Many have heard the term, spiritual warfare. How much do we really understand it? How do we face a very real spiritual enemy of the soul?
In Daniel 10:10-21 we learn of an element of spiritual warfare. Daniel had been praying. As a result of his prayers an angel was sent to reveal truth and comfort him. At first he had great fear. The angel replied, “O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!”
The words strengthened him. The angel then proceeded to give him insight into the spiritual realm. He told Daniel about a war in the heavenly places that was being waged, and how it related to earthly events. Besides being strengthened, Daniel came away more enlightened about the reality of spiritual warfare. God would have all His children be more knowledgeable, and as a result, more confident and trusting in Him.
RELEVANCE
Paul taught the disciples more about waging spiritual warfare. He reasoned, “We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLT).
Peter spoke more about the issue of demonic opposition, and provided this exhortation. “Stay sober, stay alert! Your enemy, the Adversary, stalks about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Stand against him, firm in your trust, knowing that your brothers throughout the world are going through the same kinds of suffering” (1 Peter 5:8-9 JNT).
The LORD defeated Satan and the authority of the powers of darkness on Calvary’s Cross. Satan, and his host of demons, however, are sore losers! They regain limited power as we agree with and subscribe to falsehoods against the knowledge of God’s truth. That power is magnified by maintaining prideful attitudes, pursuing lustful desires, and exalting vain images—the essence of worshiping idols. Grasping hold of God’s truth and walking in it brings us into compliance with God’s order, giving us authority over demonic opposition.
REFLECT AND RELATE
How have you positioned yourself to wage spiritual warfare?
How do you appropriate your “armor” daily in humility and faith, and engage in the LORD’s way of fighting spiritual battles? (see Ephesians 6:10-18 and 2 Corinthians 10:2-6)
Do you have prayer and accountability partners to support you in fighting spiritual battles?
REFERENCES
Daniel 10:10-21; Luke 10:1-23; Matthew 16:17-19; 1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7-8; Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 10:2-6