Category: Spiritual Warfare

What is Light? Biblical and Spiritual Characteristics

Posted on by Donna Snow

That meaning and characteristics of light are significant in the context of biblical history and theology. Scripture is clear that the power of God’s light expels darkness and all powers of evil. No darkness is equal to His great light. 

I am an avid gardener, so light is vital. But what are the biblical and spiritual characteristics of light?

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In the simplest terms, light results in removing darkness. Spiritually, light represents the contrast between God and evil forces, believers and unbelievers.

In the biblical context, every phase of light, from natural light in the natural world to the spiritual glory of the celestial, is found in Scripture. God “alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see” (1 Timothy 6:16).

Creation of Light

After God created the heavens and the earth, His Spirit hovered over the darkness (Genesis 1:1-2). Afterward, the first thing that God did was to illuminate the heavens and the earth.

  • “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day (Genesis 1:3-5).

This first illumination of the heavens and earth did not come from the sun. Natural light comes later in Genesis 1:14-18, which you can explore below. Scripture does not tell you where this original light came from, other than God.

Plants were created on Day 3, but the sun does not show up until the 4th day of creation. How can plants exist and flourish without sunlight? Yet we have “light” on Day 1. 

Perhaps one of the reasons God waited until Day 4 to create the sun was to demonstrate that He alone creates light. He alone is light and life. The sun is just one of many instruments in His hands. 

You and I worship the Creator, not what He created. In the Old Testament, God warned the Israelites not to worship the sun like the pagans (Deuteronomy 4:19). As God’s children, we do not worship the sun but God who made the sun. 

Characteristics of Light

According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, light is “the symbol and synonym of all that is luminous and radiant in the mental, moral and spiritual life of men and angels.” That is a fancy way of stating that light matters in every realm of life.

Light is represented in many ways, and thus its characteristics to illuminate dark places vary greatly. 

  • Natural light can be observed through the sun, moon, stars, and solar systems.
  • Artificial light can be represented by ancient oil lamps, candles, fire, and modern electricity.
  • Miraculous light is seen through Moses’ burning bush (Exodus 3) and the pillar of fire by day that protected the Israelites after they left Egypt (Exodus 13:17-22), among others.

Light and life go together in the bible as the product of salvation (you will see that more below). For the most part, light is an attribute of holiness that shines forth the glory of God.

Natural Light

The sun first appears in Genesis with these well-known familiar words: 

  • “And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.’ And it was so. And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:14-18).

All of nature’s bright lights (sun, moon, and stars) appear here in Genesis and elsewhere in Scripture:

  • “Yours is the day, yours also the night; you have established the heavenly lights and the sun” (Psalm 74:16).
  • “To Him who made the great lights, for His steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 136:7). 
  • “…before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain” (Ecclesiastes 12:2).
  • “And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:5).

How does natural light affect us?

The characteristics of natural light in your daily walk are beauty, radiance, and life-giving. For instance:

  • “The light of the eyes rejoices the heart” (Proverbs 15:30). 
  • “Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun” (Ecclesiastes 11:7).
  • “If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him” (John 11:9-10).

Life, joy, activity, and every blessing are dependent upon light. If you live in parts of the world where gloomy, dark weather descends during the winter, you truly understand the life-giving, joy-inducing effects of the sun. 

Light is Good

The Hebrew word that portrays light is evocative. God’s initial creative process begins in Genesis where the eternal God spoke (Genesis 1:2) and light appeared without hesitation. 

Before the beginning of time, light was the initial step of God’s creative spirit. Spiritually, physically, and mentally, all men stumble in the absence of light. 

Light is not in and of itself divine. However, it is used metaphorically for life (Psalm 56:13), salvation (Isaiah 9:2), God’s commandments (Proverbs 6:23), and the divine presence of God (Exodus 10:23).

Without light, darkness and chaos run rampant over all the earth. The term for darkness is used for the wicked (Proverb 2:13), as judgment (Exodus 10:21), and death (Psalm 88:12). 

Darkness evokes all that is anti-God. Moral man loses the right path when a plague of darkness shrouds him from God’s healing light. Light is good because:

  • God is the Father of light who dispels darkness: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17).
  • God is light: “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). 

