Angels, demons, and spiritual warfare all exist, but we don't have to live in fear of the supernatural. God has given us a powerful weapon against temptation and accusation. The Bible has much to say about the temptations and struggles you face day by day.
In this article, you'll deepen your understanding of spiritual warfare and learn how to take hold of God-given sources of power, assurance, and hope. The key to successful spiritual warfare is finding the biblical balance.
For Those Under Attack | Steven Furtick
Understanding Spiritual Warfare
What is spiritual warfare? How can I recognize it? In what ways does it affect me? Through this study, you'll learn who the real enemy is, what their plan of attack is, and how you can defend yourself and be victorious.
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 Armor of God
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. 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."
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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.
Jesus: Our Example in Spiritual Warfare
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.
A Word of Caution
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 you!” (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).
Keys to Success in Spiritual Warfare
In summary, what are the keys to success in spiritual warfare?
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- 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.
Biblical Verses on Spiritual Warfare
Here are some key verses that highlight the principles and assurances related to spiritual warfare:
| Verse | Significance |
|---|---|
| Ephesians 6:10-12 | Highlights the need to be strong in the Lord and to wear the full armor of God to stand against the devil's schemes, emphasizing that our struggle is not against people but against spiritual forces of evil. |
| 2 Corinthians 10:4 | States that the weapons of our warfare are not worldly but have divine power to destroy strongholds. |
| James 4:7 | Encourages believers to submit to God, resist the devil, and promises that the devil will flee. |
| 1 Peter 5:8-9 | Advises believers to be sober-minded and watchful, as the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour; believers are called to resist him, firm in their faith. |
| 1 John 4:4 | Assures believers that they are of God and have overcome the spirit of the antichrist because the One who is in them is greater than the one who is in the world. |
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. "Submit yourselves, then, to God. "I [Jesus] have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
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