Being Victorious vs Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual Warfare

The struggle against forces of evil, including personal forces like demons (the conflict between good and evil)

2 Co.10.2-5

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 2 Co 10:2–5.

Eph.6.11-18

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil 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 firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Eph 6:11–18.

Carnal Mind

2Co.4.3-4

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 2 Co 4:3–4.

Dealing with Spiritual Warfare

Avoid Isolation

The first thing that most of us want to do when going through a spiritual battle is to isolate ourselves from others.  If we can be isolated we can be defeated.  Run to others that can help in the fight.

Ga.6.2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ

Pray

We have a God that loves us and wants to meet our needs.  So often we lack power for the battle because we fail to go to the source of power.  Trust Him and lean on Him and He will give you strength.

1 Pt.5.6-8 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Claim the Promises of God

God has never made a promise that He did not keep.  Find His promises in Scripture and claim them when the road ahead is uncertain.

Ps.46.1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2  Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3  though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

Confess your sin

If there is sin in your life you need to confess to God and forsake it.  Not only will sin keep us from hearing the voice of God, but it will give the enemy something to hang on to in the fight.

Ps.139.23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Decide to resist

We often fail right here.  The attack comes and we surrender because we somehow believe there is no hope.  If we resist in the power of God, he will run.

Jm.4.7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Co.10.13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Avoid those things that put you in a position to compromise or fall prey to the attack

For some reason, this is easier said than done.  Stay away from things and people that cause you to stumble.  You are not strong enough.  You are not the exception.  Stay away.  This includes people who are not necessarily sinful but who cause you to be discouraged.

Pr.4.14-15 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. 15  Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.

Claim the victory

The great thing about being a Christian is that we can have confidence in the victory because it has already been won! Stop looking for the victory and start living in response to it.

1Co.15.57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Do the right thing

Knowing what is right is good but doing what is right is better.  Do what you know is right whether you feel like it or not. When you feel the least like doing the right thing, that is when you need it the most.

Jm.1.22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Get some rest

Both spiritual and physical fatigue have the potential to cloud our judgment. We are vulnerable when we are tired.  Sometimes the best thing that you can do is get alone with God and His Word and get a good night of sleep.

Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Praise God for His goodness

God has been so good to us! When we begin to praise Him for His many blessings in our life we cannot help but be encouraged.

Psalm 107:8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!