There are Christians who focus so much on evil that they lose their focus on Christ. However, there are others who do not realize that the Bible says they need to fight a spiritual battle or who would rather ignore this. To understand spiritual warfare, it is important to realize that there is a fine balance between what has already been accomplished and what has to be claimed. Overcoming of evil requires persistent faith, the authority of God and the use of discernment.
The idea of having to fight is not something that is easily accepted. Wars have caused much devastation on earth. However, the scriptures use war imagery and so it cannot be ignored. An understanding of what is meant by this type of warfare can help. The apostle Paul urges Christians to war against the sin in themselves and against the evil one. So, what does he actually mean by this?
The enemies Christians face are not flesh and blood. As mentioned in Ephesians, the battle is against principalities and powers. The battle is between the kingdom of God and what opposes it. Through the death of Christ and His resurrection, the power of Satan was broken and victory was won. This is a battle where the outcome is already known and His followers have to claim their freedom and liberty as children of God.
The weapons like guns and bombs used in ordinary warfare are completely useless in such a battle. In fighting this battle, Paul urges believers to wear the belt of truth, the breastplate of integrity, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. Their sword is the Word of God. This armor is what enables the believer to stand up against all the strategies of the devil. When he tries to deceive, tempt or accuse, these are the weapons that are effective.
The motivation for battle has to be love rather than hatred. Those who love their families are prepared to go to extraordinary lengths to protect them and fight for their welfare. Christ love for mankind goes beyond this and it is this great love that motivates believers.
When Christ died on the cross, this was not a partial victory. The works of evil were completely destroyed. Many people do not understand why evil is still so prevalent on earth when Christ won this victory on the cross. It is for this very reason that they need to fight. The fight is to manifest the victory He won and establish His kingdom.
Many Christians become discouraged at some point in the fight against evil. It is only Christ who is able to bring victory and so they have to make sure that they are not fighting in their own strength. They need to constantly draw on the authority of God and rely on Him to establish His kingdom through them.
Many Christians feel a sense of inadequacy when it comes to waging war. However, their strength lies in trusting God and not relying on their own strength. God has already won the victory. They simply have to believe this until it becomes a reality in their lives.
The idea of having to fight is not something that is easily accepted. Wars have caused much devastation on earth. However, the scriptures use war imagery and so it cannot be ignored. An understanding of what is meant by this type of warfare can help. The apostle Paul urges Christians to war against the sin in themselves and against the evil one. So, what does he actually mean by this?
The enemies Christians face are not flesh and blood. As mentioned in Ephesians, the battle is against principalities and powers. The battle is between the kingdom of God and what opposes it. Through the death of Christ and His resurrection, the power of Satan was broken and victory was won. This is a battle where the outcome is already known and His followers have to claim their freedom and liberty as children of God.
The weapons like guns and bombs used in ordinary warfare are completely useless in such a battle. In fighting this battle, Paul urges believers to wear the belt of truth, the breastplate of integrity, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. Their sword is the Word of God. This armor is what enables the believer to stand up against all the strategies of the devil. When he tries to deceive, tempt or accuse, these are the weapons that are effective.
The motivation for battle has to be love rather than hatred. Those who love their families are prepared to go to extraordinary lengths to protect them and fight for their welfare. Christ love for mankind goes beyond this and it is this great love that motivates believers.
When Christ died on the cross, this was not a partial victory. The works of evil were completely destroyed. Many people do not understand why evil is still so prevalent on earth when Christ won this victory on the cross. It is for this very reason that they need to fight. The fight is to manifest the victory He won and establish His kingdom.
Many Christians become discouraged at some point in the fight against evil. It is only Christ who is able to bring victory and so they have to make sure that they are not fighting in their own strength. They need to constantly draw on the authority of God and rely on Him to establish His kingdom through them.
Many Christians feel a sense of inadequacy when it comes to waging war. However, their strength lies in trusting God and not relying on their own strength. God has already won the victory. They simply have to believe this until it becomes a reality in their lives.
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