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We have heard the phrase, “You are in a spiritual battle.” Usually, this is within the context of a trial in your life in which you observe clear opposition to the things of godliness. Though the term spiritual warfare never appears in the Bible, we use it based on certain scriptures describing this conflict, such as Ephesians 6:10–17, which in verse 12 explicitly states, “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.” The Apostle John identifies the origin of this warfare in 1 John 2:16, saying, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” We don’t live long in the Christian life without knowing that this battle is real and that it is a daily struggle. So how is a Christian to understand this concept of spiritual warfare, as it relates to our lives?
First, we must understand that as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, our desire to live in His truth will be met with spiritual warfare. You are an enemy of Satan and his minions because you are a child of God, saved by the Lord’s grace and forgiveness. As you stand on the Lord’s side, Scripture tells us that you are marked against the forces of evil. They desire to woo you back and render you useless in the Lord’s agenda. Their method is to entice you to think wrongly about God and His truth. This is a battle for your mind and heart.
How do we win this battle? The answer has been given in a simple command to resist. James 4:7 tells us, “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Ephesians 6:13 also calls us to obedience in this, saying, “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” This beautiful verse tells that if we submit to God’s Word, the devil will flee from us. Resist his foolishness and think biblically, and the devil and his demons will flee; it’s as simple as that. The devil's agenda is thwarted when you have a mind and heart that are steadfast on obeying and walking in God’s Word. He is defeated, and he retreats. Knowing the Word of God will help you to know what is right and true and quickly expose what is evil, giving you ammunition that will cause the Enemy to retreat.
Know the Word, beloved. Ephesians 6 tells us how beautifully the Word of God protects us in this spiritual battle. Verses 14 through 17 show us how kind our Lord is by providing us with the armor necessary to find victory. It says, “Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Stand firm, another defensive stance, by internalizing God’s truth.
Second, we must understand that this battle comes down to lordship. At its core, the battle of spiritual warfare comes down to whom you will serve. In whose image will you be made? Will you be conformed to more to the likeness of Jesus, your Lord and Savior? Or will you allow your life to be formed by Satan and his ideologies? Again, it’s a very serious battle. There are many people and denominations that are in the Christians-in-name-only group who see themselves on the Lord’s side, but their words and actions say something different. Your words and actions have consequences, definitively showing which side you are on. To be a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, you must demonstrate that the Bible is what dictates your life. Jesus Christ and His truth will be your passion and desire. Anything else is an affront to His Word and His team. Whose side are you on? Your life will demonstrate clearly who is your Master.
In closing, understand that spiritual warfare is a daily occurrence. Understand that you are in the battle if you love and serve Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. This battle consists of what you think, how you act and what you desire in the presence of your enemies. How you engage in this battle is significant for your life. Be prepared, beloved! Walk in the Word and resist the devil and he will flee! That is how we are to understand spiritual warfare.
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