Why do we need to ask God to deliver us from evil?
Evil is all around us in this fallen world. From the evil intentions and actions of others to the general fallenness of creation, evil presses in on us from all sides. As Christians, we are called to “resist evil” (James 4:7), but we cannot win the victory over evil in our own strength. We need God’s deliverance. Here are 9000 words on why we need to ask God to deliver us from evil:
The Bible makes it clear that the evil in this world is pervasive and powerful. The apostle John warns that “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). Paul speaks of present suffering as “this present evil age” (Galatians 1:4). He further describes Satan as “the god of this world” who blinds unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4). The influence of evil extends through fallen institutions and corrupt systems into the hearts and minds of individuals. No one is exempt from the clutches of evil. As Alexander Solzhenitsyn once said, “the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being.”
This grim reality forces us to admit our helplessness and utter dependence on God’s deliverance. We do not have within ourselves the resources or strength to overcome evil. Our only hope is in the power and grace of God. As Paul writes in Romans 7:24-25, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” We cannot deliver ourselves, so we must cry out for God’s deliverance.
What are some of the specific ways we need God to deliver us from evil? First, we need deliverance from the penalty and power of sin. Scripture describes sin as not merely moral error but defiance of and rebellion against God (1 John 3:4). Our sin is so offensive to a holy God that we stand under His wrath and condemnation (Romans 5:12, 6:23). Try as we might through religious ritual or moral effort, we cannot atone for our own sin or escape its grip on our lives apart from Christ (Hebrews 10:1-4, Romans 3:20). We need God to intervene to rescue us!
Second Corinthians 5:21 explains how God does this: “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Through faith in Jesus, who bore the penalty for sin on the cross, we are delivered from sin’s condemnation and power. Only God’s grace can save us from evil’s most dreadful consequence – eternal judgment (Titus 3:3-7).
In addition to deliverance from sin, we also need God’s help to resist temptation. Temptation is one of the primary tactics the evil one uses against us. Repeatedly in the gospels, Jesus warns His followers to “watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). Though temptation itself is not sin, it seeks to entice and seduce us into sinning. Since the fall, our natures have a propensity toward sinning when tempted (James 1:14). We need supernatural aid to stand firm.
That is why Jesus teaches us to pray, “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Luke 11:4). God promises His help against temptation: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Through prayer and the Spirit’s empowering, we can resist the tug of temptation.
Another way we need deliverance is from the destructive schemes of the devil. Peter warns, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The forces of darkness attack us physically, emotionally, socially, financially – in whatever ways will tear us down. Like Job, we are helpless against the Enemy’s attacks apart from divine protection. Only God’s armor and strength fortify us against these evil plots (Ephesians 6:10-18).
The writings of Paul and the book of Revelation also indicate that demonic powers are at work in the world promoting spiritual deception and chaos. For instance, Paul writes that “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 4:4). He also teaches that our real fight is not merely against “flesh and blood” but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). These powers often disguise themselves as servants of light (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). We cannot overcome their sinister spiritual influence in our own strength.
Another face of the battle against evil is seen in the book of Revelation, where the world’s rebellion against God reaches its high point under the influence of dark spiritual forces (Revelation 16:13-14). Only the glorious return of Christ finally defeats the massive evil confederacy aligned against God (Revelation 19:11-21). Until that day, we cannot stand against the gates of hell unless the Lord undergirds us.
Why then does God allow these dangers and assaults from evil? Why does He not entirely shield His people from Satan’s schemes or the world’s hostility? Scripture offers many reasons for this. One is so that we will cry out to Him for deliverance. God permits what He could prevent in order to drive us to our knees. As C.S. Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” When we become desperate enough to call on Him, He can show His gracious power by granting us His deliverance.
God also allows evil influence so that when He does deliver us, He alone gets the glory for the victory. The book of Judges illustrates this repeatedly. When Israel cries out to Him, He enables leaders like Deborah and Gideon to triumph against overwhelming odds. There is no question the battle is the Lord’s. This magnifies His greatness, power and faithfulness to save. Our extremity provides an ideal opportunity for God’s sufficiency to be displayed. As Paul says, “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10) – strong in the strength God provides.
