Article
Biblical Balance in Spiritual Warfare
April 1, 2019
Spiritual warfare is real, and there is a real spiritual enemy toward Christ and all Christians. There are two primary errors when it comes to spiritual warfare, overemphasis and underemphasis. Some blame every sin, every conflict, and every problem on demons that need to be rebuked or 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 rebuked and cast demons out of people; other times He healed people with no mention of the demonic. 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 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"
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 the will of the Holy Ghost.
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.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (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 you!” (Jude 1:9)
When we start talking to the devil, we run the risk of being led astray as Eve was. Our focus should be on God, not demons; we speak to Him, not them. (Genesis 3:1–7)
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. “Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:2)
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