We must consider that a significant portion of any illness, including cancer, is a direct fallout from our broken world and our enemy, the devil. The Bible reveals that approximately one-third of Jesus’ earthly ministry dealt with freeing people from demonic tyranny in their lives, including demonic spirits of infirmity (Matt. 17:15-18).

The devil can only be in one place at a time, so he works through his minions to do his bidding, however, they are extremely limited beings. Jesus destroyed all their weaponry upon the cross. In turn, the Lord gave us His authority over these principalities and powers in His Name (Luke 10:19).

God’s Word explains that we do not war against flesh and blood but against these demonic entities. We battle them from our position in Christ seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). But how do we fight them? Dick Eastman, president of Every Home for Christ, writes about spiritual warfare in this manner:

Thus, prayer is not so much a weapon, or even a part of the armor, as it is the means by which we engage in the battle itself and the purpose for which we are armed. To put on the armor of God is to prepare for battle. Prayer is the battle itself, with God’s Word being our chief weapon employed against Satan during our struggle.*

Ask the Lord to what degree the enemy is playing in your cancer diagnosis. Employing the authority of the Name above all names, speak Jesus’ name directly to the spirit that is afflicting you, commanding that spirit to leave, and never come back. It is always helpful to back up your words with Scripture (Luke 4:4). If spiritual warfare is new to you, enlist the help of spiritual leaders in your life to pray with you and for you (James 5:14).

We find the crux of spiritual warfare in the Lord’s prayer, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:10). We are inviting heaven’s rule to take place on earth in our situation. The Lord is always available to us, and He has given us many tools through His Word and the Holy Spirit to see our victories secured in His glorious name.

* Dick Eastman, New Spirit-Filled Life Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc. 2002), note for Ephesians 6:10-18.

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Spiritual warfare may be new to you, but it has profound outcomes. Consider seeking God and His Word to learn to an even greater degree what has been given to you as a Jesus believer in the power of His name.

Further Bible References:

Matthew 17:18 Then Jesus rebuked the demon in the boy, and it left him. From that moment the boy was well.

Luke 10:17-20 19 Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.

Ephesians 6:10-18 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Colossians. 2:14-15 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

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