Spiritual Warfare and Christmas

Spiritual warfare and Christmas
Dec. 3

Two 6 year olds struggled with the problem of the existence of the devil.

One boy said, "Oh, there isn't any devil." The other, rather upset, said, "What do you mean, there isn't any devil? It talks about him all the way through the Bible!"

The first replied, "Oh that's not true, you know. It's just like Santa Clause, the devil turns out to be your dad." 

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You know, that joke really isn’t that far from the truth when it comes to how the world sees Satan. Hollywood and countless advertising agencies would have us believe that Satan is just a myth, a guy dressed in a red suit with horns on his head and holding a pitchfork.

But don’t you believe it! Satan is real! He is very, very real.
How real is the enemy?

In the Gospel of John chapter 10 verse 10 we read the words of Jesus who said, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
Your version may say “that they may have life and have it to the full.”

Who is Jesus talking to? What is a thief? What do they do? Who is Jesus talking about? Back up to 10:1….

Luke 11:23 New Living Translation
"Anyone who isn't with me opposes me, and anyone who isn't working with me is actually working against me.

So if the enemy can work against Jesus through those around Him, I’m pretty sure he can do it to us too!
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And what better time of year for Satan to ply his trade of deception and destruction than during the Christmas season?

During this time of year the enemy works to distract our focus from giving glory to God. That is one of his main goals all year, but during the Christmas season it seems as though he does everything he can to turn us to other things instead of the celebration of the birth of our Savior.

So this morning I want to talk about this. I realize that there are still three weeks until Christmas, but that is why this is a good time. I want to encourage you to be on guard and to understand that we are in the midst of a spiritual war, especially this time of year.

Each of us is under attack. Satan is doing all that he can to turn us away from God and cause us a spiritual defeat. What I am talking about here is an all out war for our hearts and souls!

Satan often mounts his attacks just a little bit at a time. He can be very subtle, he plants seeds of doubt, frustration, greed and anger that can grow into all out sin if left unchecked.

Scripture tells us that we as Christians are just visitors to this world while as Jesus says in John chapter 14(:30) that Satan rules over it. And as that ruler, he is doing everything he can to bring about our Spiritual fall. You see if we align ourselves with the values of the world we then have put ourselves in direct opposition to God. For that which is of the world is just temporary where the values that point to God are eternal.

While Satan continues the battle for souls he knows that he as already lost the war because of Christ’s work on the cross. He also knows that if we are walking with God we are safe from his attacks. It is our knowledge of this, however, that can also cause a problem for us.
It is easy to get complacent in the knowledge of the victory that Jesus has had over Satan. If that were to happen it would give the enemy the opportunity he is looking for to launch an attack.

Satan will do everything in his power to block our walk in Christ and His victory. He makes use of deception, and lies to entice us away from Christ. The devil unleashes a barrage of attacks on our thoughts, desires and emotions in nearly inconspicuous ways to seduce us and trick us into believing his lies.

There are many Christians who live in defeat today because they have succumbed to the attacks and the lies that Satan is spreading. This defeat is keeping these believers from experiencing the joy that God intends for them.

While the attacks from the enemy are very real, he is certainly not hiding behind every tree or bush. If we believe that is the case we then can find ourselves living in fear of Satan and that would also be a win for him.

Theologians tell a story to illustrate how Christ's triumph presently benefits our lives: Imagine a city under siege. The enemy that surrounds the city will not let anyone or anything leave. Supplies are running low, and the citizens are fearful. But in the dark of the night, a spy sneaks through the enemy lines. He has rushed to the city to tell the people that in another place the main enemy force has been defeated; the leaders have already surrendered. The people do not need to be afraid. It is only a matter of time until the besieging troops receive the news and lay down their weapons. Similarly, we may seem now to be surrounded by the forces of evil -- disease, injustice, oppression, death. But the enemy has actually been defeated at Calvary. Things are not the way they seem to be. It is only a matter of time until it becomes clear to all that the battle is really over. 

That victory begins with what the Bible tells us in James 4:7: "Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

That being said, Satan has not given up on you or me. He will continue his attacks on believers and churches. So we need to be aware that we are in his crosshairs especially during the Christmas season.

Christian Author Debbie has listed seven ways that Satan is trying to sabotage Christmas as well and scriptural answers for each. She makes great points… Let’s have a look.

 1. Distraction / Busyness

Our enemy is deceptive……. Revelation 12:9 says, This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.(Revelation 12:9).

He’ll try hard to exhaust our days with busyness and distraction. He loves it when we have no room in the schedule for God, or we’re too busy to pray. If he can just keep us endlessly spinning our wheels at a hurried, frantic pace, he knows we’ve lost our influence. He’ll distract us with endless activity, full calendars, and even top media headlines. Anything that will draw our attention away from Christ, even seemingly “good” things, is all part of his plan. We find ourselves overwhelmed, over-extended, pressured and stressed.

 But God gives us the awareness that He came to set us free, He brings peace. He gives us wisdom and the strength to put Him first.

The Remedy: Remember Matthew 6:33. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.



2. Comparison/Jealousy

The enemy is a liar…… John 8:44 says… For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44).

