LIFE Posts - Spiritual Warfare, part 3
In last week’s LIFE Post, we looked at the armor of God Paul describes in Ephesians 6:10-18 and discussed the fact that our enemy the devil has a plurality of forces arrayed against us and uses strategy to attack us. We noted that much of the spiritual warfare that occurs is in our minds, and that we need to be aware of the enemy’s schemes, so we do not fell prey to him. This week we take a step back and ask - Why must we be engaged in spiritual warfare? What is the reason and purpose? To answer these questions, we go back to basics and ask, what is God’s purpose for us?
Pastor Ben Witherington III writes that every Christian’s purpose is:
“In terms of vocation, every Christian has a primary obligation to fulfill the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. This is ‘job one.’ There are secondary callings we may be called to in addition to this—being doctors, lawyers, businesspeople, ministers, parents, etc. But they are indeed secondary callings.”[1]
Theologian J.I. Packer says,
“Everything we say and do, all our obedience to God’s commands, all our relationships with others, all the use we make of the gifts, talents, and opportunities that God gives us, all our enduring of adverse situations and human hostility, must be so managed as to give God honor and praise for his goodness to those on whom he sets his love (1 Cor. 10:31; cf. Matt. 5:16; Eph. 3:10; Col. 3:17).”[2]
Finally, evangelist R.A. Torrey summarizes the believer’s purpose to be
“…soul-winning should be the business of life with every Christian, because it was the business of life with Jesus Christ Himself. What is it to be a Christian? To be a Christian is to be a follower of Christ. What is it to be a follower of Christ? To be a follower of Christ is to have the same purpose in life that Jesus Christ had. What was Christ’s purpose in life? He Himself defines it in Luke 19:10. He says, ‘The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.’”[3]
Our purpose, then, is to glorify God by obeying His commands and to live out the command Jesus gave at the Great Commission, which is to reach the whole world for Him by following His example in seeking and saving the lost (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). The Bible tells us that the lost are “captured” by the devil to do his will 2 Timothy 2:26. 2 Corinthians 4:4 tells us that the god of this world (the devil) has blinded the minds of unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel. Our purpose, therefore, stands in direct opposition to the devil’s purpose, which answers the question regarding why we must be involved with spiritual warfare. If we are obeying God’s Word, then, we should be surprised if we do not encounter spiritual warfare! An enemy will not attack where he has no opposition or danger of losing territory.
We also need to recognize that spiritual warfare doesn’t just come from the devil and his demonic forces. We also do battle with the unsanctified portions of our lives, since the parts of us that aren’t yet fully submitted to God will fight against it (Galatians 5:16-17). Of course, the world and its culture will also fight against our submission to Jesus – calling Christianity names and God’s ways intolerant. Yet we’re enabled to overcome every worldly influence (1 John 5:4-5). In regard to spiritual warfare, this means that we neither ignore the spiritual realm that may come against us, nor the fact that our own submission isn’t yet perfect and may well be contributing to the battles we face. Said differently, spiritual warfare is an integral part of our lives as Christians who are pursuing their call to grow more like Jesus.
Since we know that there are battles in our minds, we know that the devil will attack our minds and emotions. As we’ve discussed before, to fight the battle for our minds we should wield the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, and respond to mental attacks and remember that our justification (right standing before God) is by faith (Romans 5:1) and not works. Our salvation is assured; there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1). The war has been won, because Christ has defeated the enemy (Colossians 2:15), and we share in this victory (2 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 8:37). The battles, however, continue until Jesus returns – and the reason for His delay is that He does not want anyone to perish in eternal damnation (2 Peter 3:9), which underscores the importance of our obedience to Jesus’ Great Commission to reach the world for Him. The Word tells us what the devil’s ultimate outcome is (Revelation 20:7-10).
In this in time before Jesus’ return the enemy can and does come against believers. The devil puts thoughts into even believers’ hearts and minds (Acts 5:3). He kept Paul from going to places he wanted to go (1 Thessalonians 2:18). We’re told in 2 Thessalonians 2:9 that the devil has power and uses false (deceptive) signs and wonders to deceive non-believers and keep them from accepting the truth of God’s Word. Because of his ability to use deception very effectively, the enemy can cause even believers to question God’s Word, commands, and directions if we don’t remain firm in seeking God in our everyday walk. Jesus warned that even the elect can be led astray by the devil’s false prophets (Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22). Additionally, the enemy can even cause us physical harm by deceiving and influencing others to do so. Sometimes God will allow Satan to sift us so that we turn to God alone and do not allow pride a place in our life, such as Paul’s description of the thorn in his flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
The keys to our victory in spiritual warfare are our vigilance to remain in God’s Word, our submission to Him in purpose and deed, recognition that we have no power of our own, and knowing that we can do all things God asks us to through the power and authority of Jesus. Prayerfully consider the following, journaling your thoughts and responses. Share with a brother or sister in Christ one on one, or at a small group meeting.
