GUEST WRITER: Luke Bray | POSTED MARCH 6, 2024
Understanding and engaging in spiritual warfare is absolutely essential. As believers, we are called to live out our faith in a world that is not only physical but also deeply intertwined with the spiritual realm. Spiritual warfare is not a mere metaphor or symbolic concept; it is a very real battle that affects every aspect of our lives and the lives of those around us.
First and foremost, understanding spiritual warfare allows us to recognize the existence of spiritual forces at work. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that “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.” By understanding this truth, we can discern that many of the challenges and struggles we face in life are not merely coincidental or natural but have a spiritual origin. This awareness enables us to address these challenges appropriately, with the right weapons and strategies.
Moreover, engaging in spiritual warfare empowers us to actively participate in God’s redemptive work. We are not called to be passive bystanders in the face of spiritual opposition, but rather to take up the armor of God and fight alongside Him. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he explains that God has powerfully raised Jesus from the dead and enthroned him at his right hand in the heavenly places “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named” (Eph 1:20–21). Because of God’s mercy, he has caused all those who trust in Jesus to become spiritually alive and has seated us next to Jesus thereby granting us delegated authority over these diabolical entities (Eph 2:5–6). Jesus encouraged his disciples, “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:19–20). By engaging in spiritual warfare, we align ourselves with God’s purposes and become agents of His love, truth, and justice in a broken world. Through prayer, intercession, and wielding the Word of God, we can effectively combat the forces of darkness and advance the kingdom of God.
Understanding and engaging in spiritual warfare also protects us from deception and spiritual attacks. The enemy, Satan, is described as a “roaring lion seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). He seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), and his primary strategy is deception. By equipping ourselves with knowledge and discernment, we can recognize the enemy’s schemes and resist his lies. Through prayer, careful study of God’s word, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can walk in discernment and avoid falling into the traps set before us.
Furthermore, engaging in spiritual warfare cultivates a deeper intimacy with God. Amid the battle, we learn to rely on Him more fully, seeking His guidance, wisdom, and strength. We experience firsthand the power and faithfulness of God. We witness His deliverance, healing, and protection. Our faith is strengthened, and our relationship with God deepens as we rely on Him in the midst of the conflict.
Understanding and engaging in spiritual warfare is not optional for believers. Charles Spurgeon, the English pastor, wrote, “To be a Christian is to be a warrior. The good soldier of Jesus Christ must not expect to find ease in this world: it is a battlefield. Neither must he reckon upon the friendship of the world; for that would be enmity against God. His occupation is war. As he puts on piece by piece of the panoply provided for him, he may wisely say to himself, ‘This warns me of danger; this prepares me for warfare; this prophecies opposition.’”[1]
It is a vital aspect of our faith journey and an essential means of fulfilling God’s purposes in our lives and in the world. Through understanding the reality of spiritual forces, actively participating in the battle, protecting ourselves from deception, and growing in intimacy with God, we can navigate the spiritual realm with confidence and make a significant impact for the kingdom. Embrace the call to resist the powers of the evil one, knowing that through Christ, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37) and that God equips us with everything we need to stand firm against the enemy (Ephesians 6:13).
[1] Charles Spurgeon, The Sword of the Spirit: The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons. Vol. 37 (London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1891), 229.
First and foremost, understanding spiritual warfare allows us to recognize the existence of spiritual forces at work. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that “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.” By understanding this truth, we can discern that many of the challenges and struggles we face in life are not merely coincidental or natural but have a spiritual origin. This awareness enables us to address these challenges appropriately, with the right weapons and strategies.
Moreover, engaging in spiritual warfare empowers us to actively participate in God’s redemptive work. We are not called to be passive bystanders in the face of spiritual opposition, but rather to take up the armor of God and fight alongside Him. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he explains that God has powerfully raised Jesus from the dead and enthroned him at his right hand in the heavenly places “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named” (Eph 1:20–21). Because of God’s mercy, he has caused all those who trust in Jesus to become spiritually alive and has seated us next to Jesus thereby granting us delegated authority over these diabolical entities (Eph 2:5–6). Jesus encouraged his disciples, “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:19–20). By engaging in spiritual warfare, we align ourselves with God’s purposes and become agents of His love, truth, and justice in a broken world. Through prayer, intercession, and wielding the Word of God, we can effectively combat the forces of darkness and advance the kingdom of God.
Understanding and engaging in spiritual warfare also protects us from deception and spiritual attacks. The enemy, Satan, is described as a “roaring lion seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). He seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), and his primary strategy is deception. By equipping ourselves with knowledge and discernment, we can recognize the enemy’s schemes and resist his lies. Through prayer, careful study of God’s word, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can walk in discernment and avoid falling into the traps set before us.
Furthermore, engaging in spiritual warfare cultivates a deeper intimacy with God. Amid the battle, we learn to rely on Him more fully, seeking His guidance, wisdom, and strength. We experience firsthand the power and faithfulness of God. We witness His deliverance, healing, and protection. Our faith is strengthened, and our relationship with God deepens as we rely on Him in the midst of the conflict.
Understanding and engaging in spiritual warfare is not optional for believers. Charles Spurgeon, the English pastor, wrote, “To be a Christian is to be a warrior. The good soldier of Jesus Christ must not expect to find ease in this world: it is a battlefield. Neither must he reckon upon the friendship of the world; for that would be enmity against God. His occupation is war. As he puts on piece by piece of the panoply provided for him, he may wisely say to himself, ‘This warns me of danger; this prepares me for warfare; this prophecies opposition.’”[1]
It is a vital aspect of our faith journey and an essential means of fulfilling God’s purposes in our lives and in the world. Through understanding the reality of spiritual forces, actively participating in the battle, protecting ourselves from deception, and growing in intimacy with God, we can navigate the spiritual realm with confidence and make a significant impact for the kingdom. Embrace the call to resist the powers of the evil one, knowing that through Christ, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37) and that God equips us with everything we need to stand firm against the enemy (Ephesians 6:13).
[1] Charles Spurgeon, The Sword of the Spirit: The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons. Vol. 37 (London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1891), 229.