Whether we know it or not, like it or not, we are engaged in a spiritual warfare with the powers of darkness, for our lives, families, communities societies and nations. Thankfully, the Bible tells us that God has given us a complete armour to enable us to fight, prevail and be victorious in the midst of this raging spiritual battle.
Ephesians 6:10-13 NLT
“[1] A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. [12] For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”
We need to know that it was not Apostle Paul who came up with the idea of spiritual warfare. When Jesus came proclaiming that the “Kingdom of God is here;” that proclamation itself was a declaration of war against the prevailing kingdom of darkness and all that it stands for; in order to take over and establish God’s kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 10:7-8 NLT
“[7] Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. [8] Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!”
Luke 10:18-19 NLT
“[18] “Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! [19] Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.”
Jesus also made it clear that His Church would take the battle right to the gates of hell and prevail against it. Therefore, when we were called and commissioned to go out there and proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom, release the captives of the kingdom of darkness, and reorient them through discipleship to live new lives in obedience to Christ; this instantly placed us in the midst of the ongoing warfare.
It is important to note, however, that our fight is not with flesh-and-blood enemies; our warfare is not necessary with people. Our warfare is with the spiritual hosts of wickedness that rule over humanity.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLT
“[3] We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. [4] We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. [5] We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.”
Therefore, we are to show the love of God which was demonstrated through Christ to everyone, pray for them and do whatever we can to share the Good News of His Kingdom with them. Thankfully, we don’t have to do this in our own strength and wisdom; the complete armour of God enables and empowers us to fulfil this!
For Further Reading: Matthew 16:18-19; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:1-18; Romans 14:17
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)