I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. (1 John 2:13)
Temptations to sinful thoughts and habits come from several different sources. Particularly for younger believers who have been saved out of an extraordinarily sinful life, demonic harassment can be especially pervasive, powerful, and discouraging.
The verse above suggests that God expects even young Christians to have decisive victory over such temptations, which includes not only the ability to resist sinful thoughts, but also freedom from the constant and exhausting struggle that can come with demonic harassment. Unfortunately, few Christians are usually taught how to fight such a battle. In warfare, whether it is against men or demons, you need tactics, and many have found the following to be a particularly effective one.
Many people struggling with demonic harassment have only a defensive strategy. When they are tempted they simply resist it, and wait in fearful expectation of the next attack. While resistance is critical, and minute by minute victories valuable, God normally wants his children relieved of such intense and constant spiritual battles. What might be needed is a more offensive approach.
Instead of simply dodging a steady stream of the devil’s bullets, the believer should shoot back. For example, when the devil wants to remind you of your sinful and shameful past, remind him of his fiery and painful future (Revelation 20:10). Likewise, when you are constantly being tempted with sinful thoughts that use to control you, learn to use such temptations as an automatic trigger to worship God for His attributes, to praise God for His blessings, or prayerfully intercede for your fellow Christians. When the devil and his demons discover that you shoot back in such God-glorifying ways, you’ll find they stop shooting at you.