SPIRITUAL WARFARE
SPIRITUAL WARFARE
A Call To Arms For The Servant Believer
By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.
© God’s Breath Publications
Ephesians 6:10-18
“In conclusion be strong – not in yourselves but in the Lord, in the power of his boundless resource. Put on God’s complete armour so that you can successfully resist all the devil’s methods of attack. For our fight is not against any physical enemy: it is against organizations and powers that are spiritual. We are up against the unseen power that controls this dark world, and spiritual agents from the very headquarters of evil. Therefore you must wear the whole armour of God that you may be able to resist evil in its day of power, and that even when you have fought to a standstill you may still stand your ground. Take your stand then with truth as your belt, righteousness your breastplate, the Gospel of peace firmly on your feet, salvation as your helmet and in your hand the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Above all be sure you take faith as your shield, for it can quench every burning missile the enemy hurls at you. Pray at all times with every kind of spiritual prayer, keeping alert and persistent as you pray for all Christ’s men and women.”
(Phillips Translation)
“The matter of spiritual warfare is a vital matter…. the evil one and his hordes are delighted when the believers who are supposed to engage in spiritual warfare properly, become engaged in spiritual warfare wrongly, thereby dissipating their effectiveness, diminishing their power, and reducing their impact.”
Alistair Begg
A Spiritual World View
There are two extremes when discussing spiritual warfare.
1. To be so preoccupied with Satan and his demons that we can think of nothing else and overestimate his skills and abilities.
2. To disbelieve in such things where we underestimate the enemy we face and view him as weak and unskilled in warfare.
The challenge before us as Christians is to obtain a balance in how we view the world we live in.
We live in a society that is dominated with a World View that perceives only the physical and the natural. We are told that unless we can feel and touch something it does not exist. We are indoctrinated by science that unless it can be proven with scientific methods it is not to be believed. Despite the claims of science and society, an unseen realm surrounds us. This realm is occupied by spiritual beings both good and bad. The good we call angels, the bad demons. This realm is a spiritual one and of supernatural origin.
Christians realize that while we live in a physical environment, we are also in the presence of a spiritual one as well. A Biblical World View will include an understanding that while there is a physical and tangible world, there is also an invisible spiritual world that influences dramatically events in the physical world.
This class will hopefully clarify and educate you in the realities of this spiritual realm, those who inhabit it, and how we are to do battle against our enemy and his forces.
Our Enemy
The Devil is a fallen angel and was above all the other angel’s in rank and power. His pride and desire for worship caused him to fall from his position in heaven and condemned him to exile on the earth and eventual death at the great judgment at the end of the world.
Scriptural References of Satan
Isaiah 14:12-15
“How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit. ‘ will sweep her with the broom of destruction, ‘declares the LORD Almighty.”
Ezekiel 28:12-19
“‘You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz and emerald, chrysolite, onyx and jasper, sapphire, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared. You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings. By your many sins and dishonest trade you have desecrated your sanctuaries. So I made a fire come out from you, and it consumed you, and I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching. All the nations who knew you are appalled at you; you have come to a horrible end and will be no more.’”
Other portions of scripture which allude to Satan are Genesis 3 with the account of the fall of Adam and Eve through the temptation presented by the serpent, the prologue to Job, Zechariah 3:1-2 and 1 Chronicles 21:1.
Satan Has Limitations
No matter how powerful we think Satan may be, we must remember that Satan is a created being with limitations.
Satan is not omniscient, but he’s a good guesser.
Satan is not omnipotent, he’s chained to the cross like a pit bull, wounded and restricted.
Satan is not omnipresent, but he can move from place to place.
Satan is an intelligent and crafty adversary, but he has his limitations. He is not a god and cannot stand against our Lord and Savior.
Satan’s Army
Satan has a spiritual army at his disposal. It is made up of fallen angels who followed him in his rebellion against God. (Matthew 9:34; 12:24, Mark 3:22, Luke 11:1, Luke 11:15, Revelation 12:3-4,7-9) God is holding some fallen angels in hell for judgment. (Jude 6, 2 Peter 2:4)
“They hate the light, they shrink from the light, they have no code of honor, they have no moral principle, they have no higher feelings, they are utterly unscrupulous, they are ruthless, and they are devoted in their pursuit of their malicious designs.”
