Conquering Evil

If you believe you are being harassed by an evil spirit, whether in the form of subtle but ongoing temptations, actual harassment, or even possession, is there anything you can do to overcome it? We find the answer by looking at the life of Christ.

Jesus often encountered evil spirits. Notice His response: “Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be quiet, and come out of him!’ And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him” (Mark 1:25, 26). Christ did not spend a long time conversing with demons. He simply commanded them to flee. Witnesses to the event said, “With authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him” (verse 27).

If you are under attack by evil spirits, call upon God in the name of Jesus Christ for help. Draw as close to Him as you can by praying, repenting of your sins, reading His Word, and praising Him through worship and song. You can find special strength and encouragement in such Scriptures as Proverbs 3:23–26 and 2 Timothy 1:7. When you find yourself spiritually weak and ready to give in, go back to the well of Bible truth and His promises to be refreshed again and again. And if you feel you need special help from a spiritual leader, you can also request special prayer and anointing at your church.

Finally, and most important, take time every day to put on the armor of God, remembering that “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” (Ephesians 6:12). We should “put on the whole armor of God” (verse 11) to combat these powers and to be a light for others.

Apply It:

Have you ever encountered the presence of evil?

Dig Deeper:

Psalm 56:3; Ephesians 6:10–20; 1 John 4:4

Key Bible Texts

And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, (Mark 1:23 KJV)