The Light of Christ

The Apostle John wrote down in the New Testament these very words of Jesus: 

  • “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12)
  • “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5).

Light is the revelation of God’s love in Jesus Christ. Christ’s love and light penetrate every life darkened by sin. That’s all of us.

“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:5-7).

Jesus is the incarnate Word of God, who has come as the light for all people (John 1:4-14). The light of Christ residing in us through the power of the Holy Spirit enables you to shine His true light into the darkest circumstances.

God is Light

Since light represents goodness in opposition to the evil associated with darkness, it is a natural step for the biblical authors to understand God, the ultimate good, as light. 

Your spiritual light and life can only come from God: “For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light” (Psalm 36:9).

Light symbolizes our holy God’s loving presence, comforting protection, and incredible favor:

  • “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
  • “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone” (Isaiah 9:2).
  • “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Psalm 27:1 does not mince words: “Yahweh (Adonai) is my light and my salvation.” God’s presence is your source of light despite any darkness around you.

Light of Salvation

Why is Christ referred to as the light of the world? He answers that question directly: “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness” (John 12:46).

As a young adult, I experienced life without the light of Christ. I will never forget the hopelessness and darkness of life without His love and light. (See my story here.)

When I received God’s gift of faith and believed that Christ died for me, it was an incomparable JOY!

His Light Penetrates Darkness

God’s perfect love and light can penetrate and redeem even the darkest heart. Christ’s life and light shine forth the good news of eternal life for all who believe in Him.

Everyone who responds by faith to God’s light is ushered into a life in which darkness is dispelled. Specifically, salvation brings light to those in darkness:

  • “The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned” (Matthew 4:16).
  • “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5).
  • “You will succeed in whatever you choose to do, and light will shine on the road ahead of you” (Job 22:28).

We are Sons and Daughters of Light

When you believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is our Savior, you are grafted into His eternal family by faith: 

  • “While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light” (John 12:36).
  • “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)” (Ephesians 5:8-9).
  • “ For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or the darkness” (1 Thessalonians 5:5).

Living as Children of Light

So, how are His children supposed to live with His light in us? How does living as a child of God look different from the rest of the world?

Paul intentionally contrasts the old life in darkness with new life in the light in Christ Jesus: 

“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God…You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:17-18, 23-24).

What does that life look like?

Simply put, a believer’s words, thoughts, and actions are characterized by light: 

  • “But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God” (John 3:21).
  • “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). 
  • “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14).
  • “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:12-14).
  • “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Many bible verses in God’s Word refer to good deeds and good works as telltale marks of the children of God. People see the goodness of the Lord through the spiritual life of men and women. 

Experiencing sunset in the Holy Land

You stand out, not blend in

As a child of the light, your old life stands in stark contrast with the new. As you rely on His strength each day, His light exposes and expels darkness.

The revealed will of God provides light to a believer’s heart, soul, and mind which results in holy guidance in a dark world (Psalm 19:7-10; Psalm 119:105; Psalm 119:130). 

Armor of Light

Satan can disguise himself as an “angel of light”. Do not be fooled. Satan does not have the light of God. The devil’s goal is your complete and utter destruction.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:12-13).

However, God has given you His armor as the ultimate defense against Satan’s attacks: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).

Pieces of God’s Armor

I wrote an entire eight-week Bible study on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20) because the thought of an invisible enemy attacking me 24/7 used to be flat-out scary. Here is what God has given you:

  • Belt of truth
  • Breastplate of righteousness
  • Shoes of the Gospel of peace
  • Shield of faith (to extinguish the enemy’s fiery darts)
  • Helmet of salvation
  • Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God)

God’s armor is not meant to hang useless in your spiritual closet. The enemy is powerful, so you wear God’s armor because you are God’s soldier. His divine light and protection covers you from head to toe.

God is light, who dispels the darkness of this world. Jesus came as the light of the world, breaking through the darkness of sin by His work on the cross. 

The first word of God is about light. The love of God is a shining light into a dark world. And a child of the light, you have the privilege of carrying His divine torch.

Related Posts:

About the Author
Donna is a sought-after author, speaker, and Bible teacher. Her path from being unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was not easy. Read her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her here.

{Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!}

25 Encouraging Bible Verses for Addiction Recovery

Posted on by Donna Snow

If you have struggled with addiction of any kind, you fully understand that addiction recovery feels like a never-ending battle. Whether drug addiction, alcohol addiction, substance abuse, sexual immorality, or other addictive behaviors, the Word of God is the first step on the right path.

addiction-recovery

Throughout my whole adult life, my struggle has been food. I have struggled with yo-yo dieting and obesity for decades. Food has always been my way of escape when faced with difficult times, celebrating the good times, and any time in between. 

But I had not faithfully fought that addiction by relying wholeheartedly on the grace of God found in God’s Word. I allowed my own glutinous desires to take precedence over the work of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps you can relate to that struggle in your own addiction battle. 

Enough is enough. I went on a journey through Scripture to discover the most helpful Bible verses for encouragement and great power when temptation hits hard. I pray that these verses will help you, as well.

1. For the Weary

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29

Any type of addiction recovery falls heavy on your heart, mind, and soul. You need to share the burden. Most days you wish you could simply push a magic button and it would disappear forever. A support group is a wonderful place to share those burdens. Journaling is also an effective tool for offloading.

However, the Good News of the power of Christ gets to the heart of your mental health. Knowing that Christ Jesus initiates the healing process by shouldering your burden gets to the heart of the battle.

addiction-recovery

2. Seeking Peace

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

Struggling with addiction recovery is a constant source of unrest. Whether alcohol abuse, drug abuse, lust of the flesh, or food, the power of addiction affects all areas of life.

However, this beautiful verse reminds you that even in the midst of sinful behaviors and poor choices, the peace of God has not bypassed you. No power on earth is stronger than God’s love and God’s grace over you.

addiction-recovery

3. Prayer for Healing

“And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:15-16

This beautiful verse encourages us to share your struggles with each other for prayer and encouragement. When you call on dear friends and family members, their prayers help us through tough times. They can alleviate the heavy loads of accountability that encourage a fresh start and recovery journey.

addiction-recovery

4. The Right Friends

“Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

Temptation lurks around every corner, as well as from old friends who may also struggle with addictions. This verse wisely instructs you to surround yourself with the good character and godly lives of the right people. Only those family members and friends who truly care for you will actively help you with addiction recovery.

addiction-recovery

5. Healing Process

“Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security.” Jeremiah 33:6

The healing process following addiction treatment can be a long haul of ups and downs. You have to deal with cravings, relapse, boredom, loneliness, and difficulty finding purpose.

However, by faith, God can bring about complete and lasting healing. This verse promises, “I will.” And He will.

addiction-recovery

6. Abundant Hope

“And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security.” Job 11:18

If you have struggled with addiction for years, you may feel that addiction recovery is hopeless. Processing stress, shame, anger, and sadness are difficult emotions to wrangle.

Your addiction may have caused financial or relationship problems, as well. However, this verse reminds you that the hope of God is a promise that He keeps. Holding on to the hope of God will bring about healing and a rebuilt life.

addiction-recovery

7. Perseverance

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5

Any time we face tough times, trials, and sufferings, God allows us to grow stronger and braver. Just like muscles in a gym, resistance builds physical strength.

This verse provides truth and hope that fighting through addiction builds spiritual strength. Feelings of emptiness, shame, and loneliness will be replaced by a sober mind fixed on eternal glory with God.

addiction-recovery

8. Walk with God

“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

Addictions are truly works of the flesh. God does not tempt you to become an addict. Temptation is wholly the devil’s scheme to draw you away from God. The list is long, but none is stronger than the higher power of God Almighty.

Worldly passions surround you every day, yet the Spirit of God lives inside of you. He never leaves nor abandons you to addiction, but calls you to walk in His light.

addiction-recovery

9. Be Filled With the Spirit

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18

There is no room for misinterpretation here: abusing alcohol leads to sin. Indeed, any overindulgence follows similar consequences of addiction.

But being filled with the Spirit brings life, peace, freedom, and hope. Such a life includes prayer, confession of sins, gratitude, and living in such a way that honors the Lord God. 

addiction-recovery

10. Cast Away Anxiety

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:6-8

Feeling anxious goes hand-in-hand with working toward addiction recovery. However, anxiety does not help, which is why the Lord tells you to hand your anxieties over to Him. In His hands, they are cast away for good, not just for a little while.

