Nahash – The Secret of Overcoming the Serpent in Your Life | Jonathan Cahn Sermon

In life, we all face various urges and instincts—greed, lust, vengeance, jealousy, anger—and it’s crucial not to react impulsively or be easily swayed. When we give in to these emotions, we can become susceptible to the enemy’s schemes against us. Spiritual warfare is real, and those who are born again are engaged in this battle. As followers of God, we’ve been given divine power and authority to resist and overcome evil. At first, it can be difficult to fully grasp the reality of Satan’s presence. Many may even doubt it, just as I once did. However, when you examine the events of history, such as the horrors of Nazi Germany, the Holocaust, and the targeting of the Jewish people, it’s clear that such evil goes beyond human wickedness—it is satanic in nature.

Evil is not just an abstract idea; it is a force at work in the world, embodied by Satan. Whether or not you follow God, Satan wages war against you. Yet, for those who belong to God, the threat he perceives is even greater. Thankfully, God grants His children both strength and wisdom to stand against the enemy. But if you don’t recognize you’re in a spiritual fight, you may lose battles you were meant to win. This is why it’s essential to understand and apply specific principles to help you fight wisely, stand strong, and ultimately overcome.

Tonight, we’ll explore vital strategies for spiritual warfare, focusing on the symbolism of the serpent in Scripture. The Bible often uses the serpent as a symbol of the enemy, not because snakes are inherently evil, but due to certain physical traits that mirror the deceit and cunning of the enemy. In Israel, where the Bible was written, there are many kinds of snakes—from small ones to large, potentially lethal species. Genesis describes the serpent’s presence in the Garden of Eden, where it became a symbol of deception, leading humanity to fall into sin.

This symbolism extends through the Bible. In Revelation 12:9, the great dragon—also called “the ancient serpent” or the devil—is cast down with his angels. Snakes slither and move by twisting and deception, traits that symbolize the enemy’s tactics of manipulation and deceit. In Hebrew, one word for serpent is “tanin,” which also translates as “dragon”—both being symbols of Satan. Another Hebrew word for serpent, “nahash,” resembles the sound of hissing and is linked to the occult and enchantment.

Throughout history, many cultures have associated snakes with supernatural or dark forces. From ancient pagan worship to modern-day occult practices, serpents have long been symbols of spiritual deception. They appear in legends, rituals, and myths worldwide—from serpent deities in Aztec and African cultures to snake charmers in India. All of these associations highlight how, spiritually, the serpent symbolizes a link to the occult, serving as a reminder that in our spiritual battles, we face a cunning adversary who uses deception as a weapon.

By understanding this symbolism and learning to recognize the enemy’s tactics, we can stand firm, equipped with God’s wisdom and strength to defeat him.