Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature:A spiritual attack refers to a series of events or circumstances orchestrated by demonic forces aimed at disrupting a believer's faith, spiritual growth, and relationship with God. These attacks can manifest in various forms, including temptation, doubt, fear, confusion, and physical or emotional distress. The Bible acknowledges the reality of spiritual warfare, emphasizing the believer's need for vigilance and reliance on God's power.
Biblical Foundation:The concept of spiritual attack is rooted in the broader biblical theme of spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, highlights the nature of this battle: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (
Ephesians 6:12). This passage underscores the unseen, spiritual dimension of the believer's conflict.
Examples in Scripture:1.
Job's Trials: The Book of Job provides a profound example of spiritual attack. Satan challenges Job's integrity, suggesting that his faithfulness is due to God's protection and blessings. God permits Satan to test Job, resulting in severe loss and suffering. Despite the attacks, Job remains steadfast, ultimately experiencing restoration and deeper understanding of God's sovereignty (Job 1-2).
2.
Jesus' Temptation: In the wilderness, Jesus faces direct temptation from Satan, who seeks to undermine His mission and identity. Jesus counters each temptation with Scripture, demonstrating the power of God's Word in resisting spiritual attacks (
Matthew 4:1-11).
3.
Peter's Denial: Jesus warns Peter of an impending spiritual attack, saying, "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat" (
Luke 22:31). Despite his initial failure, Peter's faith is ultimately strengthened, illustrating the potential for growth through spiritual trials.
Defense Against Spiritual Attacks:The Bible provides believers with tools to withstand spiritual attacks. Key among these is the "armor of God," described in
Ephesians 6:13-17. This spiritual armor includes:
·
The Belt of Truth: Grounding oneself in the truth of God's Word to counter deception.
·
The Breastplate of Righteousness: Living a life of integrity and holiness as a defense against accusations.
·
The Gospel of Peace: Being prepared to stand firm in the peace that comes from the gospel.
·
The Shield of Faith: Trusting in God's promises to extinguish the fiery darts of doubt and fear.
·
The Helmet of Salvation: Protecting the mind with the assurance of salvation.
·
The Sword of the Spirit: Utilizing the Word of God as an offensive weapon against spiritual deception.
Prayer and Vigilance:Prayer is a crucial component in resisting spiritual attacks. Paul exhorts believers to "pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition" (
Ephesians 6:18). Through prayer, believers maintain a close connection with God, seeking His guidance, strength, and protection.
Role of the Holy Spirit:The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in empowering believers to withstand spiritual attacks. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as a Helper and Advocate, who would guide believers into all truth and remind them of Jesus' teachings (
John 14:26). The Spirit provides discernment, comfort, and strength in times of spiritual conflict.
Community and Accountability:Engagement with a community of believers offers support and accountability, which are essential in facing spiritual attacks. The early church exemplified this through mutual encouragement and prayer (
Acts 2:42-47). Believers are encouraged to bear one another's burdens and to pray for each other, fostering resilience against spiritual challenges (
Galatians 6:2,
James 5:16).
Conclusion:While spiritual attacks are a reality for believers, Scripture assures them of victory through Christ. By relying on God's strength, wearing the full armor of God, and remaining steadfast in prayer and community, believers can overcome the schemes of the enemy and grow in their faith.
Topical Bible Verses
Ephesians 6:12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Topicalbible.orgMatthew 4:1-25
Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
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2 Corinthians 11:20
For you suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
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Galatians 2:4
And that because of false brothers unawares brought in, who came in privately to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
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3 John 1:9-10
I wrote to the church: but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, receives us not.
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James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
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Greek
2375. thureos -- a shield... Roman (which looked like a ), large enough to provide from
attack (used only in
... which
protects the believer, covering their whole person in
spiritual warfare.
...Library
How Vainglory Attacks a Monk not Only on his Carnal, but Also on...
... For not only does this, like the rest of his faults,attack a monk on his carnal
side, but on hisspiritual side as well, insinuating itself by craft and guile...
The Answer How Far an Agreement Exists among Devils About the...
... one and the same time be puffed up by the outrageous haughtiness ofspiritual pride,
and... grief: but all the spirits must one by one advance toattack the soul...
Fighting Holiness
... The business ofattack inSpiritual Soldier-ship is quite as important as
the protection of your own soul or defence of your position....
Spiritual Epileptics.
... having been cast down by "thespiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places,"
[5864] and are often ill, at the time when the passionsattack their soul...
Declaring the Nature of Internal Recollection, and Instructing the...
... full of Irksomness, so that it feels a Hell in allSpiritual Exercises, particularly...
in Prayer, and in the variety of troublesome thoughts, whichattack us at...
Whether those Miracles were Fitting which Christ Worked in...
... For amongspiritual substances the holy angels are above the demons; for, as... how
harmful are the demons whoattack men; secondly, that all might learn that the...
OurSpiritual Ancestry
... The moral andspiritual interpretation of life has not been confined to the... persecution,
but growing feeble; on the other side derision or evasion orattack....
The Disciple, -- Master, in These Days Some Learned Men and their...
... and My blood is drink indeed" (John 6:55), for they givespiritual life, and... illness
of long standing, and whilst thus affected he made anattack upon another...
The Pietist and the Perfectionist.
... Wherefore, with this objection, he mustattack the hypocrite, and not us.... sanctification
thus understood might be accompanied by an increase ofspiritual pride...
The Words of Abbot Isaac on the Nature of Prayer.
... it, though mighty torrents of persecutions beat against it like a battering ram,
though a furious tempest ofspiritual foes dash against it andattack it, yet...
Resources
What sort of spiritual boundaries should we set in our lives? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can I do when I am under spiritual attack? | GotQuestions.orgHow does God distribute spiritual gifts? | GotQuestions.orgSpiritual: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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