There are four primary areas or “doors” through which Satan is able to attack Christians. As we become aware of these avenues of attack, we can close those doors, and live in victory.

1. Ignorance:

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6)

God said that His People (Christians) are destroyed because they’re not knowledgeable concerning provisions He’s made within the Word of God. Ignorance of those provisions allows the Devil to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10)

Many Christians don’t know that demons and evil spirits are subject to Believers!

“And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10: 17-20)

Jesus informed the disciples that He’d witnessed Satan being defeated and falling from heaven. He also confirmed that devils are subject to us through His name. Jesus told them that we have power over “all the power” of the enemy. Upon discovering this, the disciples became excited! While Jesus confirmed their discovery, He went on to say that the thing that we should be really excited about is … that our names are written in heaven.

2. Fear:

“For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.” (Job 3:25)

Both “Faith” and “Fear” are motivating forces. “Faith motivates God to do things for His people. “Fear” motivates the Devil to attack God’s people and gives him legal access into their lives.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith…” (1 Peter 5: 7-8)

Satan can’t devour just anybody. He has to seek (search for) someone who doesn’t know that the Devil is a defeated foe, or find someone who will give him entrance into their life … through fear, ignorance, or strife.

3. Strife and Unforgiveness:

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves … And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” (2 Timothy 2: 24-26)

The Word of God clearly teaches that when we get into opposition with each other (strife) we play into the Devil’s hands. When we’re in strife or unforgiveness, we open ourselves to attacks from the Devil; he can take us captive at his will; and our faith won’t work.

Mark 11:25 teaches us that we must rid ourselves of strife and unforgiveness in order that God will hear our prayers and so that our faith will work.

4. Fighting in the Wrong Arena:

“Fight the good fight of faith.” (1 Timothy 6:12)

The Word of God tells us that our fight is not with the Devil but rather it is a fight to remain in the “Arena of Faith”.

“If you attempt to fight the devil in the ‘Arena of reason’, it’s a foregone conclusion, … you’ll loose every time. But if you’ll maintain your fight in the ‘Arena of Faith’, it’s a forgone conclusion … you’ll win every time.” (The “Arena” in which you do battle, determines whether the outcome is victory … or defeat.)

The Word of God instructs us on how to deal with “thoughts” that might influence us, and defeat us.

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”(2 Corinthians 10:5)

First Peter 5:7 reminds us that we need to be sober (take it seriously) and be vigilant (watchful), because our adversary (enemy) the Devil is searching for those who don’t understand his tactics for gaining victory over their lives. It is my prayer for you, that you commit these principles to heart so you will recognize any area of your life that needs reinforcing. God Bless you as you serve Him!