POWERS FIGHTING MEN OF GOD

POWERS FIGHTING MEN OF GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:
"For 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." – Ephesians 6:12

Supporting Texts:
1 Peter 5:8, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Matthew 10:22, Acts 16:16-18, 2 Timothy 4:7

INTRODUCTION:
The work of God is a battle against the forces of darkness. Every true servant of God faces opposition from demonic powers, human agents, and satanic systems designed to hinder the spread of the gospel. These battles are not physical but spiritual, as Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12. From the time of the Old Testament prophets to the apostles in the New Testament, men of God have always faced opposition.

Jesus Himself warned His disciples that they would face persecution and opposition for His name’s sake (Matthew 10:22). The enemy knows that when a man of God is anointed and effective, he becomes a threat to the kingdom of darkness. Therefore, Satan raises attacks to discourage, weaken, and even destroy the servants of God.

Despite these battles, victory is assured for those who stand firm in the power of God. No matter how fierce the opposition, the Lord has promised to be with His servants, fight for them, and grant them victory. Understanding the nature of these powers fighting men of God and how to overcome them is crucial for every minister and believer.

1. SATANIC OPPOSITION AGAINST THE CALL OF GOD

From the moment a person is called into ministry, the enemy wages war against them.

a) Satan fights to discourage God’s servants (1 Thessalonians 2:18).
Paul mentioned that Satan hindered him from carrying out his mission.

b) The devil tries to make the called doubt their assignment (Exodus 4:10-12).
Moses doubted his ability, but God reassured him.

c) Attacks come early to destroy the destiny of men of God (Jeremiah 1:5-7).
God had to assure Jeremiah of His protection and purpose for him.

d) The enemy targets those anointed for great assignments (1 Samuel 16:13-14).
The moment David was anointed, Saul became his enemy.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus faced attacks from birth (Matthew 2:13-16).
Herod sought to kill Jesus as a baby because of His divine purpose.

2. DEMONIC DISTRACTIONS TO WEAKEN SPIRITUAL STRENGTH

The enemy uses different distractions to weaken men of God.

a) Sin is a tool the enemy uses to derail ministers (Judges 16:19-20).
Samson lost his strength because of Delilah.

b) Distractions from worldly affairs can weaken a man of God (2 Timothy 4:10).
Demas forsook Paul because he loved the world.

c) The devil uses busyness to hinder spiritual growth (Luke 10:40-42).
Martha was too busy to sit at Jesus’ feet.

d) Wrong associations can destroy a man of God (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Bad company corrupts good character.

e) Biblical Example: Solomon was distracted by foreign wives (1 Kings 11:1-4).
His heart was turned away from God because of ungodly relationships.

3. PERSECUTION AND OPPOSITION FROM PEOPLE

Many times, the greatest battles of men of God come from people.

a) People criticise and oppose men of God (Numbers 16:1-3).
Korah and his followers rebelled against Moses.

b) Religious leaders often fight genuine ministers (Acts 4:1-3).
The Pharisees and Sadducees opposed the apostles.

c) False brethren cause problems for true men of God (2 Corinthians 11:26).
Paul suffered danger from false brethren.

d) Envy leads people to fight against anointed men (Daniel 6:3-5).
Daniel was hated because of his excellence.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus was rejected by His own people (Luke 4:28-30).
Those in His hometown tried to kill Him.

4. WITCHCRAFT AND SATANIC ATTACKS AGAINST GOD’S SERVANTS

The powers of darkness often launch direct attacks on men of God.

a) Witchcraft is real and fights against men of God (Galatians 3:1).
The Galatians were bewitched into error.

b) Demonic oppression targets ministers (Acts 16:16-18).
A possessed girl followed Paul to hinder his work.

c) Curses and enchantments are used to attack men of God (Numbers 23:23).
But no divination shall prosper against God’s people.

d) Spiritual battles manifest as sickness and hardship (Job 2:7).
Satan attacked Job with boils.

e) Biblical Example: Elijah was threatened by Jezebel (1 Kings 19:2-4).
She sought to kill him after his victory on Mount Carmel.

5. OVERCOMING POWERS THAT FIGHT MEN OF GOD

There is victory for every servant of God who stands firm in faith.

a) Put on the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:13-18).
This is the only way to stand against the enemy.

b) Stay in prayer and fasting for divine strength (Matthew 17:21).
Some battles require fasting and prayer.

c) Remain faithful in the word of God (Joshua 1:8).
Meditation on the word guarantees success.

d) Seek the covering of the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6).
Victory is not by might but by the Spirit of God.

e) Biblical Example: Paul fought the good fight and finished his race (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
He overcame every battle and received his reward.

CONCLUSION:
Every man of God will face battles, but victory is guaranteed for those who remain faithful. The enemy fights ministers because they carry the light of God, but they must be steadfast and unmovable in their calling. Jesus said, "In the world, you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Regardless of the powers fighting against you, God will always give you the strength to overcome. Stand firm, remain prayerful, walk in holiness, and never give in to fear. The enemy may fight, but he cannot prevail because God is with you!

PRAYER POINTS:

1.  Father, empower me to overcome every opposition against my calling.

2.  Lord, expose and destroy every demonic distraction in my life.

3.  I silence every tongue speaking against my ministry in Jesus’ name.

4.  Father, cover me with Your divine protection from satanic attacks.

5.  Lord, give me the strength to finish my assignment successfully.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1.  No weapon formed against you shall prosper in Jesus’ name!

2.  Every power fighting your ministry shall be put to shame!

3.  You shall finish your race strong and receive your reward!

4.  The anointing upon your life shall not be quenched!

5.  The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace!

Be encouraged, servant of God! Victory is yours!