Introduction

We live in a daily battle. The Bible teaches that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12).
The enemy bombards us every day. He studies our weaknesses, prepares traps, and intensifies attacks when he sees that we have been wounded.
But if God is the Lord of Hosts, our victory is guaranteed. The key is to recognize the enemy’s strategies, strengthen our faith, and fight with the spiritual weapons the Lord has given us.

1. Things That Weaken Our Faith

1.1. Unconfessed Sin

Sin creates spiritual openings. David said:

“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away” (Psalm 32:3).

Hidden sin weakens faith, but confession restores:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9).

1.2. Lack of Prayer

A Christian without prayer is a soldier without weapons.

Jesus warned:

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Matthew 26:41).

Without prayer, we become spiritually defenseless.

1.3. Discouragement and Lack of Perseverance

The enemy knows that a discouraged believer loses the strength to fight.

The Bible says:

“Let us not become weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9).

Discouragement is a powerful tool the enemy uses to weaken our faith and make us give up before the victory.

1.4. Doubt and Unbelief

Doubt corrodes faith. James teaches:

“The one who doubts is like a wave of the sea… Such a person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord” (James 1:6-7).

Unbelief closes doors that only faith can open.

1.5. Lack of Knowledge of the Word

Without the Word, we cannot use the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17).

The prophet Hosea declared:

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

A believer who does not read Scripture becomes spiritually weak.

1.6. Emotional Wounds and Unresolved Offenses

The enemy uses pain, past wounds, and bitterness to trap us.

Paul warns:

“Do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:27).

When we hold onto resentment, we give the enemy legal ground to attack.

2. Knowing the Weapons of the Enemy

● Deception and Lies

Jesus said Satan is the “father of lies” (John 8:44).

● Accusation

He is the “accuser of the brothers” (Revelation 12:10).

● Fear

Fear paralyzes. But God has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).

● Temptation

The enemy tempted Jesus in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11).

● Attacks on the Mind

Thoughts of defeat, anxiety, confusion, and discouragement are “fiery darts” (Ephesians 6:16).

When we understand these strategies, we are better equipped to resist and overcome.

3. How to Win Spiritual Battles

3.1. Put On the Full Armor of God

Ephesians 6:13-18 lists the full armor:

Belt of Truth
Breastplate of Righteousness
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
Shield of Faith
Helmet of Salvation
Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God)

A believer without armor cannot stand in battle.

3.2. Resist the Devil by Faith

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

Faith is an offensive weapon. When we stand firm on the Word, the enemy retreats.

3.3. Use the Word as a Weapon

Jesus defeated Satan in the wilderness by declaring:
“It is written” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10).

The Word destroys lies and disarms spiritual attacks.

3.4. A Life of Prayer and Fasting

Some battles require deeper spiritual discipline:

“This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21).

3.5. Fellowship With the Body of Christ

The enemy attacks those who isolate themselves.

Scripture teaches:

“Two are better than one” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

Isolation weakens; fellowship strengthens.

3.6. Stay Alert and Vigilant

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8).

A vigilant believer is not caught off guard.

3.7. Remain in the Presence of God

God’s presence strengthens, renews, protects, and restores.

Psalm 91 promises:

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

True victory is found in staying close to God.

Conclusion

We are in a war. The enemy does not sleep, does not rest, and does not give up.
But God is the Lord of Hosts, and He fights for us.

Anything that weakens our faith must be confronted and overcome.
When we recognize the enemy’s tactics and use the spiritual weapons God provides, we become more than conquerors.

“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)

Victory is guaranteed for those who stand firm in Christ.

Closing Prayer.

Open our spiritual eyes to discern the attacks of the enemy.
Clothe us with Your full armor and fill us with the Holy Spirit.
Close every open door, remove every discouragement, and destroy every lie of the enemy.
Give us courage to resist the devil and stand firm until the end.
In Jesus’ name, our banner and our victory. Amen.

Páginas

segunda-feira, novembro 17, 2025

Things That Weaken Our Faith