We are fighting an invisible battle every single day. Each day we wake up, we have a choice to choose to move toward the Kingdom of God or away from it.
Define Spiritual Warfare
Spiritual warfare is the supernatural battle we fight during our lifetime on Earth. It is best described in Paul's letter to the Ephesians, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
What Does the Bible Say About Spiritual Warfare?
Here are a couple of passages from the Bible that describe spiritual warfare.
For Though We Walk in the Flesh
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
- 2 CORINTHIANS 10:3-6
My Refuge and My Fortress
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
- PSALM 91:1-6
5 Facts About Spiritual Warfare
Here are 5 facts you need to know about spiritual warfare.
Spiritual Warfare Fact #1
THERE ARE TWO PATHS.
There are two paths in this world. One leads to the Kingdom of God. One does not. Spiritual warfare is a battle for your soul. And that's not an overstatement. Who is fighting this battle? Well, the powers of the earth, Satan, and his minions are trying to get you off the path toward God. Satan leads humans to sin because sin leads to eternal death. As long as Satan gets you into patterns of sin, you are making decisions away from the path of God.
Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
- MATTHEW 7:13-14
Spiritual Warfare Fact #2
YOU ARE STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF A BATTLE OVER YOUR SOUL.
Equip yourself by reading the Bible. A Christian who is not reading their Bible is simply not equipped to handle the schemes of the Enemy. It is paramount to be in Holy Scripture, dedicating time to reading the Word every day.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
- 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17
Spiritual Warfare Fact #3
YOU HAVE SUPERNATURAL TOOLS AT YOUR DISPOSAL.
God does not leave us high and dry in this world. Quite the contrary, actually. We are given tools that are supernatural and mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds. We must hold fast to the Lord and stand firm against the wiles of the Devil. We are called to stay until the end and then we will see the Lord face to face.
The Full Armor of God
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
- EPHESIANS 6:10-18
Spiritual Warfare Fact #4
YOU ARE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR THROUGH CHRIST.
By taking on all of the armor of God, you are more than a conqueror through Christ! He loved you and gave himself for you, and adopted you into his Kingdom by faith.
In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
- ROMANS 8:37
Spiritual Warfare Fact #5
THERE IS A BLUEPRINT FOR ENGAGEMENT IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE. There are five steps to spiritual warfare engagement, and I break it down like this:
Humility
Repentance
Forgiveness
Surrender
Prayer
The first step to success in spiritual warfare is humbling yourself. You must become aware of your sin and then repent of it. Ask the Holy Spirit to enter in and search your heart, to reveal your sins to you, and then once you become aware of that which is leading you away from God, earnestly choose the Lord over your sin. Ask God for forgiveness. Surrender to God's will. This is the act of giving yourself up as a living sacrifice to God at all times. You are called, every moment, into communion with Him. Surrender to the process of sanctification and growth. Be overjoyed at the opportunity and gift you've been given to commune with God. Make your requests known to God through prayer.
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