Alistair Begg
The Enemy We Face in Battle
We face a spiritual enemy in a spiritual battle. This warfare is as real and serious as any war ever fought by men against men. It is a battle for the ultimate cause, man’s soul and God’s Kingdom.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”
“We have been forewarned that an enemy relentlessly threatens us. An enemy who is the very embodiment of rash boldness, of military prowess, of crafty wilds, of untiring zeal and haste, of every conceivable weapon and of skill in the science of warfare. We must then bend our every effort to this goal that we should not let ourselves be overwhelmed by carelessness, nor faintheartedness, but on the contrary with courage rekindled, stand our ground in combat.”
John Calvin
Satan’s Character
He is a murderer.
John 8:44
“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
He is a deceiver.
Satan will lie and mislead us to accomplish his wicked plans.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”
He held the power of death. – BUT – Christ has taken this power from him.
Hebrews 2:14-15
“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death?that is, the devil? and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”
Revelation 1:18
“I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
He is a predator.
He prowls around like a lion. He’s restless in his search for victims.
1 Peter 5:8-9
“Be self?controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
He is condemned.
2 Peter 2:4, 9-10
“For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment… if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority.”
Jude 6
“And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home?these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.”
He is an accuser.
Satan is an accuser. He is malicious in his false charges, diabolical and slanderous.
Revelation 12:10-11
“Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”
Our Armor
As servants of God and soldiers in the spiritual war we are called upon to put on our armor of light and truth. The weapons we possess to fight the spiritual battle are not like those of human engagement. They have power of divine origin and can demolish demonic strongholds and anything that would hinder God’s Kingdom.
Romans 13:11-13
“The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
2 Corinthians 6:4-7
“As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: …with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;”
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.”
Ephesians 6:10-18
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
The Belt of Truth
“the belt of truth buckled around your waist”
The Belt of Truth is foundational and supportive to the breastplate and sword that attach to it. The truth spoken of here is the truth that we personally believe and speak of. It is the truth contained in the Word of God that we live by. Soldiers for Christ need to buckle up the belt of truth and ready themselves for battle. God is very concerned about truth. Read Acts 5 where Ananias and Saphira die because they lied to God. Since Satan is the father of lies, our main weapon against this aspect of his attacks is truth.
Isaiah 11:5
“Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.”
(Speaking of the Messiah who would come to save all men.)
Breastplate of Righteousness
“the breastplate of righteousness in place”
The soldier’s breastplate was protection for all his vital organs. The breastplate prevented swords and spears from piercing the chest. This righteousness which is our breastplate originates from Christ our Lord and Savior.
I Corinthians 1:30,31
“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God?that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
We become the righteousness of God because of who Christ is.
2 Corinthians 5:21
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Paul admonishes us in 1 Thessalonians to put on faith and love as a breastplate. Here we see Paul using the analogy of armor again to illustrate a point. He is telling us that the righteousness of God is manifested in our lives when we place our faith in Christ and act on it by loving those around us. Putting on faith and love as armor will establish the fact that the righteousness of Christ is in us.
1 Thessalonians 5:8,9
“But since we belong to the day, let us be self?controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”
These actions of faith and love are interwoven together like chain mail or an alloy of shiled metal to provide the protection that is called the breastplate of righteousness.
Shoes of Peace
“your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace”
Part of the reason for the success of the Roman army was their footwear. Josephus talked of how the Romans gave their soldiers such good footwear that they were able to march for longer distances than their enemies. The enemies with inferior footwear assumed they would only be able to go so far in a certain period of time. The Roman army showed up sooner than expected and had the element of surprise.
Our shoes enable us to carry the gospel to those in need of it. Are you ready during battle to share the gospel? Our job is to do battle, but an important part of the role of a soldier is to rescue the wounded and oppressed. As soldiers for Christ we are to evangelize the lost.
Ephesians 2:17-18
“He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”
Shield of Faith
“Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one”
Faith is a gift from God that He bestows on every believer. Depending on the circumstances and the need, God will grant extra measures of faith to those who serve Him in battle. In the midst of great physical, emotional and spiritual trials, faith in God will sustain us in our commitment to serve our Lord and Master. God will often enable us, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to achieve things for His glory that we could never accomplish on our own.
Romans 12:3
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”
Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
In the Roman army there were often two kinds of shields. A smaller circular one used for immediate combat and a larger one about four feet by two feet often taking the appearance of a door. Both were used as defensive weapons to prevent arrows, spears and swords from causing damage to the soldier in battle. The Christian’s Shield of Faith will protect them from the spiritual attacks of the evil one but it must be taken up and used to function.
