Message #16 (of 20) from the PrayerPower radio series
"Spiritual Intimacy"

by Kaye Johns

We do live in victory over evil spirits, when we are willing to live in a personal love relationship with the Lord. The apostle John assures us of this. "You, dear children," he writes in 1 John, "are from God and have overcome [the evil spirits], because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." [1 John 4:4]

In that same letter we read, "I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one." [1 John 2:14b] Did you notice the reference to "the one who is in us" and to the "word of God living in us"? Sounds a lot like the abiding relationship Jesus described [John 15:1-8], doesn’t it? The abiding, spiritual intimacy with the Lord must be at the heart of our Christian walk if we’re to experience His Spirit in us, Who is greater than He who is in the world.

Jesus gave His disciples authority over evil spirits [Luke 10:19] and Paul teaches us that we should stand our ground to defeat the powers of darkness with prayer. [Ephesians 6:10-12] But we need God’s Spirit to help us discern whether we are battling evil spirits, rather than our own sinful nature, or trials which are sent to build our faith. It is discernment that comes through our koinonia relationship of spiritual intimacy.

Pray with me now -Lord, help us abide in Christ, that His Spirit might bring discernment to our prayers, for we ask in His name. Amen.

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