Spiritual Warfare: Fact or Fiction

Spiritual Warfare, Fact Or Fiction?

The sixth chapter of Ephesians speaks of spiritual warfare between good and evil. The apostle Paul addresses the servants of God saying,..."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. Wherefore, take unto you the whole armour of God..."(KJV, Ephesians 6:12-13).

A thorough understanding of the different groups of demons is covered in the article, "Principalities, Powers, And The Rulers Of Darkness" soon to be featured at the website of HeavenlyManna.net. Such a study is beyond the scope of this article. Principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and wicked spirits are intelligent diabolical, beings behind the cleverly masterminded ungodliness taking place on Earth. Such occurrences baffle psychologists, sociologists and philosophers who search for the cause of evil based on academic training that continues to fail them and society. Sadly, Christians also seem to be baffled. They are also failing at being victorious over the works of darkness. Why? Because most Bible studies strategically avoid the topic of spiritual warfare. This article is for those who are committed to do the whole and perfect will of Christ which calls for the "dirty" work of winning even the most vile souls to Him.

It should be encouraging to know that even baby Christians can grasp basic truths regarding the reality of spiritual warfare for which all serious believers must brace. Such an alert is not intended to invoke a martyr mentality, but to educate and incite the dedicated Christian to prepare. What is it that he should prepare for? If he truly lives according to God's word, he will invite some form of persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). Non-Christians also suffer persecution and tribulation, but the Bible reminds the believer that when he is persecuted specifically for his obedience to Christ, it makes all of the difference (1 Peter 4:12-14).

The Christian lives in a world of mindsets of which he is warned. The scripture of 2 Timothy 3:1-5 says, "this know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of themselves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God...."

The New Age movement has enticed men to love their own existence to the point of searching for divinity within themselves. Many are so covetous that murders are being committed to take what one wants by force. The gay lifestyle is no longer considered a shame, but rather men proudly boast of it. Many who turn to soup kitchens and clothing rooms provided by churches, use profanity in the waiting areas and the lines, with no respect for the sanctuary. Disobedience to parents and adults is promoted and glorified in Harry Potter, yet it continues to be purchased by parents who've lost control of high-minded, unthankful children. Many seek involvement in anything unholy they can find, causing interest in the occult to skyrocket. The habitual commission of violent crime is proof of the number of men who've lost natural affection and operate in fierceness. Christians are persecuted and martyred at the hands of those who despise good. Many serve life sentences in prison and are executed because of false accusations.

It should be noted that in the same biblical passage mentioned above, Paul speaks of how Janes and Jambres, two men who were among the children of Israel, fought against Moses. He then speaks of the men who resisted him. Finally, he speaks to the saints of God of persecution. Observe that this reminder comes after the descriptive attitudes of wicked man during the last days. This is not without reason. Diabolical mentalities lead to wicked behavior which entails vexation and persecution for the righteous.

Nevertheless, God's servants are not left as powerless "door mats". They are to be filled with power, sent into the world, and yet remain harmless as doves because the battle is spiritual (Matthew 10:16, Luke 10:19). It is also very real.