Glad Tidings International Ministries
In the realm of Christian life, warfare isn’t fought with physical weapons but in the spiritual domain. As Paul clearly states in Ephesians 6:12, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Understanding the Battleground The mind is a primary battleground. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). This reveals that many spiritual battles begin with thoughts and beliefs that challenge God’s truth.
Divine Weaponry and Strategy God hasn’t left us defenseless. The famous passage in Ephesians 6:13-18 outlines our spiritual armor:
- The belt of truth
- The breastplate of righteousness
- Feet shod with the gospel of peace
- The shield of faith
- The helmet of salvation
- The sword of the Spirit (God’s Word)
- Prayer and supplication in the Spirit
Victory Through Christ Our position in warfare is one of victory, not defeat. “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). Jesus has already secured the ultimate victory through His death and resurrection.
Practical Battle Tactics:
- Stand in Authority Jesus declared, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy” (Luke 10:19). This authority isn’t our own but derives from our position in Christ.
- Use the Word Jesus demonstrated this during His temptation, repeatedly stating “It is written” (Matthew 4:4,7,10). Scripture is our offensive weapon against enemy attacks.
- Maintain Prayer Coverage “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance” (Ephesians 6:18). Prayer isn’t just preparation for the battle; it is the battle.
- Exercise Spiritual Discernment “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Awareness and discernment are crucial for identifying enemy tactics.
- Walk in Unity “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity… For there the Lord commanded the blessing” (Psalm 133:1,3). Unity among believers strengthens our spiritual defense.
Key Battle Strategies:
Praise and Worship “Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered” (Psalm 68:1). Worship isn’t just devotion; it’s spiritual warfare that shifts atmospheres and declares God’s dominion.
Fasting Jesus taught that some spiritual victories require prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29). Fasting intensifies our spiritual sensitivity and authority.
Declaration “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Speaking God’s Word and promises aloud is a powerful warfare strategy.
Remember the Victory Position We don’t fight for victory but from victory. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). Our battles are already won in Christ; we simply enforce His victory.
In conclusion, spiritual warfare requires vigilance, wisdom, and proper deployment of spiritual weapons. As James 4:7 instructs, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Our success in warfare comes not through our own strength but through our position in Christ and faithful use of the spiritual resources He provides.
The key is maintaining a balanced perspective: being aware of spiritual conflict while staying focused on Christ’s completed work. As we stand firm in faith, wielding our spiritual weapons with wisdom and authority, we experience the reality that “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