God desires for you to have the crown of life not a crown of thorns. He is trustworthy. Even though the devil prowls like a lion, our Lion of Judah devours your anxiety.

addiction-recovery

11. Just Say No

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” Titus 2:11-12

The addiction recovery process is more involved than just saying no, but that’s where recovery must start.

Saying no to ungodliness and passions of the flesh marks the beginning of living a life that honors God and His calling on your life. Saying no inspires you toward self-control and building a closer relationship with God.

addiction-recovery

12. Facing Trials

“Count it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” James 1:2-3

Joy is the last thing that comes to mind when faced with addiction recovery. However, James does call the addiction a joy, but rather that through the struggles God forges strength and persistence.

Those valuable qualities are necessary to stay the course and remain clean. Steadfastness is key to overcoming any addiction through Christ alone.

13. Conquering Temptation

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16

Jesus Christ experienced temptations while He was here on Earth yet did not fall into sin. This means that Jesus understands firsthand weakness and disappointment. He can sympathize and emphasize with such pain. He even paid the price for your sins with His life.

Addiction may have once had you, but this verse reassures you that Jesus’ mercy and compassion has the final say.

14. Victorious Strength

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Feeling weak and overwhelmed is common as you focus on overcoming addiction. It is normal to feel self-directed anger and shame for the damage your addiction has caused in your life and the relationship with family and friends you hold dear.

But this verse confirms that all things are possible in Christ – even defeating addiction. God faithfully provides His strength to stay focused and on the path to your new life.

15. Faithful Guide

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Matthew 6:13

The last thing that Satan wants is your addiction recovery. He will lob every fiery dart at you in order to bring you down. But God will never tempt you, much less lead you there. The enemy’s temptations may be strong, but God has unlimited power to defeat that enemy.

So when you are tempted to fall back into old patterns or places where your addiction thrived, pray this prayer for God to deflect the enemy’s evil plan.

16. Helping Others 

“Brothers and sisters, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” Galatians 6:1

You may have family or friends who also abuse addictive substances. If so, you could serve as part of their support network. By listening to their struggles without judging, you could provide an excellent example by living a healthy, God-centered lifestyle.

By abstaining from drugs, alcohol, or other addictive behaviors, you can demonstrate that victory is possible through Christ. Your example can help prevent them from succumbing to their sinful temptations. You can point them to the One who can bring ultimate victory.

17. God Listens

“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12-13

God is as close as your next breath and hears your prayers without fail. God listens to you and knows the content of your heart. Your heart is likely heavily burdened with the shame and trauma caused by addiction. Some days may feel like it is simply too much to handle.

But God promises that He will listen to your prayer and always be available when you call on Him. He never abandons nor forsakes you.

18. God Enables Recovery

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27

Overcoming addiction, especially one you have struggled with for years, may feel impossible. But God reminds you in this verse that absolutely everything is possible with Him.

The addiction recovery road may be rough, but God’s love and grace will bring you healing. Seeking His help is the first step toward healing. Do not hesitate to call on Him. He is ready and able to sever the tentacles of addiction.

19. Renewing Your Mind

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

The struggle with addiction always begins in your mind. Battles are won or lost in your mind long before they play out in real-time.

The thoughts and content that occupy your mind make all the difference. This verse points out that renewing your mind is key to overcoming addiction.

Such a transformation can only be accomplished in Christ—spending time in His Word and prayer. Such discipline produces perseverance that is necessary for victory over any substance use disorder.

Spending daily time in prayer and studying God’s Word provides the unbeatable combination to defeat addiction once and for all.

20. Facing Temptation

“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” James 1:13-14

Satan will use every opportunity to put the stumbling block of temptation in your path. He can use a tempting environment in your area of addiction. He can leverage careless words spoken by unsupportive friends. You have a choice whether or not to give in to that desire.

God will never tempt you. God tests you toward success, as in a classroom. The enemy alone tempts you toward failure for destruction. Keeping your eyes on God and turning over the temptation battle to Him will keep you on the right path toward addiction recovery.

God is faithful and wants you to live a life free of addiction. Trust Him. 

21. Defining Desires

“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” 1 John 2:16

The desire to sin and fall into addiction never originates from God. This verse reminds you that the culprits of are the temptations paraded before your eyes in this world. The God of all grace designed you to live in different ways—ways that honor Him and build your life on His promises.

