Spiritual Warfare

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Intro

As the letter to the Ephesian Christians comes to a close the Apostle Paul deals with a very important and often overlooked subject. In verse 12 he reminds us that we are in a battle as he states: “we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world...”. In the christian vernacular we refer to this subject as spiritual warfare. When the term is used a variety of ideas may come to each individual mind based on their background and what they have been taught about the subject.

In my introduction I want to define what Spiritual Warfare is and in the body of the lesson I want to deal with what we are instructed to do about it.

Illustration: Imagine a war was taking place in your back yard and you were to just go on with everyday life ignoring that war. This is exactly what is taking place in the lives of many, many Christians.

They are being defeated because they have not even recognized the battle.

When the war began

The war began when you defected from the enemy to the Lord’s army. Getting saved is a wonderful, life changing event that forever changes a persons destiny. However, it also immediately places one at odds with this world and the power that rules over it.

Understanding the limited power of Satan

You are no match for Satan

He has limited power - Job is a good example of this

He is very successful at getting Christians distracted - some of the ways he does this even seem good but they are subtle and he is a master liar

Face the reality

This war is real even if you ignore it and choose to go about your merry way.

The consequences of not wrestling are evidenced everywhere - Christian casualties - due to the lack of Christians taking the battle seriously. We are far too casual about this war and we think we can play with Satan and serve God at the same time.

Paul’s Command

Be strong so that you can stand!

Ephesians 6:10–11 KJV 1900

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.