The metaphor written by the Apostle Paul in the book of Ephesians illustrates how to protect oneself from the attacks of evil spirits by relying on Christian faith. According to the Scriptures, spiritual attacks are carried out by the devil and his evil forces in the form of incitement to sin, doubts about your beliefs, or feelings of unworthiness to proclaim the Word of God. However, you can withstand this attack and stay strong in your faith if symbolically, you put on the full armor of God.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Putting on God's Armor
Step 1. Put on the belt of truth
In the book of Ephesians 6:14, Paul wrote: "Stand fast, girdled with righteousness." The belt symbolizes one of the weapons that unites all sources of power. So, the ability to resist the devil's instigation and overcome doubts about your beliefs must begin with understanding the truth according to God's Word.
Believe in the truth of God's Word and God's plan for your life. In addition, you must live your life as an honest and sin-free Christian
Step 2. Guard the heart by putting on the armor of justice
Ephesians 6:14 continues: "put on the garment of justice." On the human body, there are certain areas that are most vulnerable to demonic incitement. However, you don't have to be a perfect human to be protected from the temptation to sin. Rely on Jesus and strive to be like Him in terms of holiness as a source of strength.
For example, if you're feeling jealous, you may experience an evil spirit attack because you see a new neighbor who seems more settled. Overcome envy by remembering the holiness of Jesus and His sacrifice for you while being grateful for the abundant blessings that God has given you so far
Do you know?
In 1 Corinthians 1:30 it is written that Jesus is able to free us from sin because of His mercy: "But through Him you are in Christ Jesus, who through God became wisdom to us. He justified and sanctified and redeemed us."
Step 3. Put on shoes to protect your feet by proclaiming the gospel of peace
Paul wrote the next verse: "Your feet are shod, willing to preach the gospel of peace." (Ephesians 6:15). Let God guide your steps by following His calling as you go about your daily life. In addition, prepare to survive and fight against the forces of evil that continue to incite you to fall into sin or fill your mind with fear and anxiety.
The Gospel is the Word of God, but in this passage, Paul specifically uses the word "peace". Weapons are prepared for war and this verse is a reminder that you are able to overcome obstacles that disturb the peace of life by relying on God
Step 4. Use faith as a shield to protect yourself from the attacks of evil spirits
In Ephesians 6:16, Paul emphasized the importance of faith by saying: "Use the shield of faith in all circumstances, for with it you will be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the evil one." Fire arrows are attacks by evil spirits that can paralyze people into sinning or doubting your beliefs, but this verse explains that faith will be a strong enough shield to protect you from the devil's attacks if you ask God for the strength of your faith.
In this case, faith is not simply believing in the existence of God. You must also rely on His goodness and His plans for your life
Step 5. Put on a safety helmet to protect the mind from demonic attacks
After accepting Jesus as Savior, you are worthy of the forgiveness of sins and the assurance of eternal life with God in heaven. This knowledge can protect the mind so you don't wonder and doubt about God, salvation, and how to follow Jesus. This is the meaning of Paul's writing which says: "and receive the helmet of salvation." (Ephesians 6:17).
- Sin usually starts in the mind. Therefore, try to keep your mind clean and focused so that you are worthy of being a wise soldier of God.
- Colossians 3:2 confirms this message by exhorting Christians to turn their minds to heavenly affairs: "Set your mind on things above, not on things on earth."
Step 6. Bring a spirit sword to crush the demons
Paul continues Ephesians 6:17 by saying, "and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." The battle equipment against the attacks of evil spirits is not complete if you do not have weapons. Reading the Bible daily, memorizing inspirational verses, and asking God to show you words of faith-strengthening can protect you from feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and other weaknesses.
- The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell that Jesus went into the wilderness to fast and pray. After fasting, the devil came to Jesus and instigated Jesus 3 times to sin. Whenever provoked, Jesus quoted Scripture to silence the devil.
- If you understand the Scriptures, use this knowledge to resist the devil's instigation as Jesus did.
Method 2 of 2: Strengthening Faith to Resist Evil Spirit Attacks
Step 1. Remind yourself to put on the armor of God in times of trouble
Make it a habit to read the Bible every day, but when you suddenly face a big problem or feel helpless, read Ephesians 6:10-20 because you may experience an attack by an evil spirit. Read the entire passage that contains Paul's full explanation of God's armor as a source of strength to keep you going and regain your composure.
This passage begins with: "Finally, be strong in the Lord, in the strength of his might." (Ephesians 6:10)
Step 2. Put on God's armor every day to anticipate the attacks of evil spirits
In order to survive an attack, you must know the cause. If you live a Christian life and proclaim God's Word, the Scriptures reveal that you will be the target of demonic attacks who "walk around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8). You are ready to use God's armor to be able to defend against the devil's attacks if you hold fast to your Christian faith and wear God's armor every day.
The book of Ephesians 6:12 explains that believers will engage in spiritual warfare: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against governments, against rulers, against the rulers of this dark world, against the evil spirits in the world. air."
Step 3. Pray all the time
Although prayer is not included in God's armor, at the end of the passage, Paul says: "Pray at all times in the Spirit and keep watch in your prayers with unceasing supplication for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18). The habit of praying all the time makes you better prepared to face temptations to sin, doubt, or other spiritual attacks.
If you don't know what to say when praying, thank God for all His goodness, ask for forgiveness of sins and the strength to resist sin, ask God to give you strength of faith and wisdom
Step 4. Take time to fellowship and worship God with people of faith
You need to meet people who center their lives on God if you want to increase the power of faith to resist the devil's instigation. Look for a church that applies the teachings of Jesus according to the Bible, then attend services regularly and make time to socialize with Christians in the church.
- In addition to strengthening your faith, you are in a community that is ready to provide support in times of difficulty.
- If you cannot resist a certain sin, seek guidance from a wise church leader.