Ephesians 6:16-17
“Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”
Shields were often made of wood and leather. These shields would be soaked in water so that when flaming arrows impacted they would be extinguished.
Helmet of Salvation
“take the helmet of salvation”
Protection for the mind and our thoughts comes from the salvation we obtain from our Savior. We can rest in the results of salvation that God provided for us through His Son. We were saved from the penalty of sin when we accepted Christ as our Savior, we are saved from the power of sin as we claim the power of His Spirit and live according to His Word, and we will be saved from the presence of sin eventually when we reach our heavenly home to receive our rewards for our earthly life. Our salvation relies not on ourselves but on the power and grace of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ.
Protection for the head of the Roman soldier was in the form of a helmet that was often made of bronze or iron. Soldiers knew from the beginning of warfare the importance of protecting their heads. We too must protect our minds from the attacks of the evil one.
I Thessalonians 5:8-11
“But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Sword of the Spirit
“take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”
Ephesians 6 up to now has been speaking of our armor that is defensive in nature. Now we come to an offensive weapon, the sword.
Many think the sword is an ancient weapon useless in modern day warfare. It would be if it weren’t for the fact the type of battle that we are waging and the meaning of the analogy. Just like soldiers of ancient battles the soldiers of Christ fight hand to hand as they use the sword of the Spirit.
Our enemy attacks our sword in an attempt to disarm us and render us helpless to fight back. This tactic is as old as time itself. In Genesis 3 the serpent questions what God has said to Adam and Eve and therefore attempts to throw suspicion on the truthfulness of what God says.
The veracity and accuracy of the Bible is established. There are copies of scriptures that are within one century of those who lived the history. There are hundreds of documents supporting the Bible’s accuracy. No other work of literature can claim this.
Concerning the skill with which we are called to use our swords…
“Nobody ever became a Bible scholar on one sermon a week. Nobody ever became agile with the sword of the Spirit simply by listening to somebody talk about it. Nobody will ever become useful with the scriptures minus a real desire to know the Word of God.”
Alistair Begg
We must be students of the Word in order to be soldiers for Christ who can use our swords properly.
The Bereans are our role model.
Acts 17:11-12
“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”
Just like the Doctor and his scalpel where he uses it cautiously, kindly, purposefully, we are to use God’s word similarly. We should not swing the word around wildly and carelessly. Great damage and trauma can be caused using God’s Word carelessly.
The skills required to use the Word of God can be demonstrated by watching a Master in action. Jesus Christ our Lord and Master demonstrated how God’s Word could be used in spiritual battle as we read the account of Him facing Satan in the wilderness.
Matthew 4:1-11
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.”
(Here we see how well the Devil knows the scriptures. While he quotes God’s Word to Jesus word for word he has no respect for the true meaning or context. His purpose is to use God’s word to confuse and distract those who would listen from the true.)
Prayer
“pray in Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests”
Our second offensive weapon is prayer.
“Satan dreads nothing but prayer. His one concern is to keep the saint from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks our wisdom, but trembles when we pray”
Samuel Chadwick
In Paul’s analogy Prayer is tied with the sword onto the belt of truth. Prayer is always balanced if it is based on the truths of scripture. We can pray selfish and faithless prayers if we pray without the direction of God’s Word and without the leading of God’s Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
“Pray continually.”
Here we are challenged in 1 Thessalonians to have a continual spirit of prayer as we go about our daily lives. It doesn’t mean we are constantly bowing our head. It means we go about our life with a constant communication with our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. Constant communion in this manner keeps us on track and available for use as a soldier of Christ.
Prayer is like an artillery barrage. It can blast the enemy and weaken their defenses. It can provide for a beachhead to be established so that ground can be taken for God’s Kingdom. Prayer before any spiritual endeavor can prepare both the battlefield and the soldiers for victory. Without prayer, many a spiritual battle has been lost because people were deluded into thinking they could achieve victory without consulting their superior commander.
“The prayer of petition is readily found on the lips of the soldier in battle.”
Andy Park, The Lifestyle Produces the Language in Thoughts on Worship.
Our Battle Plan
Our Call to Battle…
Isaiah 61:1-3
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion??to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.”