Application/Questions/Journal your thoughts
- How do you remain vigilant over your life regarding spiritual warfare? What is your responsibility, vs. what you must rely upon the Holy Spirit?
- If asked the question, “what is your purpose in life?” – what are the first thoughts that come to your mind? A measure of maturity in our walk is how we've submitted ourselves to God and His Will - please know that if this question brings realization that perhaps you haven't submitted your purpose to Him, this isn't to condemn but to bring awareness of an area to be sanctified.
- In a war between two sides, there isn’t an opportunity to remain neutral. If you choose to not fight for one side, you’re in fact allied with the other side. As Christians, we’re told in the Word that we are in a war, though the weapons of our warfare aren’t of this world. Do you view yourself as in a spiritual war, or perhaps that you know there is a war but don't see yourself anywhere near a battlefield?
- Just as soldiers are part of the army, and do not fight alone, so too are we in spiritual warfare. Rambo makes for movie entertainment, but even Rambo couldn’t go one-on-one with the devil without God. We need to remain connected and submitted to our Lord as commander-in-chief and remain connected with other believers to stay strong in the ongoing battles. How do you remain connected with the army of believers? Do you seek your orders and instructions from the Holy Spirit daily, or are you more Rambo-like? How are thoughts that tell you that you are “on your own” or need to “do things for or by yourself” rooted in thinking that is opposite to God’s Word?
Scripture of the week
James 4:5–7 (NLT) 4:5 Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him. 4:6 And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 4:7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
2 Corinthians 11:13–15 (NLT) 11:13 These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. 11:14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 11:15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.
1 John 4:1 (NLT) 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.
1 John 4:4 (NLT) 4:4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Weekly prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank You that You have saved me and bought my eternal life to be with You. Thank You for the instruction of Your Word, and for telling me that I have been filled by Your Holy Spirit, and how to take up the spiritual armor to stand firm against the enemy. Holy Spirit, lead me into each day, and may I have eyes to see and ears to hear all Your instruction and direction that I may be dangerous to the enemy. Jesus by Your Spirit I will obey Your commission to reach the lost, and to be Your hands and feet as part of Your body, the Church. Amen.
Freedom Facet
It is necessary to refresh our minds daily in the Word, allowing it to calibrate our focus and intentions to be aligned with God’s purpose for our lives. When we are in submission to God and walking in His purposes, we will draw fire from the enemy. We have great riches in the Word that tell of our victorious position in this warfare, and that we can be strong and courageous in the Lord. In Jesus' Name, and submitted to Him, we have authority over the kingdom of darkness.
Jesus's Freedom is for those who call Him Lord - those who believe in Him. If you’ve not yet accepted Christ Jesus as Your Lord, and would like to, say the following prayer aloud.
Lord Jesus, I confess and realize that I am a sinner, and without You, I am lost and separated from God. Thank You for going to the cross and dying for my sins – I ask for Your forgiveness for my sins, and I thank you and receive the forgiveness of my sins Your Word says is now mine! Holy Spirit, I thank You that You now reside within me. I lay down my will for Yours and ask for Your daily guidance and direction to make me more and more like You. Amen!
The Bible tells us that if we confess Jesus as Lord with our mouth and believe in our hearts that God resurrected Jesus from the dead, we are saved for eternity. If you’ve just accepted Jesus as Lord, know that heaven is celebrating right now (Luke 15:10)! Rejoice because you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and now have begun the process of sanctification becoming like Him. Keep coming back, as we explore Freedom facets and what our Identity in Christ truly is. Share this joyous news with a brother or sister in Christ and get connected in your local church! LIFE is yours!
Small Group Invitations - Week of October 11, 2026
Below are invitations to just a couple of Men's Small Groups that are happening this week, both a part of Celebration Church, Georgetown, Texas. If these don't work for you, or if you're not a Celebration Church, TX attendee - regardless of the church you attend - being a part of small group is immensely important! If you're not involved in one, I pray that you find one that works for your schedule and you get plugged in. Being connected in the local church will bless you immeasurably! Also - with the fall semester starting, many churches are offering Freedom small group classes. If one is available near you, I pray you plug in to it - the Freedom Small Groups are life changing!
Tuesday Morning Men's Fellowship Group: 6am - 7am at Rudy's BBQ in Round Rock, Texas. Join us for a time of fellowship where we'll discuss the message from the Pastors on Sunday, the newsletter contents, or whatever is going on in the lives of the brothers meeting.
Friday Morning Celebration Men: We're back at the Georgetown Campus Annex - Join us at 6:30 am at for fellowship, a message from one of our pastors, and a discussion about God's Word. We'll conclude at 8am so people can get to work.
[1] Witherington, B., III. (2011). Work: A Kingdom Perspective on Labor (p. 46). Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
[2] Packer, J. I. (1993). Concise theology: a guide to historic Christian beliefs (p. 185). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House.
[3] Torrey, R. A. (1905). Real salvation and whole-hearted service (p. 219). New York, Chicago [etc.: Fleming H. Revell company.