Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual Warfare

Throughout the epistles of Paul and in John's Revelation we find metaphors depicting the followers of Christ as soldiers locked in a titan struggle with the Devil and his agents. Too many contemporary Christians have failed to understand this aspect of their discipleship. They imagine themselves to be civilians in a neutral nation with no interest in anything resembling a conflict. This misconception has weakened the church and rendered such members virtually useless. It is time to look again at who and what we are and what is it we are about!

Christ is a conquering king, at the head of a great army (Rev. 10:11-16). Our king's powerful weapon is the sword of truth which proceeds from his mouth (19:15). This symbolizes the message he has given us (Heb. 4:12). His troops are arrayed in white robes, symbolic or their purity. His message of truth will conqueror and subdue the nations of the world (19:15).

Every Christian is expected to serve in the army of our king. We must engage in the good fight of the faith if we want to receive eternal life (I Tim. 6:12)

We have a cruel and oppressive enemy, Satan, who must be resisted and driven back (I Pet. 5:8).

Satan has in his service a vast army, committed to his Cause and hostile to our Lord. His dominion is vast. The whole world lieth in the evil one (I John 5:19). Hosts of wicked spirits serve at his command (Eph. 6:12).

Our warfare is not carnal as are the wars of nations. Our weapons do not include, guns, bombs and missiles, planes, tanks or ships. "The weapons on our warfare are not of the flesh, but (they are) mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds (fortresses)...and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (II Cor. 10:3-5).

Ours is a war of ideas and doctrines. It is a struggle for the minds and hearts of humanity.

Paul clearly states that our "wrestling is not against flesh and blood" (Eph. 6:12). Rather than harm our enemies, we are taught to pray for them (Matt. 5:43-44) and do them good (Rom. 12:19-20).

For our battle, our king provides us with suitable armor, both defensive and offensive. There is the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. For our shoes we have the gospel of peace. The shield of faith and the helmet of salvation complete our body armor. To strengthen all of the above we have prayer (Eph. 6:13-18). For our weapon, we have the mighty sword of the Spirit which is the word of God (6:17).

Our mission is to set the captives free (Luke 4:18) by preaching the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). It is to deliver them from Satan's dominion (Rom. 6:17) and see them safely translated into the kingdom of Christ (Col. 1:13). We labor to see God's will done on earth as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:10).

Our Lord's kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). It is a spiritual kingdom made up of men and women whose hearts and minds are devoted to Christ (Luke 17:21). We seek no political, territorial or commercial control or power; only the hearts of those made in the image of God (II Cor. 10:3-6).

The victory of Christ's army brings no destruction, suffering or ruin. Those liberated by him are inspired and encouraged to do that which is good to all men (Gal. 6:10). Where His truth prevails men embrace peace and learn the ways of war no more (Mic. 4:3). Those subject to Jesus neither kill, steal or oppress their neighbors. Personal peace that passes understanding is the consequence of his rule in their lives (Phil. 4:7).

The consequences of our conflict are eternal in nature. Yes, there are blessings here, but "in the world to come we will receive a crown of life (Mark 10:30; Rev. 2:10) and everlasting citizenship in the homeland of our king (Phil. 3:20). There, all of his faithful soldiers will live with their King and celebrate with him throughout eternity (Rev. 19:9; 21:3-4).

Are you ready to volunteer for the army of the King of Kings and participate in this great struggle for truth and righteousness? An honorable place of service in his ranks awaits you.

Sincerely,

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