Let us explore some of the strategies that we can engage as believers from God’s Word to employ in stopping the thief.
- Stop the thief through the power of God
The story of Daniel is an excellent example of how God’s power stops the schemes of the enemy. Daniel faced certain death in the lion’s den but was saved by God’s intervention, leading even the king to acknowledge God’s power. Daniel told the king; “God sent His angel to shut the mouths of the lions” (Daniel 6:22)
Consider some bible verses that show us the potency and supremacy of God’s power;
Psalms 66:3; “Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You.” NKJV
Psalms 60:12; “Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.”
It is through God’s power in Christ Jesus that the foes and adversaries that rage against us will be defeated.
- And it through the name of Jesus we exercise that power to stop the thief;
(Casting out demons through His name): Mark 16:17 states, “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons…” This illustrates that using and applying the name of Jesus directly confronts and expels demonic forces troubling one’s life and destiny.
It is through His name we have deliverance over enemies
- Psalm 54:1: “Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might.”
- Psalm 118:10-12: “All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them down.”
These verses reflect the power of God found in using the name of our Lord Jesus.
John 14:13-14: “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
It highlights the authority and power vested in Jesus’ name. Therefore through the name of Jesus we have power and authority to stop the devil
- The blood of Jesus is another spiritual weapon we have to stop the devil.
Revelation 12:11: “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”
This verse shows believers overcoming the devil through Jesus’ sacrificial blood and their faithful testimony.
Furthermore, in Exodus 12, where God instructs the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and paint its blood on their doorposts and lintels. This act was a sign for the destroyer to pass over their homes during the final plague in Egypt, which struck down the firstborn sons.
Symbolically, this event foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus, referred to as the “Lamb of God.” Just as the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from death by the destroyer, the blood of Jesus even more powerfully shields believers from spiritual destruction. The blood of Jesus has the potency to stop the destroyer from bringing havoc to our lives But we must apply it, in the place of prayer and daily Word-based confession to observe its great effect in our lives
- Our faith triumphs over the devil and the world
1 John 5:4; “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (NKJV)
Ephesians 6:16: “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”
Psalms 22:4; “Our fathers trusted in You; They trusted, and You delivered them” NKJV
Through our faith in God and His Word, we can stop the devil’s schemes and attacks over our lives. Our faith in God has the power to overcome and spiritual or worldly challenges that come our way
- Holiness is key in stopping the enemy
Proverbs 28:1; “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
Living a holy life gives believers the boldness and confidence to stand firm against spiritual attacks, knowing they are in right standing with God.
Proverbs 16:7; “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
That when you live a life of holiness before, God makes your enemies at peace with you. Or put in another way, when you live a life of holiness before God, those enemies whether visible or invisible that tries to harm you, God compels them by force to be at peace with you. So, they want to harm you, but rather than harm you, God compels them to favour you. Like Laban who wanted to harm Jacob but God warned him in a dream (Genesis 31:24) and he ended making a treaty with Jacob for peace (Genesis 31: 51-53)
- The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in protecting and empowering believers to stop the activities of the thief.
Guidance and Wisdom: The Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth (John 16:13). By revealing the truth, the Holy Spirit exposes the lies and deceptions of the devil, preventing believers from falling into his traps.
Conviction of Sin: The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). This conviction helps believers to stay clear of behaviours and actions that could give the enemy a foothold.
Intercession: Romans 8:26-27 tells us that the Spirit intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. This intercession is vital in spiritual battles, ensuring that believers are supported and strengthened in their faith. For example, He empowers us to speak in tongues (language of the Holy Spirit), which builds us up.
Empowerment: Acts 1:8 states that believers will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. This empowerment enables them to stand firm against the enemy’s attacks and to carry out God’s will with boldness.
Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities help believers live in a way that is pleasing to God and resistant to the enemy’s influence.
Spiritual Armor: Ephesians 6:17 refers to the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” The Spirit enables believers to wield the word of God effectively, both defensively and offensively, against spiritual attacks.
Renewing the Mind: The Holy Spirit renews and transforms the mind (Romans 12:2), helping believers to think and act according to God’s will, rather than succumbing to worldly temptations and deceptions.
In essence, the Holy Spirit is a divine helper who equips, empowers, and guides us, ensuring we can withstand and overcome the devil’s schemes. It’s an incredible source of strength and protection.
God bless you.
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
Prayer: O God arise and break the shackle of the enemy over my life and family, preventing me from making progress in destiny, break this shackle today, in Jesus Name
Feast of Light Word Ministry
Resource: Stop the thief (1) – Feast of light
