Powerful stories fascinate us! Perhaps more than many other ones told, we are enraptured by the stories told of Harry Potter and before it, we embraced the ancient world of Lord of the Rings. These wildly successful books became mega movie franchises that filled our minds and hearts and also made us open our wallets to experience their worlds. Good vs. Evil. Man against the forces.
In our very modern times, it would be easy to think that we are in control of our destiny. That life would be as we direct it without the influence of others around us, or God forbid, even spiritual forces that would shape us and influence us. We're too advanced for that! Or are we? The timeless truths of the Bible tell a very different story than the one we often hold dear.
“For 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.”
Ephesians 6:12
Choosing to serve Jesus passionately is to invite warfare. The Bible never limits demonic activity to “less advanced” societies. Jesus came to destroy the works of Satan (I John 3:8), but spiritual warfare did not end when Jesus conquered death. It will continue until Satan and his demons are thrown into the fiery pit of Hell (Revelation 20:10). Our God is victorious!
Our world is under Satan’s temporary control until Jesus returns (I John 5:19). We know the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16). God warns us in I Peter 5:8, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Hell is real, so this is the ultimate warfare. However, we are not unaware of Satan’s schemes (2 Cor. 2:11). He uses all kinds of maneuvers to blind people to the message of the Gospel (2 Cor. 4:4). Satan is against all those who desire to do God’s work- regardless where they live or their culture.
What does real spiritual opposition look like? It’s not always obvious. When you're trying to live out a life of faith, spiritual warfare can be discouragement, temptation, illness, changes in finances, difficulties in relationships, doubt, fear, harsh words from others, and thinking that is normally not yours. Be encouraged! All this means you are moving in the right direction as you desire to please God in how you live!
The main point is certainly not that demons are everywhere and always involved working against you. It is that we must remain aware we are in a battle. Whether by temptation, choosing to sin, or even demonic activity, we should expect distractions and opposition to the work God has given us to do. We must pray in the Holy Spirit as we serve Jesus in a world that wants to deny him (Jude 20). When we step out in faith as God leads, He alone will and should get the glory for what happens. The reality is spiritual warfare will still continue in the midst of it all.
Weapons of War
Don't be mistaken- Jesus has authority over demons. He gave the same authority to His first Ministry Team (The Twelve), to the seventy-two that He has sent out (Luke 10:17), and later to the church as seen in the Book of Acts. Even in our own "civilized" country, we’re living in dark lands, walking in His light (John 8:12; 17:18), and we are asked to do hard things.
Thankfully- and listen to this eternal truth- God never asks us to do spiritual work in human strength. Working as He directs and empowers means He receives praise and glory for the results.
"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
We serve a wise, good, and loving God! Of course He would give us spiritual weapons for a spiritual battle:
The Armor of God, The Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and Prayer. As He calls us into battle, not only does the Holy Spirit go before us (John 16:8-11), He also equips and empowers us for all we need. Paul states that we are not lacking in any spiritual gift as we await Jesus’ return (I Corinthians 1:7). That’s good news! It's great news, actually!
The Armor of God
Think of the armor of God as defensive weapons (the Sword of the Spirit – the Word of God- is also an offensive weapon). What would happen if you were sent into battle with only defensive weapons? You would be easily overtaken. You must have offensive weapons to win! God provides them. They are the gifts of the Holy Spirit!
The Armor of God is one of many resources God has given us. We can go forward in His confidence! How can this be in a tough world? There are two characteristics of God that never change: He is always loving, and He is always good. Because of these truths, He gives us spiritual weapons to fight spiritual battles. I'll share more about the gifts of the Holy Spirit at some time in the future, but for now, please understand God does not leave us without His power inside us.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
2 Timothy 1:7
Moving toward God and doing His will requires doing it in the same manner as Jesus if we wish to have impact. That is moving forward in confidence, in love, and definitely under self-control.
Next time we explore this topic, we'll take a look at the key of effect five service in God's kingdom- Listening for His voice. I hope these bite sized portions of truth are valuable to you. Let me leave you with these powerful words from the Apostle Paul:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For 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.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” (Ephesians 6:10-17).
(Copyright Mark Taft.)
