"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world." 1 Peter 5:8,9
One valuable counseling distinctive at IBCC is that we consider the reality of the spiritual warfare battles our clients face. It is crucial to help them discern their responsibility to address any potential issue that gives the enemy influence in their lives to help them grow in living our of their new heart in Christ.
The big question: How Can Satan influence Christians?
Satan’s has three goals (John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”)
• Steal: Satan comes as a thief to convince you that you do not have victory and freedom in Christ.
• Kill: Satan comes to hurt and damage your heart. He does this through rejection and the lies that occur in the message of that wounding.
• Destroy: To lay waste and make desolate your life. Satan desires to influence you to walk in the flesh and continue to make choices that will bring destruction to your life, marriage, family, and future generations.
Here are the spiritual conflicts I consider to help our clients evaluate, address, and regain any influence Satan has gained in their lives.
• Lies (John 8:44) vs. Truth.
• Pride (James 4:6) vs. Humility.
• Bitterness “‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26, 27) vs. Forgiveness.
• Rebellion “For rebellion is the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry....” (1 Samuel 15:23) vs. Submission.
• Sexual Immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, 1 Corinthians 6:15-20) vs. Moral Purity.
• Spiritual Counterfeits false gospel, spirits, wrong Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:3, 4) vs. True gospel and Jesus Christ.
• Fear “For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) vs. Faith.
• Unresolved Guilt vs. Clear Conscience. (Acts 24:16, 1 Timothy 1:19)
• Unhealthy Relationships/Soul Ties (1 Corinthians 15:33)) vs. Life-giving relationships.
The reality of spiritual battles in our lives is a present reality. The questions are, do I want to acknowledge it? Do I want to address the issues that the enemy is using to keep me from walking in the freedom I have in Christ? We are equipped at IBCC and count it an honor to walk alongside those having spiritual battles to learn to walk in their new heart in Christ.
The Reality of Spiritual Conflicts