We Are In A Spiritual Battle

The first time I gave any credence to spiritual warfare was in my early adult years. At that time I believed it to be real but I don’t know that I really comprehended it. Several years ago I had the opportunity to read several of the Frank Perreti books ~ Piercing the Darkness, This Present Darkness, The Prophet, The Oath, and The Visitation. All of these books bring to life what is warned about in Ephesians 6:12 ~ 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. My knowledge and awareness of just how tangible the spiritual world really is has never been the same.

God saw fit to warn us about it in Ephesians 6:12. Praise God that He also gave us the anecdote to combat this great threat we know as satan and his demons. J. Vernon McGee says "It is only God’s armor that can withstand the strategy and onslaught of satan who has all kinds of weapons." The Christian does not fight the enemy who is flesh and blood. Our enemy is spiritual so our warfare must be spiritual. Who is the enemy of every believer? The devil. McGee goes on to say "There are spiritual forces working in the world, evil forces working against the church. They are working against the believer, against God, against Christ. It is happening, and you and I alone are no match for it."

And the way to victory over the devil is to follow what God has laid out in Ephesians 6:13-18. The first thing we must do is stand. (Vs. 13). We need to be in standing position to fight a good fight. Second, we need our loins girt about with truth (we need to know the Word of God); and have on the breastplate of righteousness (not self-righteousness but the righteousness of Christ ~ a heart and conscience that is right with God) (vs. 14). Third, our feet are to be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (our feet are to be anchored on the Rock ~ The Lord Jesus Christ) (vs. 15). Fourth, we are to ~ above all ~ take the shield of faith (Christ, not only the door to salvation but also the door which protects the believer from the enemy on the otherside). By faith, we are securely in His hands (vs. 16). Fifth, put on the helmet of salvation. (vs. 17a). All of these weapons are for the defense - protecting the front of the Christian. Our magnificent God further lays out His plan in the next verse that will supply weapons of offense. The first one is the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God (vs. 17b). In Hebrews 4:12 it says For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword..." We desperately need that sharp sword coming out of our mouths today. The other weapon offense is found in verse 18 ~ the weapon of prayer ~ Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

We need to recognize these spiritual enemies called satan and his demons and we need to grab hold of that which is God’s in order to fight the battles that are going to come. If you are a Christian, living for the Lord, those battles are going to come. Be ready my friend. I speak from great experience ~ be ready.