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 timesHe
healed people with no mention-of the demonic.
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.
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
(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 thee!” (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.
“He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.”
(Psalm 62:2).
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.