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"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the
world-forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians
6:12 (NIV)
Many people are simply not interested in hearing about spiritual warfare. In fact, they would never come to a seminar,
listen to a tape, nor read a book that deals with the enemy. But contrary to the those of those people, spiritual
warfare is NOT a special gift or calling for a small segment of Christians. It has nothing to do with personality,
gifting, calling, or background. We signed up to be warriors when we became Christians.
It's much easier to act like a victim than the victor that Christ intended us to be. When it comes to spiritual
warfare, most people fit into one of two extremes: overemphasis or underemphasis.
What category do we fall into? We have all used the phrases: "Praise God! We have the victory!" or "Jesus
defeated the devil 2,000 years ago!" or "He's a lion, but his teeth have been pulled" or even "I've
read the back of the book and we win!" But when we say these things, who are we trying to convince? Are we
attempting to reaffirm or victorious nature to ourselves, or are we using these phrases in warfare against our
enemy!
John 8:32 "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Let's look at the
first part of that verse first! "And ye shall know the truth". What is the truth? Do we know the
truth? Do we believe the truth? Do we trust the truth? What about the truth about the powers of darkness? Do we
believe they are subject to us in the name of Jesus? Do we believe ALL the truth? It is only when we reconcile
the first part of the verse, that the second part of the verse does its perfect work in us!
Another question. What do we know about the powers of wickedness? Do we know what we've learned in the Bible, or
are we trusting what we've heard from someone else? Are our beliefs founded in scripture or on hearsay.
These are very important questions because in the answers we will find out why we are so ineffective in spiritual
warfare.
Many people live in fear of the devil. They are really frightened of what the devil can and will do to them, their
families, and their churches. Many people, even pastors, will warn you not to get too knowledgeable about the devil
and his schemes as you may find yourself in a very dangerous area. Most people who teach or study spiritual warfare
find themselves under attack. But realizing what the Bible says (over 300 times), "Fear Not!"
makes us realize that we are to be AWARE of the devil, but not fear what he can do to us. Let's be aware of him,
but be totally IMPRESSED with God and His provision of safety for His people. We need to keep a balance and not
focus on the amazing powers of darkness. Our God is an awesome God and if we are "amazed" with any power,
it must be His power, His provision, His love, that amazes us!
One question that always pops up: How can we know when it is the devil and not just circumstances? We need to simply
rely on God -- ask Him! Never assume that anything that happens is the devil's work, but on the other hand don't
refuse to acknowledge that it may be his doing. Just ask God to show you what is going on. He has promised to guide
us.
We need to KNOW who we are in Christ and be secure in Him. Satan preys on those who don't know their position in
Christ or their relationship with God. Just to say we are Christians is not enough. We must believe God when he
declares who we are. We must know and believe what the Bible says about us in order to live out that reality and
walk in authority over the enemy. When we know who we are, the enemy is forced to retreat from us. We need to constantly
affirm, "I know who I am; therefore, Satan, you cannot do these things to me."
Ephesians 6 is the best chapter to help us understand our role as spiritual warriors: "Finally, my brethren,
be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore
take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to
stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith
ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of
the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching
thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me,
that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds:
that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
Related Scriptures and Comments
Ps 144:1 "Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:"
God had made him a soldier. His hands had been used to the crook and his fingers to the harp, but God taught his
hands to war and his fingers to fight, because he designed him for Israel's champion; and what God calls men to
he either finds them or makes them fit for. Let the men of war give God the glory of all their military skill;
the same that teaches the meanest husbandman his art teaches the greatest general his. It is a pity that any whose
fingers God has taught to fight should fight against him or his kingdom among men. (from Matthew Henry's Commentary)
2 Sam 22:35 "He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms."
Ps 18:34 "He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms."
Ps 60:12 "Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies."
2 Cor 10:4 "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of
strong holds;"
Prov 20:18 "Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war."
Prov 24:6 "For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety."
2 Cor 10:3-5 "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare
are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every
high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the
obedience of Christ;"
1 Tim 1:18 "This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before
on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;"
Holy War
The concept of holy war required that God declare the war <Ex. 17:16; Num. 31:3>. Every warrior considered
himself consecrated to God <Is. 13:3>. Before and during a war, soldiers abstained from certain activities
to sanctify themselves <Judg. 20:26; 2 Sam. 11:11>. Those who fought under a divinely ordained leader <Judg.
6:34> had to be singleminded in their devotion to God. Those who were frightened, newly married, or beset by
domestic or financial problems were asked to go home <Deut. 20:5-9>. It is the single-minded army of God
that fought the fight when those who were beset by domestic or financial problems were not able to fight.
Group Discussion:
1. Why do many Christians tend to avoid learning about or practicing spiritual warfare?
2. Do we tend to overemphasize or underemphasize spiritual warfare in our church?
3. How does spiritual warfare apply to reconciling the world to Jesus Christ and to
bringing the body of Christ to unity, maturity and wholeness?
4. What are some common excuses for avoiding spiritual warfare? Name some proper
responses to those excuses?
5. Who are we in Christ?
6. Do we consider ourselves victims or victors? (Give reasons for our answers)
7. How well do I know God? Is my relationship with Him intimate enough that I am
assured that He truly is more powerful than Satan?
8. Are we walking worthy of our calling, or have we been passive and ignorant of our
responsibilities? What are some key areas we can improve upon?
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