Pastor John recounts a personal incident during last week’s sermon in which he began coughing uncontrollably, eventually becoming unable to continue preaching. He left the building, and once away from the pulpit, the coughing stopped and did not return, leading him to conclude that the episode was not ordinary sickness but a targeted spiritual attack.

He felt defeated afterwards and mentally assaulted by demonic accusations. These thoughts mocked him for appearing weak, losing respect, and failing in spiritual warfare. The experience left him discouraged and unwilling to pray for the rest of the day. The turning point came the next morning during prayer, when he asked God why the demons did not stop when rebuked. The answer he says he received was that he had not used the Word of God against them, but had spoken in his own power.

When the Devil tempted Jesus, the Son of God did not argue but repeatedly answered, “It is written…” Each temptation was defeated by quoting Scripture. Demonic powers are not overcome by confidence, experience, or religious routine, but by the authority of God’s Word. The Bible is the believer’s sword and demons must be confronted with the truth of Christ’s victory at the cross.

Print out the sermon outline and let's examine the Scriptures together Sunday morning at 9:00 AM PST.