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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