WINNING IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE
The Bible tells us that we are involved in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). And informs us that this warfare concerns our belief about and relationship to Jesus Christ, who died on a cross to free believers from the enemy’s power of enslavement to sins ( Luke 4:18; John 3:16).
SEEING OUR ENEMY
The Bible exposes our invisible enemies: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (EPHESIANS 6:12).
2 CORINTHIANS 10:3-5 points out that “though we live in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For our weapons of warfare are not weapons of the world. But we have the power of the Spirit of God to demolish every stronghold on our minds. And the ability to defeat all false reasoning against the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Word of God.”
EPHESIANS 6:13-18 advises us how we should be prepared to fight our spiritual enemies: We are instructed to believe in and have the protection of the saving blood or our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Arm ourselves with righteousness and truth. Be ready with the Word of God and the gospel of peace. Have faith in the power and Spirit of God’s Word, which can shield you from enemy attacks. And be sure to pray in the Spirit on all occasions.
OUR FIGHTING INCREASINGLY DECEPTIVE ENEMY
THE APOSTLE PAUL informs us that in the last days, perilous time will exist (2 Timothy 3:1-5): In the last days the battle will intensify and become more deceptive. Many shall depart from the true gospel “and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). They will have “a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Tim. 3:5).
THE APOSTLE PETER affirms what Paul said about the perilous last days. Peter says there will be false teachers among you who will secretly introduce false and destructive doctrines. He says they will even deny the Lord Jesus Christ who bought them with his sacrificial blood. (2 Peter 2:1).
OUR ABLITY TO DISCERN AND DEFEAT OUR SPIRITUAL ENEMY
Our spiritual enemy uses many unbelievers in the war against believers in Jesus Christ. Many unbelievers deny or distort what the Bible says about Jesus being the only begotten Son of God, who came in the flesh, shed his blood and died for the sins of those who repent and believe in his atoning sacrifice (John 3:16-18). However, the Holy Spirit uses the Word to enable believers to see such unbelievers as having the spirit of or likeness of “the spirit of the Antichrist” (1 John 4:2-3; John 14:6).
TODAY, there are many “New Agers, who deny the existence of sin or the need for repentance from sin and belief in Christ as the Bible teaches (Romans 1:18). The Bible says, there are people who “act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” (2 Timothy 3:5). For by misleading people, they may cause unrepentant people to perish, being eternally separated from God (Luke 13:3).
The biblical Word of God enlightened by the Spirit of God tells us: “though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
The Lord said, we should not rejoice that evil spirits submit to us in his name. But should rejoice because our “names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20). And because ,he has in store “the crown of righteousness” for all who love and obey him, and long for his appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).
