What is Spiritual Warfare?
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 2:12 NKJV
This verse is the beginning of understanding that we are in a state of warfare. There are many more, one being, Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord And their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.” The fact that there are weapons formed against us in the first place, means we are in a state of warfare. It is against the things of this world, the flesh, and the enemy. When we are made alive by Christ, we are made new and given the Spirit. As Matthew says, “The flesh is weak, but the Spirit is willing.” Understanding this is key, to knowing we are in a state of fighting to hold onto the Truth of Jesus Christ in our hearts and life.
What Authority do Believers have?
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and know, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”
Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV
This is saying, Jesus gave us as His disciples, who have been made alive in Him, all authority that was given to Him to go out into the world. Jesus gives us dominion and authority, in Romans 4:17, we know we serve a God, who makes things go from dead to alive and calls things that are not as they are. Jesus’s words had power, when He said in Matthew 16:19, “And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosened in heaven.” This Word, was fulfilled by Matthew 28:18-20, when the keys of the kingdom, which the authority given to us by Jesus allows us to bind and loose things in heaven and on earth. What I am trying to show you, is that your words and thoughts have power. That we have been given authority to use. When you see distractions or confusion come your way, speak to it and bind it on earth and loose clarity and peace on earth, which will also be done in the heavenly realm.
What Armor do we have?
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Ephesians 6:13-18 NKJV
In the above verses, we see that there is a whole suit of armor that Paul is encouraging every born-again believer to take up the armor of God. Below is an easy to read and see image of the armor of God. We must learn and know from the Word of God, who God is and how He protects us.
What does the Word say?
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.“
Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.“
Isaiah 41:10 NKJV
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 2:12 NKJV
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell.“
Psalm 27:1-2 NKJV
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.“
2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV