Don't Take It Lightly

 
As I reflect on many of the events I've encountered in this last year, I am convinced more than ever how REAL SPIRITUAL WARFARE is in the life of a child of God.

I am also convinced that we take it too lightly - in the sense that when we deal with it (meaning that after we've struggled with Satan introducing temptation, fear, doubt, anxiety, etc. and we have been pretty much beat to a pulp emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually because we've dealt with it too much on our own through the 'flesh') . . . we do not handle it according to the Word.

We tend to complicate the simple, yet  profound steps:  First, we are to make sure we are not cross-way with anything we 'know' that God requires of us (because He will not operate in us with known sin being tolerated) and then, second, we can stand firmly on the power of His promises to us to be everything that we need to win the battle with Satan.

Eph. 6:13-14
13 Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].

14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,

I am convinced that of this:

SPIRITUAL WARFARE is an invisible war; 

that is WAGED in the spiritual realm; 

WITH emotional, physical, mental and spiritual implications;
           

that can only be WON by Jesus Christ in us, 

WHO has the power to do so.

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Charles C. Ryrie (a Christian writer and theologian) summed it up pretty well in his book A Survey of Bible Doctrine  regarding our defense against Satan.

WHAT IS THE BELIEVER’S DEFENSE
AGAINST SATAN?

(1) Twice in the New Testament we are told that the Lord lives in heaven to make intercession for His people.

Romans 8:34 Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.

Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.


(2) The believer should also realize that on occasion God may use Satan to teach a particular lesson.

2 Cor. 12:7-10 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.


(3) It is also necessary to have the proper attitude toward Satan.  Though we have the power of God on our side, it is never wise to assume that victory is automatically guaranteed.  Learn not to speak contemptuously of Satan’s power but rather to depend on the Lord for victory.

Jude 1:8-9  Yet in the same way these men, also by dreaming, defile the flesh, and reject authority, and revile angelic majesties. But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”


(4) The believer should be informed and thereby alert to Satan’s attacks.

1Peter 5:8-9 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.


(5) Taking a decisive stand is also required.

James 4:7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.


(6) God has provided armor for our defense

Ephesians 6:11-18 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4  For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.

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So it seems that if we are on the battlefield for Truth and Right with the intentions of fulfilling God's purpose for our lives for the Kingdom we are bound to get hit by a barrage of relentless enemy fire. 

My prayer is that we will be able to identify the enemy attack quicker, speak the Truth of God’s Word in correctness and power, and, then, be able to take a firm stand on that Truth and walk in the victory we were promised!

Each new day is a blessing!