The reality of spiritual warfare in the life of a believer in Jesus Christ cannot be denied or overemphasized but the weapons we fight with are not of the world-2 Corinthians 10:4.
Our victory is already won in and through Jesus Christ who died for us and rose again on the third day in power and eternal victory. Jesus Christ triumphed over satan, sin and shame in His victory at the cross so we can enforce that victory in His name-Colossians 2:15, Romans 8:37, 1 Corinthians 15:57.
Spiritual warfare does not start from the place of defeat for a believer in Jesus Christ, it starts from the place of victory at the cross which can only be fully discerned with the spiritual mindset that we have not be given the spirit of fear but of love, power and a sound mind in Jesus Christ-2 Timothy 1:7
Our general approach to spiritual warfare that we must all engage in our journey of life and faith should not be fear or timidity but confidence that God protects us even in the fiercest battles that may come our way because nothing can separate us from the love of God-Romans 8:38, Romans 8:39.
The Bible clearly states that our weapons for warfare are not the kind of weapons the world uses because the nature of our battles are spiritual. We are to put on the full armor of God to enforce and to ensure victory. We do not fight with our limited and flawed human wisdom or limited strength. This is so because our warfare is not against flesh and blood, it is against spiritual wickedness and unseen forces, but our victory is sure in the Lord-2 Corinthians 10:5, Ephesians 6:11, Ephesians 6:12, Isaiah 59:19.
The Blood–Revelations 12:11
The first weapon for warfare we have as believers is the shed blood of Jesus which is the blood of our eternal covenant for the remission of our sins and for the redemption of our souls. We do not stand a chance and are not equipped to engage in spiritual warfare if we have not renounced our sinful old ways and belong to Jesus Christ with our souls, mind and body. So many have engaged in spiritual warfare to their own destruction! The enemy cannot cross the bloodline. There is victory in pleading the blood of Jesus over our lives, the body of Christ, the lives of our loved ones, our property and the nations of the earth. The blood of Jesus is the blood of the Passover-Exodus 12:13, Exodus 12:14.
We cannot overcome the enemy of our souls without the cleansing and redemptive power of the blood of the new eternal covenant. We cannot defeat the enemy when we belong to his camp. Our victory is in belonging to Christ and abiding in Him alone as we and testify of His power at work in our lives, –John 15:5, Psalm 44:8, 1 Corinthians 1:31.
The Word–Ephesians 6:17
The word of God is eternal and powerful. God and His Word are One. It is the sword of the Spirit. It is a reveals God in His eternal nature, power, wisdom and plans/purpose for us. The word is living and active. It is a weapon for warfare and sharper than any double-edged sword and nothing remains hidden in the light of His word. Declare the word of God as you pray and engage in spiritual warfare because it always accomplishes God’s purpose to the eternal praise and glory of His holy name-Hebrews 4:12, John 1:1.
The word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path throughout our lives and even when we are engaged in the unknown territory of spiritual warfare because God’s word empowers, leads and guides us including arming with crucial insights to navigate in victory not in fear and defeat but with the needed knowledge and understanding to be overcomers-Hebrews-4:13, Psalm 119:105, Psalm 19:7.
The Name–Philippians-2:10
Throughout the ages armies have fought in the name of their rulers and even the greatest generals in human history have been defeated. Some died in fierce battles. The name of Jesus Christ is greater, more powerful and above every other name known and unknown. It is a name of guaranteed victory when we belong to His army and fight our spiritual battles in His name resting in His eternal victory. Boldly declare victory in the name of Jesus over all forms of darkness and spiritual wickedness trying to gain a foothold in your life or environment today. The name of Jesus Christ is not an ordinary name regardless of how popular culture tries to communize it in everyday vocabulary. It is a foolproof for victory-Philippians 2:11.
The precious name of Jesus Christ seals our victories in spiritual warfare and it seals our prayers. The all-powerful name of Jesus Christ, our savior and Lord who is our eternal guarantor.
Jesus Christ is the eternal high priest of a better covenant that translates not only to eternal life but victory over the powers of darkness in the world we live in presently. So, while the world may trust in sophisticated weapons of war, our unwavering trust as believers should be in the name of our Lord-Hebrews 7:22, Psalm 20:7.
Righteousness–Ephesians 6:14
Our right standing with God comes through our personal redeeming relationship with Jesus Christ. Righteousness is not earned through good works. It is earned by believing, repenting and renouncing willful sinful ways and receiving the forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ. We are all saved through faith in Jesus Christ and our salvation comes with deliverance from the works and powers of darkness-Ephesians 2:8, Acts 4:12, 2 Corinthians 5:21.
The breastplate of righteousness is a weapon for spiritual warfare. When we stand in the truth of the Word of God, He fights our battles because we belong to Him and have been made righteous through Jesus Christ. God fights for us to also bring eternal praise and glory to His holy name. Therefore, our confidence should be in God even in the fiercest spiritual because we are not alone and we will never be put to shame if we put our trust in Him-Isaiah 43:2, Exodus 14:14, Psalm 90:2.
Faith–Ephesians 6:16
Faith a weapon for spiritual warfare. It is also a shield from the fiery darts or arrows of the enemy. Engaging in spiritual warfare without the shield of faith is like driving a motorcycle without a helmet or a car without a seat belt! We cannot engage in spiritual warfare without putting our trust and faith in the only One who has victory over satan and also have the eternal blueprint for victory in every warfare. We can declare God’s word or His name except in faith. We may be taken unaware in battles, but God is never taken unawares. He knows the beginning and the end, declaring us victorious even when we are weary and weak as we cry out for Him to help us-Isaiah 46:10, Revelation 1:8.
One way we can please God is to have faith in Him and In His ability to both come through for us and see us through difficult situations in life. Spiritual warfare helps to deepen our faith and makes it grow. We overcome the wiles of the enemy and overcome the world through faith-Hebrews 11:6, 1 John 5:4, Mark 11: 24.
Rules of Engagement–Ephesians 6:10
Spiritual warfare has rules of engagement for unending victory. The first rule is to be consecrated to God. We cannot adopt the ways and the values of the world as believers in Christ. We are set apart to live for God and called to be different in our values and the way we live each day. The grace of God is more than available for us to talk the talk and also walk the walk even when the world is not watching. The second rule is to a live of life of obedience to God and the third rule is to submit our will and ways to God. The evil one flees when we submit to God and resist the evil one in His name-Romans 12:1, Deuteronomy 28:13, James 4:7.
May you walk in daily victory over every scheme of the enemy and may the Holy Spirit grant you the of spirit discernment in the all-powerful name of Jesus Christ-Ephesians 1