“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”
1 Timothy 6:12
There is a war going on. Not just between the nations of the earth, but there is also a spiritual war that is important for Christians to understand and know how to battle. In a physical war, people know the importance of having the right weapons, equipment, battle armor and training. Yet, as Christians, the Lord lets us know that these same principles apply to us in regards to the battles we face.
In war, it is important to know who the enemy is in order to fight successfully. The same is true spiritually. We need to recognize the true enemy behind every attack. Ephesians 6:12 says: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” 2 Corinthians 10:4 tells us: “(for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;).
Our battle is with the devil, the kingdom of darkness and the curse system that he controls. However, the good news is that unlike other wars, we know how ours ends. Jesus was victorious over all the works of the devil, stripped him of his authority and gave it back to us, the faith filled believers in Christ. Therefore, we fight not from a stance of trying to win, but of having already won! Imagine that! Imagine fighting a war knowing who was the winner before it even started. That is how it is with us. As we fight the good fight of faith, we can do it with confidence knowing that we have already won through Christ! (See Colossians 2:15, Ephesians 1 and Luke 10:19).
The next key is knowing what our battle armor is and how to use it. It’s easy to understand the weaponry needed in a physical war, but many need a better understanding of what our spiritual weaponry is so that they make full use of it. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins gird about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints…” Ephesians 6:13-18
The armor and weapons for our spiritual warfare look very different than our physical ones. In spiritual battles we don’t fight the way the flesh does. Thankfully our armor has already been given to us and it’s on the inside of us. A large part of our battle armor is the fruit of the spirit that God imparted into us by the Holy Spirit when we were born again. (see Galatians 5:22-23) In 1 Thessalonians 5:8 the scripture describes our breastplate of righteousness as “the breastplate of faith and love.” The nine fruits of the spirit are all part of our daily protective gear.
God also provided us with a powerful offensive weapon. This weapon can annihilate the enemy’s attacks. It is the Word of God. The Sword of the spirit that we use to fight is the very Word of God. The enemy has no defense against this weapon. When we use it, it enforces our victory.
Finally, another weapon mentioned in Ephesians is the weapon of prayer. As we pray in the understanding and in the spirit we get insight to key moves we need to do to defeat the enemy. Just as in every war the military needs good intel as to the enemy’s plans and devices, we also need good intel. As we pray in the spirit and seek God, He will give us the strategies and insight we need for success.
If more Christians understood how powerful these weapons are in the kingdom and were trained on how to use them, they would never fail! For all these weapons to work however, there must be faith and love covering us. Spiritual battles are fought and won in faith and love.
Therefore, take time to take care of your battle gear. Spend time in the word of God. Stir up the fruits of the spirit in you that are already there of: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faith, gentleness and self-control (temperance). Take time building up your faith (which is your shield), by spending time in the word of God. Don’t respond the way the world responds. Instead, respond by speaking the truth in love and standing in faith. Finally build yourself up in your most Holy faith, praying in the spirit. Take time to pray in the spirit and seek God for His wisdom concerning the challenges you face. As you do, you will find you are victorious every time!
Further reading: Mathew 5, 1 Corinthians 13, Galatians 5
