SPIRITUAL WARFARE: WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Some believe that spiritual warfare is to chant Bible verses repeatedly or to use the name of Jesus as a magic wand. And at the same time engage in direct conversation with the devil. 

I must confess that I used to have this understanding of spiritual warfare. In truth, these practices are unbiblical at worst dangerous and disobedient towards God.

However, the aim of this article, is a call to rethink this important teaching. Furthermore, it is for Christians to return to the revealed Word of God as the authority for spiritual warfare. But also to reject man made unscriptural mystical practices of spiritual warfare.

THE PREMISE FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son. Colossians 1:13 ESV

The believer was rescued from the kingdom of darkness and brought into the kingdom of God. As a result, the child of God, automatically becomes an enemy of the dark kingdom.

The world, the flesh and the devil are enemies of Christians (Ephesians 2:1-3).

Hence, the Christian is caught up in a spiritual battle in this dark and fallen world.

Importantly, they are warned not to partake of the evils of this world. Also, to wage war against their sinful flesh (Romans 8:13). In the case of the devil, this is the command of God.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 ESV

We are commanded to submit to God and resist the devil. However, the result of obeying these commands, is that the defeated devil will flee from us. It’s important to note that believers are not to rebuke the devil, their focus should be on God.

They have no business speaking directly to the devil and therefore engage in a dangerous unbiblical practice (Jude 1:9, 2 Peter 2:10). The archangel Michael only rebuked the devil under God's authority as he avoided a blasphemous act. Therefore, it's not wise for a Christian to be directly speaking to the devil. However, it is only the Lord who can directly rebuke Satan (Jude 1:9, Zachariah 2:3). Amazingly, God gives his people an armour for their protection against the enemy.

The question is, what does this look like in practice on a daily basis?

THE ARMOUR FOR SPIRITUAL BATTLE 

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. Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV

The Christian life is a life of spiritual combat. The leader and commander of their salvation has already disarmed and defeated the devil and his minions (Colossians 2:15).

Most importantly, Spiritual warfare is about standing your ground. The armour is provided by God and it’s crucial that the Christian put on the full armour. The devil is crafty and carries some power that Christians should stand against. Ultimately, Christians should rest in God’s infinite power.

The attack of the devil is targeted at believer’s soul and the Church of Christ. His aim is to destroy Christians glorious union and communion with Christ. Also, his mischiefs are penetrated at the church with various evil schemes to undermine Christ precious bride.

Interestingly, spiritual warfare is part of daily living.

However, when the attack intensifies on God’s people, the whole armour of God empowers and strengthen them to stand. Here are the specific function of each armour for a spiritual battle.

The Belt of Truth: is the glorious gospel that delivered the Christian from death to life. knowing and believing divine objective truth dismisses the father of lies. Our minds should be immersed in sound theology to protect from false beliefs and world ideas such as the devilish controlled media. 

The Breastplate of Righteousness: this armour is of Christ, His perfect obedience and sufferings which satisfies the Father is in view here. Through faith, the Christian standing is perfectly acceptable before God. Therefore, this breastplate protects the assaults from within and without. Christ righteousness becomes believers righteousness.

The Gospel of Peace: The Gospel of Jesus gives peace with God and the peace of God. With such security from within the Christian soldier is prepared to defend the arrows of the enemy. Soldiers that have good spirit are motivated to take on the enemy.

Shield of Faith: The Person and saving work of Christ is the believer absolute trust. This is important to withstand the devils attacks upon the soul. To rest and trust in Christ sustain and recover from ungodly thoughts, doubts of salvation but also help against our sinful passions.

Helmet of Salvation: The helmet protects the head as well as provides vision. Therefore, knowledge and grasp of God’s whole scope of salvation should be the mindset and lens of Christians. They should depend on what God had done through his Son and should therefore help to focus and to foresee the future.

The Word of God: is the only offensive weapon the believer has in spiritual warfare. The infinite, eternal Word of God carries the ultimate power to cause the devil to flee. Jesus demonstrated this in the wilderness, as he referred to the word of God (Matthew 4:10). He has the authority to rebuke Satan but teach his followers how to resist the devil (Matthew 4:11, James 4:7).

In addition, the word is inspired by the Holy Spirit, therefore it is the sword of the Spirit.

Praying in the spirit means to pray the will of God which is His inspired Word. This sort of prayer is persistent and it does not mean to speak in unintelligible tongues. 

With all the armour explained, in summary this is how a believer should practically engage in spiritual warfare. Firstly, know the truth of the gospel which sets you free. Secondly, know your source and legal status of righteousness. Thirdly, understand the whole scope of God’s great salvation as an anchor of your hope (Ephesians 1:3-14). 

Fourthly, use the sword of the Word and live a consistent life of prayer. It boils down to obedience and trust in God as you do this the devil will flee from you (James 4:7). If you don’t know, understand, believe and act on these realities then you will be imprisoned by the devil (2 Corinthians 10:5).

THE ASSURANCE OF CHRIST 

I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18b ESV

Christians can be certain that Christ will build His church. The Devil and his army will devise all kinds of evil schemes but there endeavours will end in failure. Hence, we fight from a point of victory.

It’s important that we obey and trust the Bible prescription for spiritual warfare. For instance marriage is a place where spiritual battles happens. God designed marriage and family but the devil is bent on to destroy this great institution.

However, God gives clear commands for how marriage is to be lived out. The husband should love his wife and the wife to submit to her husband (Ephesians 5:22-33). Furthermore, children are to honour their parents (Ephesians 6:1-4).

Most importantly, God should be at the centre of the marriage home, walking according to God’s revealed will. Conversely, if marriage is done in opposition to God’s will and designs then it gives room to the devil.

As children of God who are already on the side of victory (Romans 8:32, Psalm 18:2-3). Let’s stand behind our Captain and use the sword of the Spirit to help those who are imprisoned by false ideas to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).