We Are Engaged in Spiritual Warfare

We Are Engaged in Spiritual Warfare

2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh. 4. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. 5. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of god, and bringing into captivity every though to the obedience of Christ.

Introduction:

Paul warns the believer that we are in a spiritual battle – a battle with the world, the flesh, and the devil. We became much more aware of this truth after spending 26 years as missionaries in Suriname, South America, but we are also in a spiritual battle here in the United States. Jesus warned believers that we are in the world – that is, in enemy territory, but we are not of the world. We did not come from the world, which is passing away, but we are born again from heaven, and we are then new creatures who have come from God. The world, the flesh, and the devil are at enmity with God.

We have an all-victorious captain, Jesus Christ.?

Jesus Christ, the only person who never sinned, freed us from the penalty of sin and the tyranny of death, freeing us from hell and eternal separation from God.?Hebrews 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil, 15. And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.?Our captain has all power and authority and has never lost a battle, and never will.

We have a spiritual army

Jesus Christ loved the church and gave his life for it. The church will be ultimately victorious over the devil and hell. Matthew 16:18b… I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.??The church, which is the pillar and ground of the truth, should also be a recruiting station presenting the gospel and raising up new believers into the Lord’s army. The church should be a training location, strengthening the believers and sending them out in battle for the Lord. It should be a “field hospital” to heal the wounded believers and re-establish them in their work for the Lord.

We have an enemy – in fact, an enemy showing himself in three manifestations:

I John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but of the world. 17. And the world is passing away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.?

The devil has also his own army of angels, as God has his.?Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

We have spiritual weapons, and must use them:

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and the power of his might. 11. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye might be able to stand against the wiles of the devil… 13. Wherefore, take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14. Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, 15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. 16. Above all taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

Ephesus was the center of demonic worship in district Asia, centered on the temple of Dianna, one of the seven wonders of the world, and her 1000 temple prostitutes. Artisans made silver idols of the temple. Yet Paul’s gospel was so powerful that a riot occurred. Paul writes later back to the church while in prison. He is chained to a Roman guard and uses his weapons as an illustration of our spiritual weapons. First, we must base our opposition to the lies of Satan with the truth. We must be saved and claim the imputed righteousness of Christ like a breastplate. We must aggressively proclaim the gospel of peace. We must rest in our faith despite the attacks of the devil and depend on our position in Christ as truly saved individuals. Our primary offensive weapons are two. First the Word of God is our spiritual sword. And finally, we must wield the weapon of all-prayer, communicating with our Leader.

We need all these weapons to prevail. We must stand and resist the devil.?I Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9. Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. James 4:7 Submit yourselves, therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.?

Let us be alert and awake. Realize that we are truly In a spiritual battle. Take the weapons which God has provided so that we may prevail in Him.

#Spiritual warfare #SwordoftheSpirit