Helping Christians To Understand Spiritual Warfare

By Stella Gay


There are Christians who focus so much on evil that they lose their focus on Christ. However, there are others who do not realize that the Bible says they need to fight a spiritual battle or who would rather ignore this. To understand spiritual warfare, it is important to realize that there is a fine balance between what has already been accomplished and what has to be claimed. Overcoming of evil requires persistent faith, the authority of God and the use of discernment.

The idea of having to fight is not something that is easily accepted. Wars have caused much devastation on earth. However, the scriptures use war imagery and so it cannot be ignored. An understanding of what is meant by this type of warfare can help. The apostle Paul urges Christians to war against the sin in themselves and against the evil one. So, what does he actually mean by this?

The enemies Christians face are not flesh and blood. As mentioned in Ephesians, the battle is against principalities and powers. The battle is between the kingdom of God and what opposes it. Through the death of Christ and His resurrection, the power of Satan was broken and victory was won. This is a battle where the outcome is already known and His followers have to claim their freedom and liberty as children of God.

In this battle, weapons like guns, bullets or bombs are not effective. Instead, Christians are instructed to use the weapons of truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, prayer, and the word of God to fight the battle. In facing the battle against deception, temptations and accusations, their primary defense is their salvation and their primary offense is the sword of the Word. Jesus Himself used the Word to counter temptation.

Instead of being motivated by hatred and a desire to destroy, the reason for this battle is love. God loves mankind so much that He sent Jesus to die for us on the cross. Jesus shed His blood for us and reconciled us to the Father. This gives us all the authority required to fight against the forces of evil.

When Christ died on the cross, this gave His believers all the authority they need to overcome the evil one. It is not enough to simply be defensive. Christians have to attack, using the sword of the Word. They need to take ground and stand firm.

Many Christians become discouraged at some point in the fight against evil. It is only Christ who is able to bring victory and so they have to make sure that they are not fighting in their own strength. They need to constantly draw on the authority of God and rely on Him to establish His kingdom through them.

Many Christians feel a sense of inadequacy when it comes to waging war. However, their strength lies in trusting God and not relying on their own strength. God has already won the victory. They simply have to believe this until it becomes a reality in their lives.




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