Our Creed of Confidence…
1 John 4:2-5
“But every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
Soldiers that we are, we should remember the words from last verse of “Be Thou My Vision” by Eleanor Hull and Mary Elizabeth Byrne
“Be Thou my shield, And my sword for the fight, Be Thou my dignity, Be Thou my might, Thou my soul’s shelter, And Thou my high tow’r, Raise Thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r.”
Our Battle Strategy…
Willingly refuse Satan’s lies. – Belt of Truth (John 8:32, 2 Tim. 3:16-17)
Affirm your righteous position in Christ – Breastplate of Righteousness (Romans 8:38-39)
Reaffirm your testimony. – Shoes of the gospel of peace (I John 3:7-9)
Fix your faith on Jesus Christ as your shield. – Shield of faith (I John 4:4)
Appropriate your deliverance. – Helmet of salvation (deliverance) Col. 1:10-14)
Renew your mind. – Sword of the Spirit (I Tim. 4:1)
Engage in intercession. – Pray (I Thess. 5:17)
Our Comfort in Times of Conflict…
1 Peter 4:12-18
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Romans 8:28-30
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”
Our Challenge as Soldiers for our King…
James 1:2-5
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
2 Timothy 2:1-7
“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs?he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.”
1 Peter 5:8-11
“Be self?controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
Our Call to Purity and Holiness…
1 John 2:15-17
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world?the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does?comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”
1 Peter 1:13-16
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self?controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
2 Timothy 2:3,4
“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs?he wants to please his commanding officer.”
The King’s Army…
The soldier of Christ is part of a unit. Just as battles are fought with battalions, squads and groups of soldiers, so the spiritual battles on earth are fought in groups. We must remember that in order for us to be effective in the spiritual battles we are involved we require the fellowship of other soldiers of the King.
Hebrews 10:25
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another?and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Christians should also take care in how they treat each other. Soldiers need to remain focused on who the true enemy is and not fight amongst themselves.
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
1 John 4:11-12
“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
When Christians become complacent in their Christian experience and begin to enjoy the Christian life for its benefits rather than it’s calling, we need to heed the words of Alistair Begg.
“Whenever believers start to fight one another, don’t you know, ‘There’s a war on?’ Whenever we begin to assume that the whole object of our Christian experience is so that we might sit around and have pastries together and just rub one another’s backs for the kingdom, don’t you know, ‘There’s a war on?’ Whenever we’re tempted to settle down into superficiality and settle for lethargy in our Christian experience we need to open up the scriptures and hear the Spirit of God say to us, ‘Hey, don’t you know, there’s a war on?’”
Alistair Begg
While we are called to a life of joy and peace, we are also called to a life of obedience and discipline. God wishes to meet our needs and enjoy the life He has blessed us with, but we are not to squander our time.
An ancient commentator once said: “The moment slothfulness begins, dangers stands thick about us.”
Satan’s Battle Plan
Satan has his own battle plan which he implements as he attempts to fulfill his evil desires and aspirations. Christian soldiers must remember that the evil one likes to attack us in the certain spiritual areas of our lives. He will attempt to destroy or hinder…
Our assurance in Christ – (Hebrews 10:19-24)
Our worship of God – (John 4:24)
Our personal purity – (1 John 3:7)
Our confidence in our salvation – (Acts 4:12)
Our minds and thoughts – (2 Corinthians 4:4)
Our morality – (2 Timothy 2:22)
Our knowledge of God’s Word – (I Timothy 4:1-2)
Satan will attack us at specific times in our lives much like Jesus was attacked in the account in Matthew 4, Mark 1, and Luke 4. Examples of such times are given below:
When we have just had a spiritual victory. Jesus was attacked after being baptized, recognized by His Father in Heaven and beginning His ministry. Our pride after a spiritual victory can cause us to fall. Satan knows if we take credit for something God has accomplished he can gain a foothold in our lives. (1 Corinthians 10:12, 2 Corinthians 3:5)
When we are alone. Jesus was alone in the wilderness when Satan attempted to tempt Him. Jesus knew there was strength in numbers and sent his disciples out in groups of two for a good reason. God established the church so that we could provide support for one another. (Hebrews 10:25, Acts 2:42)
When we are physically exhausted. Jesus was attacked after He had fasted in the wilderness. Physical or emotional exhaustion will often weaken our defenses against Satan and the world. (Ephesians 6:10)
When you are waiting on God. Waiting for God to answer prayer or take action can be difficult and Satan will take advantage of these moments to suggest doubt of God’s goodness and truthfulness. (Romans 8:25, Psalms 130:5, Psalms 25:21)
When you are in God’s house. In Luke 4:33-36 we are given an account of a man who was in the synagogue who was possessed of a demon. The Lord’s House would be the last place you would expect a demon to show up but Satan and his demons respect no location. Satan may even attempt to attack us when we are present in our church or at Bible Study. He wastes no time or opportunity to frustrate God’s spiritual Kingdom. (Ephesians 4:3, Colossians 3:15)
When you are starting something great for God. Pastor Howard Hendricks once said that, “Satan will wait in the bushes for 40 years waiting for the right time to strike a believer.” Satan will time his attacks so that they will cause the greatest harm to God’s purposes. When you strike out on a mission or ministry for the Lord, expect Satan to throw hindrances in your path. Satan attempted to strike at our Lord before He began His ministry.