A further reason God permits satanic harassment and enticements to evil is to develop godly character in His people – perseverance, discernment, courage, dependence, compassion for others who face temptation. Paul tells us “we rejoice in our sufferings” because “suffering produces endurance” and proven character (Romans 5:3-4). God superintends both deliverance from evil and trials involving evil to mold us into Christ’s image. Our faith and virtues are refined as we experience His power to sustain us through opposition.
God also allows evil influence as part of His judgment in the world. When human hearts persist in rebellion against Him, He begins withdrawing His protective restraint and exposing them more fully to the consequences of wickedness. Romans 1 teaches that God “gave them up” to spiritual blindness and moral degradation as a sign of His wrath against their idolatrous independence from Him. Of course God never directly tempts anyone to sin (James 1:13), but frequently Scripture shows God releasing human society to follow its own corrupt passions once it decisively turns away from Him. We see this pictured vividly in Revelation as God’s judgments unfold. Only through repentance and crying out for mercy can such divine discipline be removed.
What then should we do to gain God’s deliverance from evil, temptation, deception and affliction? The Bible suggests several key steps. First, we should immediately flee and avoid tempting situations whenever possible. Paul says to “flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18) and to “shun youthful passions” that lead us into sin (2 Timothy 2:22). Proverbs 4:14-15 wisely counsels, “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.” Whenever we can escape temptation through practical changes, we should do so.
Second, we must saturate our minds with God’s truth to counter evil’s deception and detect Satan’s lies. Peter describes harmful influences as “the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart” (Ephesians 4:18). God’s Word powerfully reprograms our thinking and brings deception to light (Psalm 119:105). A mind renewed by Scripture (Romans 12:2) is well-equipped to discern and reject temptations and falsehoods that contradict God’s commands and principles. Spending time daily reading and memorizing God’s Word equips us powerfully for victory over evil.
Third, we overcome evil through faith in Christ and availing ourselves of His strength. First John 5:4 declares, “this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” Trusting Christ’s promises and drawing on His Spirit resident within is the key to living an overcoming life. As we depend on Him through prayer and obedience, Jesus said we can experience peace and abundant life even in the midst of spiritual opposition (John 16:33; John 10:10). His lordship in each area of life and putting on His armor daily (Ephesians 6:10-18) secure victory no matter what evil forces assail us. As Paul testifies, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Fourth, surrounding ourselves with godly Christian fellowship and accountability dramatically enhances our resilience. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” The Body of Christ has a synergistic strengthening effect as believers walk together. We uphold and protect one another, while also stimulating each other to grow in grace and discernment. This multiplies our spiritual strength far beyond what we have as isolated believers. It also provides godly counsel and intervention if we are succumbing to any form of evil.
Fifth, we must continually fill our hearts and minds with God’s truth and live accordingly. We stay spiritually sharp through enriching our lives daily with Scripture and its application, wholesome media, uplifting music, and positive relationships that edify. We also crucify our fleshly nature which makes us more susceptible to evil influences through indiscriminate media consumption, idle time, relationship compromises, neglect of God’s Word, and harboring sin. As Romans 13:14 directs: “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” The more we feast on good and shun evil input, the clearer and more courageous we become.
There are other keys like cultivating an eternal perspective, staying alert through prayer, fasting, practicing self-denial, yielding to the Spirit continuously, thinking on praiseworthy things, and exercising moral courage to stand against compromise and corruption. But fundamentally, appealing to God for rescue and merciful protection is the foundation for overcoming evil. As Psalm 121:1-2 declares, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Calling on the Almighty for deliverance is the first crucial step toward freedom from evil’s schemes.
In closing, this side of heaven we will never escape evil’s influence entirely while on this fallen planet. But we have God’s sure promise that He is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4) and that evil will not ultimately triumph. Jesus has already defeated Satan through His death and resurrection. His eternal victory is ours by faith. One day His kingdom shall fill the earth and every tear and trauma from evil will be wiped away forever. But until then, we must stay vigilant, cling to Christ amidst temptation and affliction, immerse our minds in Scripture, and pray without ceasing for God’s help and protection. He is faithful to deliver all who call on Him. By His power and grace, we can overcome.