Spiritual Warfare: 6 Important biblical truths

1. Satan is real. Demons are real.  There is a real battle, a conflict that is largely unseen.  Satan and his demons are at war with the followers of Christ and are constantly seeking avenues to attack God’s children, sometimes directly, but oftentimes through the world and our fleshly desires.  We cannot ignore the reality of the unseen world and unseen beings.

"Satan is the greatest intelligence agent in the world. … Study Satan’s tricks, and acquaint yourself with his tactics." William Gurnall

2. God is real.  Jesus is God.  Salvation is offered as a divine rescue from slavery to sin and Satan.  Without Jesus being in control of your life there is no hope.  Christians must not live in fear, but must walk in the peaceful and powerful presence of God’s real and present Holy Spirit.  Treasure Jesus.

"A false interpretation of Scripture causes that the gospel of the Lord becomes the gospel of man, or, which is worse, of the devil." Jerome

3. God is a warrior.  No government, no leader, no nation, and no demon stands a chance when it opposes God’s work.  Satan is on a leash and can only do what God allows.  Lucifer’s days are numbered and his eternal destruction and punishment are certain.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright. O LORD, save the king! May he answer us when we call.” (Psalm 20:7-9 ESV)

4. God is with us.  This is our hope.  This is our promise.  We must daily renew our minds with the truth and powerful presence of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus will never leave us or forsake us and nothing and no-one (the devil and his demons included) can separate us from His loving grip.  Greater is He who is in us, than He who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

"Like a good chess player, Satan is always trying to maneuver you into a position where you can save your castle only by losing your bishop." C.S. Lewis

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 ESV)

5. We have responsibility.  We must submit to God and resist the devil.  Christians must fill their minds with God’s truth, that they may recognize the subtle yet significant errors and lies of the evil one.  We do not wrestle with flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:11-12).  We have personal accountability to turn away from sin and to walk in righteous and obedient living. 

"The devil can counterfeit all the saving operations and graces of the Spirit of God." Jonathan Edwards

6. Our primary weapon is the Word.  Read the Bible.  Love the Bible. Speak the Bible.  Pray the Bible.  It is our “sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17) and how we are able to discern between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.  Satan will not stop sending his accusing thoughts and tempestuous attacks.  We must not stop listening, loving, and obeying the voice of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Bible. 

“The trumpet still plays the notes of war.  You cannot sit down and put the victory wreath on your head.  You do not have a crown.  You still must wear the helmet and carry the sword.  You must watch, pray, and fight.  Expect your last battle to be the most difficult, for the enemy’s fiercest charge is reserved for the end of the day.” Charles Spurgeon

Spiritual Warfare In Ephesians 

“Satan wants you to mess up, give up, and puff up.” Chuck Lawless

Know Who You Belong To (Ephesians 1)

-       God - Father, Son, Spirit

-       Blessed, Blessing, Beloved

-       Sovereign, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Eternal

-       Immeasurable Greatness of His Power

-       Far Above All Rule, Authority, Power, and Dominion

-       Above Every Name that is Named - Forever

-       All Things Under His Feet

-       Head Over All Things to the Church

Know Who You Are  (Ephesians 1:1-14)

-       Part of God’s Will 

-       Saints - To the saints who are in Ephesus

-       Faithful

-       Given Grace and Peace 

-       Blessed

-       Chosen for Holiness

-       Lovingly, Purposefully Adopted 

-       Freed and Forgiven

-       Infinitely Rich 

-       Secured

Understand the Battle

•       Remember Your Past (Ephesians 2:1-3)

•       Rejoice at God’s Intervention (Ephesians 2:4-9)

•       Remain in Your Purpose (Ephesians 2:10)

•       Rest In Union with Christ & His Peace (Ephesians 2:11-22)

Be Purposed and Prepared

•       As Gospel Light (Eph 3:1-13)

•       Strengthened and Empowered in Christ’s Love (Eph 3:14-21)

Engage the Enemy

•       In and Through Your Church (Ephesians 4:1-16)

•       In Your Changed and Maturing Life (Ephesians 4:17-5:10)

•       In Your Marriage (Ephesians 5:21-33)

•       In Your Family (Ephesians 6:1-4)

•       In Your Workplace (Ephesians 6:5-9)

•       Against the Enemy (Ephesians 6:11-12)

•       Armored for Battle (Ephesians 6:10-20) – GOD IS YOUR ARMOR

•       Personally Invested In Disciple-Making (Ephesians 6:21-24)