Living in a Spiritual Battlefield

Christians are living daily on a spiritual battlefield. We must understand the risks and temptations that the Devil is so adamant to press upon us.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (trickery) of the devil. 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." - Eph. 6:10-12

The principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkness of this world speaks of the authority, rankings, high status, and military of Satan's Kingdom.  Satan is real and he has his demons ready to war against all Christians in the world.  The Devil isn't worried about the unbelieving world (he already has them under his control - see John 8:44 & 2 Cor. 4:4); the Devil wants to defeat the believer in Christ.  He wants to put the Christian out of commission.  Satan accomplishes this task through mentally and spiritually wrecking the believer.  If you're not busy serving the Lord, the Devil will feed on your lusts, your loneliness, your anxiety, your depression; the Devil will torment you until you are hopeless and defeated. Much of the Christian realm doesn't even realize that there is a spiritual battle going on; they aren't even in the fight, but we must be alert and ready to stand in victory upon God's Word.

The Apostle Peter tells us, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." - 1 Pet. 5:8-9

Christians are suffering each day, and many are defeated, falling victim to Satan's army. Notice the verse below from our Lord Jesus.

Jesus said, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." - John 10:10

God wants His children to live a life of joy and inner peace that only He can give. but Satan comes to steal our joy in the Lord, slaughter our core being, and kill us all together.  This is the mind, motive, and mission of Satan.  Many Christians forget that although we have the power and victory of the Holy Spirit living inside of us, we also still possess our natural born sin nature which Satan can tempt very easily (see my article titled "The Two Natures of a Believer").  If the believer in Christ is not rooted in their new nature, yielding their daily thoughts, desires, and hope in the Lord each day (walking in the Spirit -Rom. 8:1-18 & Gal. 5:16-25); they will falter.

The natural heart of man is deceitful and wicked beyond measure (Jer. 17:9); we cannot trust our heart or emotions.  The natural man's desires are evil, wicked, darkened, and disconnected from God. Notice, Paul explains "Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air (the Devil), the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation (behavior or manner of life) in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." - Eph. 2:2-3

Our Lord Jesus explained that the evil heart of man is what defiles him (Matt. 15:18-20 & Mark 7:21-23), and this is exactly what Satan will seek to attack by tempting.  These evil desires include disloyalty, hate, murder, unbridled lust, sexual immorality, stealing, lying, cursing, greediness, slander, pride, foolishness, recklessness, and anger. The Apostle James goes on to remind us that bitterness, contention, jealousy, envying, and strife have no place in the Christian life.  The wisdom of man can be misleading and is liable to error.  Lastly, he explains our natural wisdom is in harmony with corrupt desires, affections, and is simply devilish. (see Jam. 3:14-16) 

If the believer in Christ is not standing on the Truth of God's Word and applying it to conform their life, then they will be prone to the Devil's formula of temporary, secular pleasures and short-term happiness which ultimately diminishes to grief, sorrow, and pain after it's run its course.  God is the only One who can give everlasting joy and peace through Him. 

If you're not rooted in Truth, then you're rooted in lies (John 8:44).  If you're not rooted in the Light, then you remain in darkness (John 8:12, 12:35, Eph. 5:8, 1 John 1:7). If you're not serving the Lord, then you're serving Satan (2 Cor. 6:14-18). Counteract the evilness of Satan with the goodness of God (Col. 1:13).  For God has not given us the spirit of fear (2 Tim. 1:7) which breeds loneliness, anxiety, grief, sorrow, and depression.

We must apply the fruit of the Spirit in our lives by yielding to our new Spirit Nature. (see Gal. 5:22-23 & Eph 5:9). If we are faithful to our calling of the Lord, yearning and applying His Word, we can be victorious in this spiritual warfare.

The Apostle Paul provides us a victorious formula, "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." - Phil. 4:7-9

Now, go ahead and put on the Armor of God and stand fast in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ! (Eph. 6:10-20) Contend for the faith! (Jude 1:3)