On the path to the Celestial City in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian encounters two lions and is tempted to turn back. He’s reassured, “Fear not the lions, for they are chained.” Christian’s fear stemmed from focusing on the immediate threat – the lions’ teeth and ferocious appearance – rather than the unseen restraint. This allegory offers a powerful message for believers today.
Scripture describes Satan as a “roaring lion” seeking to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). While his power may seem formidable, like the lions in Bunyan’s story, Satan is ultimately chained. Christ has already defeated him, securing victory for believers. However, this victory doesn’t negate the need for vigilance against Satan’s cunning temptations. In our scientifically driven world, it’s easy to overlook the spiritual realm. Yet, the Bible reminds us that our true battle is against spiritual forces, “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
Maintaining a close relationship with God is crucial in resisting the devil. Obedience and intimacy with God are powerful weapons against Satanic influence (James 4:7-8). Submitting to God’s will and drawing near to Him in prayer effectively repels the enemy. This submission acknowledges God’s ultimate authority and taps into the power of His victory.
Repentance is another key strategy in spiritual warfare. When we inevitably stumble and sin, confessing and turning away from our wrongdoing is essential (James 4:8; 1 John 1:8-10). Genuine repentance involves godly sorrow and a commitment to forsake sin. God’s forgiveness restores our relationship with Him and weakens Satan’s hold. Clinging to sin, conversely, creates distance from God and leaves us vulnerable to further temptation. A divided heart, torn between God and the world, weakens our defences (James 4:8). Wholehearted devotion and obedience to God are paramount.