warfare—over-emphasis and under-emphasis. Some blame every sin, every
conflict, and every problem on demons that need to be cast out. Others
completely ignore the spiritual realm and the fact that the Bible
tells us our battle is against spiritual powers. The key to successful
spiritual warfare is finding the biblical balance. Jesus sometimes
cast demons out of people; other times He healed people with no
mention of the demonic. The apostle Paul instructs Christians to wage
war against the sin in themselves (Romans 6) and warns us to oppose
the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10–18).
Ephesians 6:10–12 says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his
mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your
stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against
flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces
of evil in the heavenly realms." This text teaches some crucial
truths: we can only stand strong in the Lord's power, it is God's
armor that protects us, and our battle is ultimately against spiritual
forces of evil in the world.
Ephesians 6:13–18 is a description of the spiritual armor God gives
us. We are to stand firm with the belt of truth, the breastplate of
righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of
salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and by praying in the Spirit. What
do these pieces of spiritual armor represent in spiritual warfare? We
are to know the truth, believe the truth, and speak the truth. We are
to rest in the fact that we are declared righteous because of Christ's
sacrifice for us. We are to proclaim the gospel no matter how much
resistance we face. We are not to waver in our faith, trusting God's
promises no matter how strongly we are attacked. Our ultimate defense
is the assurance we have of our salvation, an assurance that no
spiritual force can take away. Our offensive weapon is the Word of
God, not our own opinions and feelings. And we are to pray in the
power and will of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is our ultimate example of resisting temptation in spiritual
warfare. Observe how Jesus handled direct attacks from Satan when He
was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11). Each temptation was
combatted with the words "it is written." The Word of the living God
is the most powerful weapon against the temptations of the devil. "I
have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you"
(Psalm 119:11).
A word of caution concerning spiritual warfare is in order. Nowhere in
Scripture are we instructed to cast out demons or even to speak to
them. The name of Jesus is not a magic incantation that causes demons
to flee from before us. The seven sons of Sceva are an example of what
can happen when people presume an authority they have not been given
(Acts 19:13–16). Even Michael the archangel did not rebuke Satan in
his own power but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" (Jude 1:9). When we
start talking to the devil, we run the risk of being led astray as Eve
was (Genesis 3:1–7). Our focus should be on God, not demons; we speak
to Him, not them.
In summary, what are the keys to success in spiritual warfare? We rely
on God's power, not our own. We put on the whole armor of God. We draw
on the power of Scripture—the Word of God is the Spirit's sword. We
pray in perseverance and holiness, making our appeal to God. We stand
firm (Ephesians 6:13–14); we submit to God; we resist the devil's work
(James 4:7), knowing that the Lord of hosts is our protector. "Truly
he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be
shaken" (Psalm 62:2).
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