Satan’s great at whispering “you’re not enough.” We may find ourselves looking around at what everyone else is doing, what they’re buying, what they’re getting. We notice how others seem to “have it all together” – perfectly decorated houses, perfect families, perfect photos, perfect lives. And we keep feeling like we’ve come up short. Jealousy sets in. Wanting what others have. We’re too busy looking around us wondering why we’re not more like “them,” to ever notice what God might be wanting to speak to us. Yet He reminds us where our true value is found. Our security and joy are found solely in Him.

Remember John 10:10

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10)  As we saw earlier, this verse talks about what the thief does, it also explains what Jesus has come to do. What a promise, what a great hope our Savior is!

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3. Discontentment/Temptation/Greed

The enemy is a tempter…….. Matthew 4:3 Says, During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.(Matthew 4:3).

The Christmas season can stir up many emotions, and the quest for more stuff to fill our aching hearts can be a huge temptation for many. We want, we “need” something to help satisfy a void that’s deep within. We listen to the enemy’s lies that money and stuff will somehow soothe the loss we feel. We’re lured towards sin, we’re tempted by the desire for the things the world can offer. But God gives us the discernment to see through that trap. We can set a guard over our hearts, and trust Him for wisdom in making the best choices.


Remember 1 Corinthians 10:13

“13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure..” (1 Corinthians 10:13)  This is where there has been some confusion. This verse talks about us having no more temptation in our lives than we can handle. Some have come to say because of this that “God won’t give us more than we can handle.” Or that He won’t allow it. That just isn’t true and nowhere in scripture doe it say that. God often allows us to experience things that we cannot handle on our own so that we will turn to Him.


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4. Unforgiveness /Resentment

The enemy is a schemer….… Ephesians 6:11-12 says Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.(Ephesians 6:11-12).

Maybe you thought you’d forgiven that wrong, that hurt, from months ago. You thought you’d laid it to rest. And yet the holidays, parties, and time with family and friends just stirred it all up again. You can be sure the devil’s at the heart of it, he doesn’t want you to forgive and move forward. He loves it when we stay stuck in our pain. Recognize who’s at the root of deception, push past his lies, step over his traps. Know that God’s heart is for you. His healing is huge and His love covers all.


Remember Ephesians 4:32

“32 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. .” (Ephesians 4:32)

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5. Worry/Fear

The enemy is looking for someone to devour…… 1 Peter 5:8 says, Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.  (1 Peter 5:8).

And he’ll often target those who are hurting or feel weakened with fear. This is one area that Satan works the hardest. It’s a powerful weapon that he’s used over many of our lives. If your heart is set on worry and fear, he has you right where he wants you. Don’t let him win this battle. Stay aware of his traps and this endless cycle of worry. It can be fierce to struggle through, but don’t give up. Give God your every fear and worry, fill your heart with the Truth of His Word, meditate on what He says and choose to believe His words, that we “don’t have to be afraid.”


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Remember Isaiah 41:10

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand..” (Isaiah 41:10)


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6. Loneliness/Broken Relationships/Disunity

The enemy is a manipulator…… Genesis 3:1-5 says, The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”

2 “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. 3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’”

4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”(Genesis 3:1-5).

He loves to stir up controversy, especially division among believers, and destruction in our own families. He rejoices in hatred and strife. He cheers on riots and violence. If you’re in a season of loneliness or are struggling through feelings of rejection and hurt, don’t stay stuck there. Bring those needs and relationships to Christ, every single one, because He has the ability to heal and restore. He is, after all, a Redeemer.

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Remember 1 Peter 4:8
“8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

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7. Despair/Depression

The enemy is an accuser…… Revelation 12:10 says, Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens,

“It has come at last—
    salvation and power
and the Kingdom of our God,
    and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters
    has been thrown down to earth—
the one who accuses them
    before our God day and night.(Revelation 12:10).

It’s not a surprise that the holidays are times when depression and suicide are on the rise. Or defeat, despair, addiction, and deep darkness of the soul. The enemy loves us to dwell in all these places. But God alone can offer the healing and the power to rise above these things. He is our hope giver. Nothing else can lift us from these dark places like God can. Don’t give up. Don’t succumb to the enemy’s lies. Cling to God and know that He cares about you, more than you could ever realize. Christ came to set the captives free.


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Remember 1 John 4:4

"4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world." (1 John 4:4)

(Content taken from the article, 7 Ways the Enemy is Trying to Sabotage Your Christmas, written by Debbie McDaniel.)



A little boy came to his father looking much in earnest, and asked, "Father, is Satan bigger than I am?" "Yes, my boy," said the father. "Is he bigger than you are, Father?" "Yes, my boy, he is bigger than your father," The boy looked surprised but thought again, and asked, "Is he bigger than Jesus?" "No, my boy," answered the father. "Jesus is bigger than he is." The little fellow, as he turned away, said with a smile, "Then I'm not afraid of him.”

So as we move through this Christmas season and into the new year, remember that God has the answer for all of Satan’s attacks. The answer is for us to get closer to Him both in His living Word and through prayer. And remember that no matter how difficult things may seem our hope is in the one who has defeated death, Jesus!