Spiritual warfare is a battle that takes place in the spiritual realm between invisible angelic forces that manifest in the visible physical realm, which affects us.
Spiritual warfare can be classified into two categories: offensive and defensive.
Offensive warfare involves tearing down the strongholds that the enemy has formed in your mind through deception and accusations.
Defensive warfare involves guarding yourself against the tactics or schemes of the devil.
Offensive weapons
Prayer – 1 Thessalonians 5:16 -18
All Christians are called to pray and intercede, but some are specially called to intercession. Prayer enables us to fight mighty battles in the unseen realm.
Praise and worship – In 2 Chronicles 20
When Israel faced a mighty enemy, they began to sing and praise God, and He set an ambush to defeat their army. When you praise and worship God, you are actually setting “ambushments” in the spirit world.
Sword of the Spirit – Ephesians 6:13
The Word of God is a weapon that can be used both defensively and offensively. Offensively, it can be used to claim territory for the Lord by sharing the Gospel message and setting the captive free.
The Mind of Christ – Philippians 2:5; I Peter 4:1
You are called to arm yourself with the same mind that Jesus had, a mindset to wage aggressive warfare.
Pulling and Casting down – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
When you pull down and cast out the strongholds of Satan, you are waging offensive warfare. You are not waiting to defend against an attack from Satan, but you are attacking strongholds of the enemy’s power.
Binding and Loosing – Matthew 16:19
You have the power to bind the forces of evil and loose the forces of good.
The Blood of Jesus – Revelation 12:11
When Jesus died on the cross of Calvary, He loosed us from the dominion of sin and the power of the enemy. His blood secures our access to God and releases us from the bondage of Satan. The Word of God indicates that “they (believers) overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ).”
Your Testimony – Revelation 12:11
As you testify or give evidence to the power of God in your life, you wage offensive spiritual warfare. To be effective, your testimony must be based upon the testimony of the Word of God, just as a lawyer in a court bases his arguments on the law of the land.
The Name of Jesus – Mark 16:17
The name of Jesus is not some magical phrase with which we conclude our prayers. It is a symbol of the authority and power He has given us.
The name of Jesus is a powerful offensive weapon. Jesus said that “in My name” you will cast out demons, heal the sick, and overcome all the power of the enemy.
Defensive Weapons
The Armor of God – In Ephesians 6:10-17
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For 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. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
The armor of God refers to the resources that Christians possess for defending themselves against the attacks of the world, the flesh and the devil.
All believers should put on the full armor of God.
The belt of truth: (Eph 6:14) The importance of sound teaching: a good understanding of God’s truth counters Satan’s deceit:
The breastplate of righteousness: (Eph 6:14) Assurance that believers are righteous in God’s sight will counter Satan’s accusations.
The gospel of peace (Eph 6:15) The peace of God reassures and gives confidence in times of trouble.
The helmet of salvation (Eph 6:17) The expectation of future glory encourages the Christian soldier and helps overcome despair.
The sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17) The Scriptures give readiness and confidence in battle and a sure defense against the evil one.
The armor of God is worn with prayer (Eph 6:18) Prayer ensures that believers recognize their need to turn to God and depend on him alone.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, as good soldiers in this spiritual war, we must be spiritually alert and always prepared by having our armor on day and night.
It’s important to know that you are not fighting alone; God is fighting for you.
Stand firm, be focused, and be boldly courageous.
You have victory in Christ Jesus.
Be blessed.
Thank you so much for your teaching on spiritual warfare. How we need to take hold on these spiritual truths especially in the times we live. There is nothing more important than to be prepared and so thank you again. May God continue to use you for His Glory.
I am delighted that you appreciated our teaching on spiritual warfare…Thank you
I have appreciated and have learnt more about the Spiritual war fare.
Who wrote this article? It really helped me from violent men!