing Firm  

James 4:7 provides a simple yet profound strategy: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Submission to God is crucial; it involves surrendering our will to His and living in obedience. Resistance involves actively opposing the devil’s lies and temptations through the truth and power of God’s Word. One of the most encouraging aspects of spiritual warfare is knowing that the victory has already been won through Christ. Colossians 2:15 states, “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Jesus’ death and resurrection defeated the enemy, and as believers, we stand in His victory. This assurance gives us the confidence to engage in spiritual warfare, knowing that the outcome is already determined. Spiritual warfare is an integral part of the Christian life. Recognizing the reality of the battle, understanding the enemy, putting on the full armor of God, standing firm in faith, and knowing our victory in Christ are the principles that equip us to fight effectively. As we engage in this battle, let us remember Paul’s exhortation in 1 Corinthians 16:13: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” With God’s armor and His presence, we can stand firm against all the forces of darkness, confident in the victory secured by our Lord Jesus Christ.  

Practical Steps for Youths 

  1. Daily Devotion: Spend time in prayer and reading the Bible every day. This strengthens your relationship with God and equips you with His truth. 
  1. Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor or join a youth group where you can grow in faith and receive guidance from mature Christians. 
  1. Serve Others: Engage in acts of service. Serving shifts your focus from yourself to others, fostering a spirit of humility and love. 
  1. Guard Your Heart: Be mindful of the media you consume, the friends you keep, and the activities you engage in. Ensure they align with your faith and values. 
  1. Stay Accountable: Have accountability partners who can pray for you, encourage you, and hold you accountable in your spiritual walk. 

Spiritual warfare is a reality that Christian youths must face, but they are not alone in this battle. By recognizing the enemy, equipping themselves with the Armor of God, standing firm in faith, and relying on the victory of Christ, youths can overcome any spiritual challenge. Remember, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). With God’s strength and guidance, Christian youths can stand firm and live victorious lives, reflecting His light in this world.  

 
Prayers 

  1. I destroy the power of every satanic arrest in my life, in the name of Jesus. 
  1. Spirit of the living God, quicken the whole of my being, in the name of Jesus. 
  1. Lord, empower me to resist Satan so that he would flee from me in Jesus name. 
  1. Lord, anoint me to pray without ceasing in Jesus name. 
  1. Lord, let the anointing to excel in my spiritual and physical life fall on me in Jesus name. 
  1. Domestic witchcraft, I drag you to the court of the Almighty God in Jesus name. 
  1. Opportunity wasters, my life is not your candidate die by fire in Jesus name. 
  1. I recover my destiny from the hands of the wicked in Jesus name. 
  1. Every enemy of my promotion and advancement scatter in Jesus name. 
  1. Every opposition to my breakthrough, collapse by fire in Jesus name. 
  1. Power for righteous living fall upon my life in Jesus name.