A good descriptive example of a spiritual battle can be found in Pilgrim’s Progress where Christian runs into Apollyon on his journey.
Satan and his agents of evil…
Mankind as Pawns
The events of September 11, 2001 demonstrate to us that there are individuals who will carry out the desires of Satan and his demons. While much of the battle we fight as Christians is spiritual, there are often physical manifestations of the spiritual battle as well.
Ephesians 2:1-5
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions?it is by grace you have been saved.”
Whether they know or are aware of it, men and women outside of the Christian faith, help to fulfill the agendas of the evil one. Sometimes they do this willingly and other times unwillingly. We can see this in government, in business, in the media, and society in general. Satan will use anything or anyone to achieve his goals of insanity, cruelty and evil.
Demons and Fallen Angels
There are numerous accounts of demonic encounters in scripture, especially during the ministry of Christ. These were often situations where individuals were possessed or tormented by demons. Christ addressed these situations by casting the demons out of the person. While coming face to face with the demonic is not common for the believer, it does occur. Often depending on the environment and situation it may be all too common. Demonic forces are more overt in third world countries and in areas where crime and evil are rampant. Satan knows that in America he can do more damage to more individuals with subversive tactics through materialism, pornography and fleshly pursuits and sins than demonic possession and oppression. Despite this fact, we should not rule out the manifestation of Satan in more physical ways at times.
An account is given in Acts 19 where demon possessed individuals are encountered by Jewish priests. Unfortunately their efforts to exorcize the demons ended in defeat because, while they knew of Jesus they did not KNOW Jesus.
Acts 19:13-20
“Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon?possessed. They would say, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. [One day] the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor…. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.”
When encountering the demonic the soldier of Christ must be prepared in every manner of spiritual warfare. Reliance on Christ and the Holy Spirit for power is crucial. Confidence in the power of our Lord and master is a must. Spiritual maturity and dedication are a prerequisite.
Matthew 12 tells us the dangers of simply casting out demons without any acceptance of Christ and the filling of the Holy Spirit. If someone has a demon exorcized and doesn’t accept Christ, they can be worse off because numerous demons can return to take up residence. You just can’t clean house and put nothing back in.
Matthew 12:43-45
“When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”
Christians are secure…
Christians can’t be possessed. The victory in our lives is true and full.
1 Corinthians 3:16
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3-4
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”
1 John 4:4
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
1 John 5:18-19
“We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.”
While Christians cannot be possessed, we can be oppressed and “demonized.” This emphasizes the necessity of continuous spiritual growth and fellowship to protect the soldier of Christ. We are to watch and pray so we don’t fall into temptation. Soldiers need to be self-controlled and alert. We are to stand in our resistance. Stand firm in the faith and let the Spirit of God lead us in righteousness.
James 4:7-8
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Our Victory
The Devil is already defeated and has no power over Jesus.
The spiritual war is somewhat like a game of chess. The pieces are set and defeat of Satan assured, but the last move of God has not yet been played. Satan keeps playing his game, but the outcome is set in stone.
John 12:30-33
“Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.”
John 16:7-11
“But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.”
Romans 16:20
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
Hebrews 2:14-18
“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death?that is, the devil? and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
Colossians 2:9-15
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
Conclusion
1 Thessalonians 5:5-9
“You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self?controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self?controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”
“So we recognize that there’s a war on. We discover our strength to be in the Lord. We identify the enemy. We delineate our responsibility. We clothe ourselves with the armor. We take our weapons from the hand of the commanding officer and we hear him say, quick march.”
Alistair Begg.