The Bible is unambiguous that God reigns supreme, but it also warns us that there is an active, ongoing spiritual conflict. We have a very dangerous enemy. This enemy does not threaten God’s authority—but he does target God’s people. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible testifies that satan and his minions are at work, opposing God’s purposes and deceiving the world, even while operating under God’s ultimate rule. Peter plainly warns born again believers:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
Notice the present tense. The enemy, ‘walks about’. The war is not hypothetical or historical—it is current. The origin of this conflict is revealed in the Old Testament. The rebellion in the spiritual realm even predates humanity’s fall. Satan—once created, now fallen—opposes God’s rule. The Bible says:
“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.” Isaiah 14:12-15
Satan’s goal has always been conquest—an impossible ambition driven by blinding pride and worked by the deception of humanity. It began in the Garden. The Bible consistently presents fallen angels and demons as disembodied, hostile spirits—active, intelligent, and opposed to God. But even THEY acknowledge God:
“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!” James 2:19
Satan and his minions believe in God’s existence—but reject His authority. The Bible identifies different ranks and functions within the kingdom of darkness. Why? To make us aware of where the enemy hides. Thus, in this devotional we give some Biblical examples of the territory satan and his minions occupy.
1. Ruling or territorial spirits. In the following passage, we’re given a rare glimpse behind the veil into the reality that Satan exerts influence over territories and nations through spiritual powers assigned to them.
“Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.” Daniel 10:12-13
The “prince of the kingdom of Persia” represents a demonic authority. This “prince” was not human; it was a spiritual power influencing an empire. The Bible later also names “the prince of Greece” in Daniel 10:20. This further indicates territorial spiritual opposition.
2. Deceptive spirits. Satanic forces that distort truth, promote false teaching, and undermine confidence in God’s Word.
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” 1 Timothy 4:1
3. Accusing spirits. Satan and his forces are repeatedly referred to as “accusers.” Their mission is to divide God’s people from each other and from fellowship with Him.
“Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” Revelation 12:10-11
Zechariah also saw this accusation firsthand when satan stood to oppose Joshua the high priest. Zechariah 3:1
4. Oppressive, afflicting and enslaving spirits. In the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly encounters spirits that oppress, afflict, and enslave. Jesus never denied their reality—but He demonstrated His authority over them.
“And He healed all who were oppressed by the devil.” Acts 10:38
“An unclean spirit… tormented him.” Mark 5:2–5
My friend, we, as born again believers, are engaged in a vicious spiritual warfare! The Bible says:
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
There is no middle ground. Satan’s forces are active, organized, and opposed to God. Yet Scripture is clear—we are fighting a defeated enemy, not an equal rival!
“He disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:15
Why does this matter?
The goal of Scripture is not to fix our eyes on demons, but to alert us to what they do, who they are; and where they hide. We must stay alert, anchored, and confident in Christ. We can direct our prayers against territorial demonic forces; against the minions who accuse, deceive, oppress, afflict, and enslave. We see it all around us. Instead of attacking a person who is controlled by evil, we can identify the source of evil and attack it with prayer and the sword of the Word.
Spiritual warfare is real—but the outcome has already been determined. Jesus wins. The enemy works tirelessly, believing he can still thwart God’s purpose. The way we, as believers, work demonstrates the degree to which we truly believe in victory. Are we on the sidelines, or are we in the thick of the battle?
Satan and his minions do not sleep. Neither does God. God empowers us to work like we believe that someone else’s eternity begins or ends with what we do with today.
We know the Lord God Almighty who constantly intercedes for us. Tomorrow we will further explore the exciting ways God is constantly interceding for us.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for opening our eyes to the truth of Your Word. Keep us alert, grounded, and confident in Christ. Help us stand firm in Your strength, clothed in Your armor, trusting fully in Your victory. We rest not in our own power, but in Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