A life free from addiction can be leveraged in serving Him for Kingdom purposes. The best treatment plan is calling on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and trusting in His holy treatment program of love, mercy, and grace.

22. Not All Things Are Helpful

“You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything’—but not everything is good for you. And even though ‘I am allowed to do anything,’ I must not become a slave to anything.” 1 Corinthians 6:12

This verse hits a key point: you are allowed to do anything. But addiction stops short of asking a crucial question: “Is it helpful?” Or even further: “Am I becoming a slave to this thing?”

The Apostle Paul answers those questions flat out: not everything is good for you.

And even though you are allowed to do anything, there will be consequences for harmful decisions. God allows consequences to fall based on your choices in order to change behavioral patterns toward better choices. In spite of everything, remember that God consistently and faithfully forgives you because He loves you. 

23. Resist the Devil

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

The devil is going to mess with you. But God promises that when you resist the devil he will flee. He has no choice. That does not mean he will not keep trying and tempting. Yet every time you resist in the name of Jesus the devil will flee.

So when addiction temptations start running through your mind, speak the Word of God aloud. Open your Bible or this list of Bible verses and start speaking them out loud.

There is POWER in the name of Jesus and the devil holds NO power against it. Memorizing some or all of these verses will enable you to fight effectively against every single temptation the moment that it raises its ugly head.

24. Call on the Lord

“Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” Psalm 50:15

As you walk the road toward addiction recovery, there will never be a time when God is too busy to help you. Whether at two in the afternoon or two in the morning, He will come to your rescue.

God alone deserves all the glory for rescuing because you know all too well that you cannot rescue yourself. You have tried more times than you can count to save yourself from addictive behavior, but your sinful nature has been a relentless stumbling block.

Yet when you call on the Lord, there is no stumbling block that God cannot blast out of the way to rescue you every single time.

25. Freedom in Christ

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

What a perfect verse to wrap up our list of Bible verses to overcome addiction. When Jesus sets you free from your addiction, it’s freedom from the inside out. He transforms your mind, which changes your future behavior to live a God-honoring life.

A mind set free by Christ experiences new life that can only come from Him. Keep fighting the good fight against addiction with His Word and the power of His Name. 

Take heart! You have started your journey toward overcoming addiction, which is very brave indeed. On those days that you feel discouraged or defeated, keep these verses close by.

I have set up a prayer “war room.” Perhaps a dedicated prayer space is precisely what you need. Here is how you can do it.

Keep the Word of God on your lips and His name in your prayers. And when He sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Related Posts:

About the Author
Donna is a sought-after author, speaker, and Bible teacher. Her path from being unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was not easy. Read her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her here.

{Some of these links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!}

Warriors in the Bible: 13 Essential Life Lessons To Learn

Posted on by Donna Snow

In some way, shape, or form, the pandemic infected and affected all of us. Our daily life. Our loved ones. Our communities. And the globe at large. Consequently, many of us can relate more intimately to being warriors. We have battle scars. Yet we have also experienced battle blessings.

Table of Contents

  1. The Lord as a Warrior
  2. The Armor God Provides
  3. 13 Life Lessons About God’s Warriors

One of greatest warriors in Scripture was King David. He set the example that God’s warriors are to be prepared, loyal to the Lord, prepared, and led by God.

If you keep a journal like me, you likely ran out of space a long time ago with all that has happened over the past two and a half years. How to be a good warrior for God deserves a full-blown Bible study – perhaps especially for our military community. But for now, we will settle for diving in here.

I have written several books (mostly Bible studies), both short and long, and consider it my highest honor to travel the world and teach from Scripture. And the enemy is just waiting to trip me up. Wearing God’s armor and knowing how to be His warrior are crucial for victory.

The Lord as a Warrior

The Old Testament and the New Testament are full of metaphors and allegories associated with battles, military, and warfare symbolism. Moses even refers to the Lord as a “warrior” (Exodus 15:1-3), and Jeremiah calls him a “mighty warrior” (Jeremiah 20:11).

Isaiah certainly implies similar symbolism: “The Lord will march out like a mighty man, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies” (Isaiah 42:13).

