The first thing you need to do before you even think of engaging satan, is to make sure your slate is clean. That’s why the Bible encourages us to come to the Lord with repentance, brokenness, and contrition of spirit.

The best and most vivid practical example the Bible gives us is found in Zechariah chapter 3.

Zechariah 3:4 Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.”

Joshua the high priest stood before God while Satan stood at his right hand to oppose him because of the filthy garments.

Although he held the office and appeared outwardly qualified, there was something in the spiritual realm that needed to be dealt with. This teaches us that prayer, rituals, and outward appearance cannot replace repentance and obedience.

God is drawn to brokenness, contrition, humility, and repentance. So, if we are going to deal with satan and his agents, we must live a repentant life, continually responding to God’s correction and allowing the blood of Jesus to cleanse us.

Ephesians 4:27 — “Nor give place to the devil.”

The spiritual realm operates on legalities, and the devil looks for legal access into the life of a believer.

Four things can give Satan access: what you say, what you do, what you open unknowingly, and what you agree to with someone. For us to overcome him, we must put the following into practice.

1. Learn to speak right

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

One of the major entry points the enemy uses is our words. Jesus taught that we will give an account for every word we speak. Our words carry weight in the spirit and can become evidence used against us or for us.

God Himself gives us the best example: when the earth was in confusion, He did not speak what He did not want; He spoke what He wanted. Therefore, learn to speak what God has said concerning your life. Do not allow your circumstances and sentiments to become the basis of your confession. God waits for His Word, not your sentiments.

Therefore, take good care of what comes out of your mouth. Speak in agreement with the Word of God, and be sensitive about every word you release, so that you do not give Satan something to work with against your life, family, career, and business.

2. People you agree with- Jonah 1

Be careful about the people you enter into agreement with. The spiritual world runs on agreement. Even relationships can create openings when there is alignment with what is wrong.

Jonah was on a ship going in the wrong direction, and everyone on that ship became affected by what was happening in his life. Therefore, be choosy about your friends and the relationships you allow into your life.

3. Forgiveness

Another area we must deal with is unforgiveness. When you refuse to forgive, you give the enemy an opportunity to torment you. Matthew 18:32–33

Revelation 12:11 — “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”

There are three powerful weapons God has given us to overcome the evil one: the blood of Jesus, the Name of Jesus, and the Word of God.

Prayer, praise, and worship are the launching pads. They help us launch the weapons, but we must be filled with the weapons.

Colossians 2:14-15

The blood of Jesus is our evidence, and the cross is our receipt—Jesus has already dealt with everything that was against us. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and the blood has a voice that speaks across history—yesterday, today, and forever. What Christ accomplished at Calvary remains our foundation.

There are steps we must take to free ourselves from everything that is holding us.

a. Confession: 1 John 1:5–9

Confession is not about living under condemnation; it is about maintaining a posture of repentance before God. When we acknowledge our sin and confess it, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

b. Renunciation.

Renunciation means that you reject the agreement. You break whatever agreement was there. You renounce it forever in Jesus’ name. You speak to the enemy with the authority God has given you and declare that the contract is void.

c. Declaration.

You declare what is legally yours. You take the Word of God and declare what is rightfully yours. You may not phrase the Scripture exactly as it is written, but make sure what you say aligns with the Word of God.

The devil is a transgressor. He is a lawless one. Even when the case has been lost, he is stubborn. Therefore, you must enforce the judgment and stand on the fact that God’s sentence has been rendered in your favor.

d. Standing steadfastly: Ephesians 6:13-14

This is where many of us miss it. After you have confessed, renounced, and declared, stand. Do not move your position or change your confession because of what you are feeling or seeing. Stand on what is legally yours and on the truth of the Word of God. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Stand your ground and remain there.

Sometimes things happen immediately, and sometimes it will take time. All of us would love quick results, but you will never develop faith if everything happens immediately. God, in His wisdom, allows seasons so that He can train you to become a warrior. Therefore, having done all, stand.

STAY BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVORED. WE LOVE YOU.

PASTOR BEN OCHOLA.