Spiritual Realities: Warfare- The Battle is Real

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.)

Making Real Change

Wouldn't you like to have the kind of power and position to make real lasting changes in our world? The opportunity to make a difference that would improve the lives of so many people? Some may say it's impossible- but I say nothing is impossible with God! 

A few weeks ago, followers of Jesus celebrated Pentecost Sunday- The day God empowered the young church at a whole new level to reach a world He loves. (Read all about it in the Bible in the book of Acts Chapter 2.) This was the day, God poured out the Gifts of His Holy Spirit! What are they and how do they fit into the like of a believer?

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit always work in harmony with the Word of God. They never contradict the Bible because the Word of God and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit come from the same source. Additionally, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit work together with God’s Word in fighting our enemy and bringing God’s truth.

Why do we need the Gifts of the Holy Spirit? All you have to do is look around our world, and you’ll see we are in a spiritual battle! It’s clear that hatred, unbridled anger, violence, tongues too quick to speak, and failed plans of men are the markers of our day. 

As his people, we are called to live differently. But when we respond and wage war as the world does, we only show those that do not know Him that we are just like them. So how can we effectively do battle and still draw them to a God who loves them and sent His Son to die on their behalf? Our good and loving and wise God would not send us into a spiritual battle without spiritual weapons! He never wants us to reply on our own strength. He desires we look to Him for everything. When we do, our love for Him grows, and He gets the glory!

“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

This battle did not stop during New Testament times. Your daily life is a mission field! You need not be overseas or in another state to be doing God’s work. Until Satan and his demons are thrown into hell’s pit of fire, we’ll be in the battle against his forces (Revelation 20:10). Nor does the Bible limit demonic activity and spiritual warfare to less advanced societies. The world is under Satan’s temporary control until Jesus returns (I John 3:8), and he is doing everything he can to keep people from hearing God’s redemptive message (2 Corinthians 4:4; Galatians 4:8). The main point is not that demons are everywhere and always involved but instead that we must be aware there’s a battle happening. It’s important we remain prayerful, asking God to show us what we need to do… and then doing it, not just being content with increased understanding.

We desire to reveal God to others, so we must live and act in a way that shows He is in control of us and that our lives are an obedient sacrifice. We cannot live this way without Him! The life of a believer in Jesus without the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in operation is limited in its effectiveness because it is dependent on the strength and strategies of men versus the power and wisdom of God.  Therefore, we bring many gifts to use in His Service- both natural gifts and supernatural gifts are from Him- and we will use all these valuable gifts to bring Him glory. Paul understood this and ministered in this manner (I Corinthians 2:4-5). 

Here are some basic Biblical facts to remember about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit:

1- God Gives the Gifts as He Chooses 

The Holy Spirit gives the gifts as He chooses (I Corinthians 12:11). Jesus gives gifts (Ephesians 4:11). God gives “Natural gifts”. They are no less “spiritual”. Not all gifts can be used “at will” (ie. Healing, etc.). God specifically designed us in this way as well. If we are faithful to use what gifts He gives us, we will be fruitful in the Kingdom and have much joy.   

2- No One Has All the Gifts 

Walking out a life that’s pleasing to God always involves other people. We are designed to need each other. Beginning in Genesis 1, ministry has always been a team effort. “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.  And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.  Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?  Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?  But earnestly desire the higher gifts.  And I will show you a still more excellent way.” (I Corinthians 12:27-31)  

3- Spiritual Gifts Do Not Equal Spiritual Maturity 

The church in Corinth was one in which the gifts were very active. However, they were also one of the most immature bodies of believers. They constantly dealt with division from within, pride, a reliance on human wisdom, and immorality in how they lived (I Corinthians 3-5). Since we represent God, we are to serve humbly at all times but especially when using the gifts He gives us (Romans 12:3). Some people avoid the Gifts of the Holy Spirit because they can be controversial. The Gospel itself is controversial! As with the teaching gifts, any gift can be misused and God’s truth misrepresented, but every gift remains important for effective ministry and living a life that pleases God. 

4- The Gifts are Given to Build Up the Church 

“Now to each the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7) “So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.” (I Corinthians 14:12) “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” (Ephesians 4:11-15) The use of the gifts must reflect the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22).  

Where are these gifts in the Scripture? Here are the lists of Spiritual Gifts as found in the Bible: 

Romans 12:3-8-  For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,  so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

I Corinthians 7- In context, Paul addresses the gifts of Marriage and of Celibacy.  

I Corinthians 12: 4-11- Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;  and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord;  and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.  To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.  For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit,  to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.  All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

I Corinthians 12:28-  And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.

Ephesians 4:11-13 (roles in the context of gifts)-  And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,  until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

I Peter 4:7-11 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.  Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.  Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.  As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:  whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

When every believer uses the gifts God gives- and uses them in the love God gives- the kingdom of God is advanced. Those lost come to know Him and those He loves have a life that is pleasing in his sight. When everyone is actively involved in ministry, actively fighting in the battle, the church is no longer a group of spectators where only the paid professionals fully get to be who God made them to be. Then, the world around you changes more quickly than when you wait for "someone" else to make a difference.

The great Apostle Paul encourages us that we are not lacking in any spiritual gifts as we await Jesus’ return (I Corinthians 1:7). Our enemy delights when we walk in the flesh. Our God delights when we are reliant on Him as we walk our days on this earth.  So go forward in confidence in living out your faith knowing that God’s Holy Spirit is in you and working through you. The changes that come will bless others- and in God's Kingdom have eternal impact!