Spiritual warfare

Spiritual warfare is necessary.

Based on the notes from Dr. NL Khorommbi

Proof text: Ephesians 6:10-12

10 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.

3 things worth noting about spiritual warfare:

Be strong

Put on the armor

stand and wrestle against

The nature of the warfare:

War in the heavens. When Lucifer became proud he started the war against God and all that God created. Isaiah 14:12-17

A war against God’s created image. Genesis 2:17 and Genesis 3:1-5

War against Abraham (heirs of the promise). Lucifer wanted Abraham to die without a child so that the redemption plan would fail. Hence Bareness is a curse. Genesis 12:2

A war against Moses (servants of the Lord). Any servant of God will fight battles to stand. Exodus 1:16, 20-22 and Exodus 2:15

War against David (kingdom of Priest, Messianic root). The life of David was full of challenges. Isaiah 11:1, 10

War against Jesus (the Fulfilment of God's promise). Matthew 2:13, 16-18

The war against Jesus was the ultimate because Lucifer knew that:

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8

To bind the strong man (cause of sickness, killings, etc). Mark 3:27

To take away the keys of hades and death. Revelation 1:18

Disarm principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them. Colossians 2:10

examples are Joshua winning in battle in Joshua 11:23

The church just like Israelites must drive out demonic elements. You cannot make arrangements with demons to only prosper, they will kill you the first chance they get. Judges 1:21, 27-30

The Devil attacks the church.

Why? The Wisdom of God will be made known through the church. Colossians 1:27 and Ephesians 3:10, 11-12

Strategies of attack,

Satan brings wrong wisdom resulting in,

Persecution (of servants of God the apostles, the church, and burning of the Church down, even today Christians).

Envy, strife, discord, and confusion. James 3:14-16

Moral Failure by attacking leaders.

How do we get to Victory?

Ephesians 6:13-18

Jesus used prayer and fasting to defeat the devil

He used the knowledge of the truth of the word of God.

He was a faith man and endured all suffering even unto the cross.

Man of peace.

Salvation (with the heart man believes and with the mouth makes confessions).

Righteous living. Jesus obeyed the Father at all costs.