The Truth about Spiritual Oppression

Article written by Steve Hubbard, May 2018

1^ST Peter 5: 8 compares Satan to a roaring lion, “Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (NIV).  Some have noted the reference to the roar of the lion in this case is that of an old feeble lion, because a lion executing a successful attack would quietly advance upon its prey.  The roaring lion goes hungry.

Regardless, the roar is severe, and quite frightening.  And that is the point.  Satan has the power to roar, but not the power to overcome one who is covered by the blood of Jesus; in other words, a Christian.  Spiritual oppression can come in the extreme form of spiritual possession of the non-Christian, opposed to a limited spiritual harassment of the Christian; limited by the sovereign power of God. 

Verse 9 of that same chapter goes on to say, “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (NIV).  

We have access to God’s protective grace through our faith in Jesus Christ.  Unwisely we grant Satan “access” to ourselves through our fear.  Faith and fear are opposites.  We have no personal power over Satan’s harassment, but God’s abundant power is available to us as believers who seek to honor God with our faith.  His power is effective in helping us take a strong stand against the devil’s schemes. (reference Ephesians 6:11)

Certainly, Peter knows from experience about which he shares in his letter.  Recall the Lord’s charge to him just prior to Peter’s denial of knowing Jesus in Luke 22: 31-32, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. ³² But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.  And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (NIV).  

This is a fascinating piece of Scripture from which we learn some very important things:

1. Satan cannot touch us without the knowledge and “permission” of God Himself!
2. Just as Jesus prayed for Peter, we have the assurance that He is praying for us, strengthening our resolve to stay in faith and not give-in to fear.
3. God has a purpose for our encounters with Satan; they are not random, uncontrolled, or permanent.  His purpose is to build up our faith in areas where we are lacking.
4. Our “standing firm” in the name of Jesus is a testimony to other believers who will “hear the roar” during their walk of faith and will ultimately be strengthened in their own encounters to take their stand.

We overcome spiritual oppression, or harassment, when we “fight the good fight of faith” not on our own strength, but by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony in Jesus.  (reference Revelation 12:11)