So what does it mean to be in a spiritual war? Just like any other war, we have an enemy who is out to still, kill, and destroy you and me (John 10:10)
The Bible says it this way in Ephesians 6:10-11:
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God
so that you can take stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against
flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this
dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
The first thing we have to recognize is that, as followers of Jesus, we ARE in a war. You don't have to be in full time vocational ministry, but simply a follower of Christ. YOU and I have been waged war upon because God loves us and Satan hates God.
The second thing we need to know is the tactics of our enemy. Before anyone prepares for war, they always look for the tactics, the weaknesses, the tendencies of their enemy.
TACTIC 1) He will always exchange the Truth for a lie
Common lies we believe are:
Lie-God could never use me, I have messed up too bad
TRUTH-God can use ALL things to the good for those who love Him and are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Lie-I will start living for God later, I've got time
TRUTH-You are not even guaranteed tomorrow. James 4:14
Lie-I am worthless, ordinary, nothing special, not beautiful
TRUTH-You are fearfully and wonderfully made Psalm 138:14
Over and Over we are fed lies about who God is, about who God says we are, and how God views us. Know the TRUTH and the Truth will set you free!!!
TACTIC 2) Minimizes our sin before and Maximizes after
I know this one and seen this one very well. You've been there....you justify your sin with "everyone is doing it" or "its not that big of deal" or "this makes me happy". Your spirit convicts you and you realize you are living a life not pleasing to God and you ask Him to forgive you. Then....the guilt and shame kicks in. Thoughts go through your head, "God will never forgive me" or "How can anyone love me after this" or "I will always be messed up" "I have asked for forgiveness so why is God not forgiving me, why do I still feel guilt and shame?"
Please know those thoughts and feelings are NOT God not forgiving you, It's your spiritual enemy not letting you forget. The TRUTH is as far as the east is from the west, your sins are far from you and there is NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Know the TRUTH and TRUTH will set you free!!!
TACTIC 3) Makes us think God is holding out on us.
We want to see what the world has to offer because what God has to offer is just not enough. God is holding out on us, He just doesn't want us to have any fun. No sex before marriage? Boo! Don't drink to get drunk? Boo! Don't tell off someone who has hurt me? Boo! Don't get this purse because I don't have the money to pay for it? Boo!
The second part of that verse we started with in John 10:10 is...."I have come so that you may have life and have it to the full." THE FULL!!! Not half, not part way, not a little bit, but the FULL! With Christ you will have everything you need: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Isn't that exciting??!!!
God is not withholding anything from you, but is willing to give you the fullest life we can imagine. We only have to believe the TRUTH.
We know we have any enemy and we know His tactics so what's next? You FLEE and you FIGHT! When you are being tempted with sin, you flee. You run as fast as you can in the opposite direction. When you feel like you getting beat down by life, you Fight as hard as you can. The Bible says in Ephesians 6:13:
"Therefore, put on the full armor of God so that you will be able to resist
the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will be standing
firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth, and the breastplate
of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows
of the devil. Put on the helmet of salvation and take the sword of the Spirit
which is the word of God."
Our one weapon is the Sword of the Spirit which is the Bible. We can defeat him every time if we know what the Bible says. Know the Truth and the Truth will set you free!
So as you prepare for another school year and new football, basketball, baseball opponents, don't forget to prepare for your life opponent. I look forward to another great year!!! Whoop! Whoop!!
