How do you react when life gets hard? Do you try to play your best and put in a reasonable effort, or are you tempted to give up and give in? Unfortunately, you’re not the only one tempted by those thoughts. Is it fear that compels you to give up? Never stop “fighting the good fight!”
We All Stumble!
There are various accounts of people turning away from God during spiritual Warfare. And yet many more came out victorious – like these: Isaiah tells us that a “godly person falls seven times” (Isaiah 45:3) before finally bowing to temptation and losing the fight against his fleshly desires.
David was a man after God’s heart and had his fair share of battling against his flesh. David often found the power to overcome temptation while “fighting the good fight” (1 Timothy 6:12).
We could also look at Joseph in Genesis 50:20, when he confesses, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Joseph knew both sides of spiritual Warfare well – having been put through it first-hand. He should know, too, how bitter it is to be betrayed by people and then sold into slavery by his brothers.
Preparation is Vital
The Bible tells us that there is a constant spiritual battle in the heavenly realms. Whether we realize it or not, we are involved in this battle and must be equipped. We will discuss Christian Spiritual Warfare and how to protect ourselves from Satan’s attacks.
To win our battle against Satan, we must put on the Armor of God as described in Ephesians 6:11-18. The Armor of God is an analogy described in the Bible. Each part of the armor protects us from Satan and his attacks.
Paul explains to us that we “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” (Romans 13:14). God is telling us that we need to have a close walk with Him and be filled with His Spirit to resist Satan when he is attacking us.
How Does Satan Attack Us?
Satan attacks us spiritually using our emotions, and these are called impulses. These impulses come from a natural desire for fun, love, or money. These impulses are driven by the soul that exists in all human beings. The believer’s soul is good and has no control over evil impulses. The unbeliever’s soul is terrible and has all of its power to control the desires that come from it.
The soul’s need for entertainment drives the impulse for fun. We see this in children when they are playing. They control their instincts with the help of their parents. This is a good thing, but many children’s minds are not mature, and they can be easily led astray and begin to seek out negative influences to entertain them. These influences include television, video games, music, and even the people we associate with. The Bible says, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Wordly Demands
God made us out of His agape, so we must feel loved. We tend to fill that void with indifferent love when we do not find a solid and personal relationship with God. Satan and his agents frequently attack us because of his immeasurable love for His children. Our soul drives the impulse for love through our desire to be loved because we were created in love. We see this in teenagers and adults who want to be loved by their peers.
The need for love drives this behavior as it yearns for fulfillment. Unfortunately, many people make foolish choices, such as marrying someone to fill the void of loneliness. Never bypass the process God has placed to satisfy a fleshly and emotional demand.
Our soul drives the impulse to acquire money through our desire for things we want, such as lovely expensive things, good health, heightened social status, etc. One of the reasons why people get into debt is because they cannot resist buying items that make them feel better about themselves to become more attractive, or to reaffirm their social alter egos. The need for love also drives this behavior. Unfortunately, they seek refuge in a toxic or destructive form of love.
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The Enemy’s Weapons
Satan uses these impulses to tempt us and make us give in to our desires. He knows what drives us, so he will use it against us to make us do things we usually wouldn’t do ourselves. For example, he tempts us with addictions, filling us with insecurity, fear, and isolation. Likewise, he will use music, social media, technology, family, or friends to tempt you.
In addition to using our impulses against us, Satan also uses deception. He will tell us sinning does not harm us because God is merciful and understands our weaknesses. This is a lie from the devil. There is no excuse for sinning because God doesn’t want people who are sinners in His Kingdom, but God doesn’t want anyone to perish in hell (2 Peter 3:9). God wants to save all humanity, including you!
Our Arsenal
Spiritual Warfare is not a fanciful notion or theory. On the contrary, it’s genuine and a constant reality for everyone encountering Satan.
The Bible tells us that there is an ongoing battle between God and Satan over each individual’s eternal destiny (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Jesus tells us in Matthew 4:1-11 that Satan tempted Him when He had fasted for 40 days. This was the first of many confrontations. We are told to expect it! Jesus said that we need to pray and resist temptation, using the Word of God (Matthew 18:9-15). Jesus also told us that we should expect persecution from Satan and his demons (Luke 22:31-32).
He also taught us how to fight this spiritual battle as we strive to live a holy life. We have the ability, through God’s grace, to stand against evil and overcome it if we fight the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:24).
Affirmation
Ephesians 6:10-18, the Bible tells us how to “fight the good fight of faith.” “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:10-13).
Use the tools God gave you, pray, fast, and fortify your faith to prevail in the imminent battles before you!
Kelmy Rodriquez
Also Read: The Unseen Darkness