Spiritual Warfare

 

Spiritual Warfare

You defeat Satan through the blood of Christ, faith, and the Word. Satan quite often will remind Christians of their past sins in order to make you feel unworthy and defeated. Many feel they need to keep repenting over and over for past mistakes. The truth is that our debts were paid in full by the finished work of the Son of God upon the cross. Christ died for all of your sins, not just some of them. The blood of Christ has covered, as well as removed your sins. Since you are washed clean in the blood of Christ, you need to forgive yourself and press forward in Christ. Don't allow Satan to defeat you through his condemnation. If you walk in the Spirit, there is no condemnation. If you walk in the old nature (flesh) you may experience the conviction of the Holy Spirit which leads to repentance. (Romans 8:1) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

We are also told in God's Word, to take the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one (Eph 6:16). Fear is the opposite of faith and fear can quite often empower Satan’s attacks against us. That is why faith is vital for our protection against the many on slots and snares of the evil one. In battle, the shield repelled the blows of the enemy's weapons, and the same is also true in spiritual warfare, it is the shield of faith that stops the attacks. If we have faith that our Lord is bigger, as well as stronger than any of our enemies, then our prayers will be answered, and victory will be the result. Faith is the key for many breakthroughs in the Christian walk. Healings, deliverance from demonic activity, as well as everyday life situations, require faith to get results.

 We are also instructed to use the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, to fight the enemy (Eph 6:17). If you are submitted to God by walking in the Spirit, you have the authority to rebuke the enemy in your life. If you are experiencing any form of spiritual warfare in your life, command the enemy to be gone in the name of Jesus Christ. If you have faith and are submitted to God, he must leave. However, fear of the enemy, or doubt, will prevent deliverance. It is important to pray, as well as quote scriptures in faith to get results.

It is very important for the Christian to understand spiritual warfare, since we have an adversary seeking our destruction. God’s Word tells us that Satan is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Satan is also referred to as, the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. One of Satan’s tactics is to stir people up in anger towards God. Many people blame God for the problems that they experience in this life, and they are oblivious to the fact, that there are two opposing kingdoms at work in the earth. Ephesians 6:12 states that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

 The truth is that we live in a war zone, and the battle is over the souls of men. If you belong to Christ, then you are in the Lord’s army, and Satan’s kingdom has declared all-out war against you. However, the good news is, greater is he that is within you than he that is in the world, and if you are truly saved, you will inherit eternal life. If you have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, then you have the power to live an overcoming life, as well as the authority to put the devil to flight. In these last days, it is crucial that all Christians receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, in order to be able to stand firm in Christ, against the many snares of the devil.

(James 4:7) Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. 

(Ephesians 6:10-18) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13 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. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  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, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints