Spiritual Warfare 7

Though satan is a defeated foe (by Christ's death/resurrection) we must "keep him there". Continuing in that theme: Break demonic bondage by attitudinal and behavioral repentance.
If satan has achieved a foothold through some sinful attitude or behavior, repent by
1. word 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

2. action Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice (an any other sinful attitude or behavior). Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Forgiving seems to be a key action point of Scripture, found in many passages. To keep from being outwitted by satan - forgive. 2 Corinthians 2:10
If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven--
if there was anything to forgive--I have forgiven in the sight
of Christ for your sake, in order that satan might not outwit us.
For we are not unaware of his schemes.

The one who prays (repents) and acts in this manner is becoming free from the evil one’s hold and frees him/herself of the devil’s accusations. Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

The word “becoming” is significant because footholds aren’t necessarily loosened with one prayer utterance. The word of repentance needs to be uttered only once. But the action of repentance may take considerable time to break sin’s stranglehold. Consistent reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit to walk in obedience to God must be appropriated to break (and sometimes very slowly) the pattern or habit.

Pornography is a prime example. As mentioned earlier, some surveys indicate a high percentage of evangelical pastors are addicted to pornography. In my counseling practice, I view men who are strong Christians in every area but this. As a young man, I had a six-month bout with porn magazines myself.
By professional and personal experience, I can tell you that the habit, the addiction if you will, of pornography is not broken by a single prayer of repentance. Freedom comes only as one relies on the power of the Holy Spirit to stay away from the magazine racks or other sources of temptation, to identify any subtle underlying issues beside the obvious lustful pleasure, and to own and be repulsed by the heinous self-centeredness of the practice.

Occasionally, God will free an addict miraculously. But that is not God’s typical modus operandi. The struggle of breaking a stronghold builds a dependence on God and a deeper trust in Him, leading to a stronger godly character.

Tomorrow we "PUT ON THE ARMOR"