DC-Spiritual Warfare

SPIRITUAL WARFARE: WHAT IS IT?

When it comes to spiritual warfare, there are several things we need to know:

The Bible is clear—we are involved in an ongoing warfare (). Therefore, it would be foolish, even dangerous, to try to live the Christian life without at least a basic understanding of this conflict.When it comes to spiritual warfare, there are several things we need to know:

Spiritual Warfare is PERSONAL

By using the word wrestle, the Apostle Paul is implying that...

Spiritual warfare is primarily an individual endeavor (, ). It’s a fight between Satan and the individual believer, and not just the Church at large.

That spiritual warfare takes place in close quarters. Meaning, it often involves our close relationships (, ). (Although our warfare might involve those who are close to us, it is NOT with them.)

Spiritual Warfare is SPIRITUAL

Our enemy is spiritual.

Our enemy includes the Devil ().

Our enemy is in “high” or heavenly places. This doesn’t mean that we must go to a “high” place or “holy” place to wage war. Instead, it means our enemies are unseen. However, these forces must be taken seriously!

Our enemy includes the flesh (, ).

Our enemy includes the world (; , ).

Spiritual attacks do not have to come directly from the Devil. Sometimes temptations originate from our flesh or even the world. Satan uses these things to gain a “foothold” into our soul (, ).

Our reasons for fighting are spiritual.

We are fighting for eternal life ().

We are called to obtain the eternal life that is in Christ Jesus (). We’re not fighting for what we can gain in this life. We are willing to forfeit everything to gain Christ ().

We are fighting for the gospel/faith (; ).

We are fighting for an incorruptible crown (; , ).

Our faith (

Our weapons are spiritual (, ).

Spiritual battles requires spiritual weapons ().

Before we discuss the armor that is to be used in our spiritual warfare, it’s important that we understand a few points. First, spiritual armor is not primarily for personal protection. It’s possible to be protected spiritually (and even overcome spiritually), but suffer loss naturally or physically (). Second, spiritual battles can only be fought and won by God’s power and God’s armor (, ).

The Bible lists 6 articles of armor (). Only 1 is offensive in nature (used to defeat the enemy). The other 5 are defensive (used to resist the enemy). Moreover, they provide protection for the vital parts of the body. (There are 5 major organs in the human body. Injury to any of these would cause a medical emergency.)

Before we discuss the armor that is to be used in our spiritual warfare, it’s important that we emphasize a few points. First, it is important to understand that the armor we are about to discuss is not primarily for our personal protection. We mustn’t confuse natural battles with spiritual battles. It’s possible to overcome our enemies spiritually and suffer loss naturally or physically (). Second, this battle can only be fought and won as we rely on God’s power (, ). If we’re going to stand against Satan’s attacks we’re going to have to do it in the power of God and with the armor of God!

The Girdle of Truth

The Girdle of Truth

The word “girdle” is really belt. A soldier would fasten his girdle to provide freedom of movement and prepare for combat. We are told to gird our minds ().

This is a reminder that taking a “loose” approach to God’s word can expose one to deception or the “wiles” of the enemy! Thus, it’s imperative that we bind our thoughts and bring them into agreement with God’s word (, )!

The Breastplate of Righteousness

Breastplates are designed to protect the heart. Moreover, assurance in our heart is what allows us to stand against Satan’s accusations/condemnation ().

We must not forget that in the Christian warfare, our position is the target. Moreover, the way protect our position is by remaining “sure” in our hearts. We do this, no by rehearsing our achievements, but by believing that we are made righteous by our faith.

The Shoes of the Gospel

The word “preparation” is really readiness. Our readiness to proclaim the gospel protects us against the fear, of man or trouble ().

These “shoes” (our testimony) is what enables us to maintain our stance without wavering (). It’s also a reminder how we mustn’t allow personal struggles to keep us from waging war with out testimony ()!

The Shield of Faith

Roman shield were typically 4.5 ft high by 2.5 ft wide. A soldier could literally take refuge behind their shield. Similarly, a believer’s faith in God’s word is what enables them to remain steadfast against temptations and afflictions (, ).

Remaining faithful to God’s word is our greatest defense against the fiery trials of life. But, you can’t maintain faith without love (). Without love we cannot maintain a good/pure conscience (, ). Apparently there were some wishing evil upon authorities (blaspheme).

The Helmet of Salvation

Helmets are intended to protect another major organ—the brain/mind. The helmet of salvation is protection against discouragement (b).

There are at least two things that inspire hope: meditation on God’s word (; ; , ; ) and the manifestation of God’s promises (; ).

The Sword of the Spirit