“Our Daily Bread” http://odb.org/
The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie http://www.harvest.org/devotional
Posted by www.gotquestions.org
Original post @ https://www.gotquestions.org/QOTW.htm
Question: “What does the Bible say about spiritual warfare?”
Answer:
There are two primary errors when it comes to spiritual warfare—over-emphasis and under-emphasis. Some blame every sin, every conflict, and every problem on demons that need to be cast out. Others completely ignore the spiritual realm and the fact that the Bible tells us our battle is against spiritual powers. The key to successful spiritual warfare is finding the biblical balance. Jesus sometimes cast demons out of people; other times He healed people with no mention of the demonic. The apostle Paul instructs Christians to wage war against the sin in themselves (Romans 6) and warns us to oppose the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10–18).
Ephesians 6:10–12 says, “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.” This text teaches some crucial truths: we can only stand strong in the Lord’s power, it is God’s armor that protects us, and our battle is ultimately against spiritual forces of evil in the world.
Ephesians 6:13–18 is a description of the spiritual armor God gives us. We are to stand firm with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and by praying in the Spirit. What do these pieces of spiritual armor represent in spiritual warfare? We are to know the truth, believe the truth, and speak the truth. We are to rest in the fact that we are declared righteous because of Christ’s sacrifice for us. We are to proclaim the gospel no matter how much resistance we face. We are not to waver in our faith, trusting God’s promises no matter how strongly we are attacked. Our ultimate defense is the assurance we have of our salvation, an assurance that no spiritual force can take away. Our offensive weapon is the Word of God, not our own opinions and feelings. And we are to pray in the power and will of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is our ultimate example of resisting temptation in spiritual warfare. Observe how Jesus handled direct attacks from Satan when He was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11). Each temptation was combatted with the words “it is written.” The Word of the living God is the most powerful weapon against the temptations of the devil. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).
A word of caution concerning spiritual warfare is in order. The name of Jesus is not a magic incantation that causes demons to flee from before us. The seven sons of Sceva are an example of what can happen when people presume an authority they have not been given (Acts 19:13–16). Even Michael the archangel did not rebuke Satan in his own power but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (Jude 1:9). When we start talking to the devil, we run the risk of being led astray as Eve was (Genesis 3:1–7). Our focus should be on God, not demons; we speak to Him, not them.
In summary, what are the keys to success in spiritual warfare? We rely on God’s power, not our own. We put on the whole armor of God. We draw on the power of Scripture—the Word of God is the Spirit’s sword. We pray in perseverance and holiness, making our appeal to God. We stand firm (Ephesians 6:13–14); we submit to God; we resist the devil’s work (James 4:7), knowing that the Lord of hosts is our protector. “Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken” (Psalm 62:2).
Recommended Resource: Victory in Spiritual Warfare by Tony Evans
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P.S. (from bruce) If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ?? Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; when The Holy Spirit opens your eyes to understand and obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ… https://godsmanforever.com/2016/12/19/the-gospel-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-12182016-written-by-bruce-r-mills/
To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…
P.S.S. For my own personal testimony on how I fight spiritual warfare, open this link below, and read…”God’s Duo”…
https://godsmanforever.com/2013/02/25/gods-group-thoughts-for-2252013-gods-duo/
This reminder came at a great time as I am dealing with a circumstance in my neighborhood with a dear sweet 82 year old neighbor who has fallen many times and has been hurt. Sue and I look after her when we can, but she has now started ostracizing her family who care for her, telling them they are the devil’s mouthpiece because of a couple of “religious” friends who see the devil behind every rock and bush. They have used her weakness and condition to exploit her emotions and have caused her to see her caring family as the enemy. I’m going to have to deal with this because we are involved in her life and it is no longer just a health issue, but a spiritual issue, so I have been praying, studying the Word and seeking the Holy Spirit for wisdom. I will have to talk with her, but as a spiritual servant myself (a minister) I may have to confront her “religious” friends about their lack of “wisdom” as it were. By the way, I came from the same background as them, but learned as your article says, to walk in balance and to rely on the WHOLE counsel of the Word of God and not just the parts that feed my own nature!! You have to love people to be willing to go to battle with them and for them. The TRUTH WILL always set free those who are bound in some way. But this article is right, we give more credit to a defeated enemy of our souls and less credit to the human nature we have to continually battle!! Great article AND great reminder, Brother!!!!! God bless GREATLY!
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