INVOLVED IN SPIRITUAL WAR

INVOLVED IN SPIRITUAL WAR

The biblical Word said: “you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet” (Matthew 24:6). The Bible also speaks of spiritual war, which is of special concern to God’s people (Ephesians 6).

WHO IS INVOLVED IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE?

Ultimately, spiritual war is between God and Satan or the devil, who aspires to lift his throne above that of the most high God (Isaiah 14:13). However, as followers of God. he tells us “we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN SPIRITUAL BATTLE?

Spiritual war involves God and the devil battling for control of our minds. For “you are slaves of the one you obey–whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness” (Romans 6:16). Christians are concerned with “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

WHO LEADS CHRISTIANS IN SPIRITUAL WAR?

I am remined of Christian song that says:

Onward Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.

A Bible-psalmist sang: “The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle” (Psalm 24:8).

Christ is our leader and example in fighting the devil. Jesus won in battling the devil after the Holy Spirit led Christ to fast and pray. The Lord was tempted in all ways like we are, yet he did not sin. He triumphed over demons and principalities, who had the power of death, by his dying on a cross as the atonement for the sins of all who believe (Colossians 2:14-15; Romans 6:23) . By his rising from the dead, he assured believers they will live forever with him in heaven (John 14:3).

HOW DO YOU WIN IN SPIRITUAL WAR?

You win by believing in the Son of God and following his words and examples. He said you can do nothing without him; but you can do all thing through the Christ who strengthens you (John 15:5; Philippians 4:13).

You ought to live by praying and following Jesus Christ in obeying every word of God. But if you should sin and confess it, God will forgive your sins and purify you from all unrighteousness because of the atoning blood of Jesus (1 John 1:9).

Study the Word of God for spiritual understanding. “For the words of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit…and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding and he will guide you in the right way (Proverbs 3:5-6).

God leads his people to victory after victory over their spiritual enemies in this world. However, God has set a day when he will give us complete victory, and take us to heaven to live with God forever (Matthew 25:41; John 14:2-3)