As believers in Jesus Christ, we are engaged in constant warfare; however, our fight is not necessarily with real or perceived human enemies.
WHO ARE WE FIGHTING AGAINST?
Ephesians 6:12 NLT
“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.”
Our warfare is with the spiritual hosts of wickedness that rule over humanity, and influence people to rebel against God and be disobedient to His word. Therefore, our warfare is with the following…
- Our warfare is against Satan and the evil rulers, principalities, authorities and powers of the unseen dark world; against evil forces in the heavenly places, that all stand in rebellion against God and His Kingdom
- Our warfare is against the demonic and wicked spirits, powers and authorities who are behind the evil and wicked things that people think, believe, say and do, which are contrary to the purposes of God revealed in Christ Jesus; e.g. religious systems, cultural traditions and customs, and socio-political ideologies and philosophies.
- Our warfare is against everything that people represent, stand for and/or act upon, that are contrary to God’s worship, word, ways, will, plans and purposes; e.g. unrighteousness, immorality, injustice, idolatry, murder, crimes, adultery, greed, wickedness, sexual perversions, etc. (These could be described as worldliness and the works of the flesh).
- Our warfare is against anything that undermines and prevents us from accessing the full benefits of our salvation and living in its fullness; e.g., sickness, diseases, poverty, fear, war, etc.
- Our warfare is against anything that stops people from knowing the love of God through Jesus Christ, and accepting Him as their Lord and personal Saviour; e.g. ideological, religious and cultural strongholds that deceive people.
- Our warfare is against anything that stops the Church from growing and functioning as we should, e.g. worldliness, divisions, heresies, persecutions, fear, deception, indifference, apathy, apostasy, etc.
- Our warfare is against anything that hinders the advancement and establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth, e.g. persecution and the spirit of the anti-Christ.
Thus, our warfare is against the devil and all he stands for that is contrary to the word of God and God’s Kingdom rule and reign on earth and in the lives and affairs of men. Ultimately, our WARFARE is with SIN, the WORLD and SATAN, and their works in the lives of humanity.
Ephesians 2:1-3a NLT
“[1] Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. [2] You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil-the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. [3] All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature…”
This is why we need the complete armour of God to equip and enable us to fight, prevail and be victorious. Today, let’s begin to pray and ask the Father to help us to put and have on His whole armour, so that we can grow strong, and stand and be victorious in life’s battles.
For Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Psalm 82; Matthew 13:18-22; Mark 4:14-19; Romans 8:38; Ephesians 1:21; Ephesians 4:18-19; Romans 1:18-32; Galatian 5:1-21
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)