Spiritual Warfare

Ephesians 6:12  ‘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.’

We’ve all probably heard the sarcastic comment that ‘he or she doesn’t realize the war is over’, referring to someone who isn’t really in touch with reality.  If there can be a more pathetic situation, it may be the case of a Christian who is unaware that there is a spiritual war happening, which has been occurring since the temptation of mankind in the Garden of Eden.  Spiritual conflict is a very real battle, and no Christian is exempt from it’s influence.  In today’s society we seldom hear, even in religious circles, of the impact of Satanic or demonic influence on the lives of those who are involved in activities that ruin and even destroy themselves or others.  Even when decisions at the highest levels of government impact the lives of millions and result in infinite suffering of millions of innocent victims, there seems to be a reluctance to place the blame where it belongs – on the shoulders of Satan and his followers.  Yet Jesus during His ministry on earth, cast out demons, and empowered His disciples to do so, realizing the destructive power of such to destroy lives.

While our conflicts here are often of a personal nature, and appear to be simply with other people, we are informed that we are to look beyond the person(s) to just who is motivating the actions or behaviour.  In 1 Peter 5:8 we are warned that ‘our adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour.’  Demonic activity has one ultimate purpose; the destruction of lives – body, soul and spirit.  And there is only one ultimate protection against the assaults of the evil one and his cohorts – the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:13-18)  Although we may at times appear to be losing the battle, we can take confidence in the fact that we are fighting a defeated enemy; the battle is the Lord’s, and ‘greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.’ (1 John 4:4)

Do you believe in spiritual warfare?

Is there spiritual warfare happening in your life just now?

Do you fear the activity of the devil and his demons?

Do you expect to have victory over Satan?

If so, what is your hope of victory based on?