The Christian's Warfare

THE CHRISTIAN’S WARFARE

"Although we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and ever high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." II Corinthians 10:3-5.

Paul makes it very clear that the Christian is involved in an ongoing spiritual warfare...not merely an occasional spiritual skirmish.

I. THE REALITY OF THE WARFARE:

"Be of sober spirit, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." I Peter 5:8.

II. THE UNIQUENESS OF THIS WARFARE:

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12.

III. THE WEAPONS WE ARE TO USE IN THIS WARFARE:

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God." (v. 4)

1. The power and the presence of the Lord:

"Do not fear, for the Lord your God is the one fighting for you." Deuteronomy 3:22.

2. The word of God:

"For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." I Corinthians 1:18.

Paul instructs Titus (1:9) to "hold fast the faithful Word."

3. Other pieces of our armor, including prayer:

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

"Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

"...above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

"...praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV)

IV. THE BATTLEFIELDS IN THIS WARFARE:

1. Strongholds:

"...for pulling down strongholds." We must face head-on the stronghold of fear; of doubt; of faint-heartedness; of indifference.

2. Arguments:

"...casting down arguments."

We have been given the charge to preach the Word... not debate it.

3. Our thoughts:

"bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." (v. 5) because "as a man thinks in his heart, so is he." Prov. 23:7.

V. THE PERIOD OF THIS WARFARE:

"Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life." Revelation 2:10.

"But he who endures to the end, the same shall be saved." Matthew 24:13.