The Armor God Provides

The Word of God tells us clearly that every believer endures spiritual warfare. Period. Yet God does not leave us alone or unarmed. The Apostle Paul tells us how the Lord has given us good things in preparation for this warfare:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but 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 6:10-12).

Paul begins with the most important instruction: be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. If we attempt to tackle spiritual warfare in our own strength, we will not make it past the first sixty seconds.

Paul also provides a clear description of our enemy: unseen dark forces in the heavenly realms. Facing off against such a powerful, unseen enemy with human armor basically guarantees our defeat. Ego is usually the first casualty when we do not armor up. The Lord’s armor of light makes all the difference.

Who or What Are We Fighting For?

You and I are called to battle for our loved ones, the forgotten, the culturally marginalized, the weak, the little children, and the helpless. We fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.

We fight for truth and the fact that every single person is made in the image of God. Every life is precious. Every person has a purpose under God – none of us is “less than” in the economy of heaven.

When you and I step on the battlefield, we know that His love leads the charge because He desires for all to come to know Him. The power of God’s love will outlast us all.

How Are We to Fight?

If we are to finish well as God’s warriors, Paul himself says that he “fought the good fight” (2 Timothy 4:7), and encourages us to do likewise.

We do not fight to simply wield a sword indiscriminately but to engage in the battle to make a difference in the lives of our family members, friends, acquaintances, and those who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

There is no doubt that we are living in the last days. The clock started ticking a very long time ago. This present darkness is full of confused noise and false prophets. However, the timeless truths of God through our Bible stories teach powerful lessons about the battle of the warrior.

Fighting the Good Fight

Several times in Scripture, we see how we are to “fight the good fight.” What does that mean? Simply this: we need to prepare for the skirmishes we will undoubtedly encounter, put on the full armor of God and stand firm, and be clothed in the Lord’s integrity and honor on the battlefield of life.

“Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith” (1 Timothy 1:18-20).

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:11-12).

Spiritual Warfare Differs From Earthly Battles

On the spiritual battlefield, our weapons and the purpose of each look vastly different than any battle we face in this world.

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete” (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).

Consequently, staying in God’s Word is crucial to understanding our mission as Christians. Some days allow more time in Scripture than others, but I have found a unique way that may help you, as well.

Since I am a frequent traveler, I have discovered that airplane time is great reading time. For instance, when I led a Reformation tour through Germany, I had almost eleven hours of reading time. I slept some of the time, but the rest of the time allowed me to get through half of the New Testament in one read. When I landed in Germany, that fresh read through Scripture prepared my heart beautifully.

13 Life Lessons About God’s Warriors

God called King David a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). This son of Jesse of Bethlehem was an extraordinary leader and a great warrior. Also, he was arguably the greatest example of a prayer warrior in God’s Word. With that in mind, what does it look like to be a warrior after God’s heart? We will let Scripture do the talking.

1.    God’s warrior is redeemed to tell God’s story.

“Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe” (Psalm 107:2).

2.    God’s warrior is trained and loyal to the Lord.

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11-14).

3.    God’s warrior has his citizenship flag planted in heaven.

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself” (Philippians 3:20-21).

4.    God’s warrior follows our heavenly Commander’s will.

“And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will” (Acts 13:22).

5.    God’s warrior faithfully prepares for battle.

“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:14-17).

6.    God’s warrior diligently guards his heart.

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

7.    God’s warrior practices unquestionable integrity.

“O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved” (Psalm 15:1-5).

8.    God’s warrior keeps his eye on the prize.

“Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:26‐27).

9.    God’s warrior has been set aside for the Lord’s holy purposes.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

10. God’s warrior does good works.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

11. God’s warrior stands prepared and ready.

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:2-5).

12. God’s warrior stands firm in the Lord.

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:13).

13. God’s warrior finishes well.

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

Other Helpful Scripture to Know for the Battle

There is no shortage of bible verses that teach us what is expected of us as God’s warriors. As we close, here are others to inform and bless your journey:

“If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:6-8).

“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules” (2 Timothy 2:3-5).

Amen.

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About the Author
Although Donna is a sought-after Bible teacher, her path from being unchurched to become passionate about sharing Jesus was not easy. Go here to read her God-breathed journey, “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her contact page here.

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