by Marji "Mike" Kruger
"Personal spiritual warfare is anything we do as a conscious effort to live out the kingdom of God and oppose the kingdom of Satan in our particular contexts." (Scott Morreau). The basic secret for overcoming our enemy is simply knowing God in a vital and deepening relationship. Our focus as Christians should be on God, His power, His sovereignty, His holiness and His love.
Because of Christ's victory on the cross, our standing against the enemy is possible... the struggle between being godly and being you. The amazing truth is that God has elevated us, spiritually, to the same exalted position Christ enjoys. God "raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6). As we take our stand in the victory of Christ, Satan is powerless to defeat us.
No one who is wise goes into battle unprepared. Paul tells us: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10). Immediately after beginning a relationship with Christ, a believer finds himself in a constant struggle. On earth, there are 2 kingdoms in conflict: God's Kingdom and the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:10-12). It is not a question of which Kingdom is stronger. Jesus is the stronger who has bound Satan (Luke 11:14-22).
Because of Christ's victory on the cross, our standing against the enemy is possible. So what's the struggle? Basically it's the struggle between being godly and being you. Paul says, "be strong." The word "strong" means to empower. It comes from the root word "dunamis" which is where we get our word "dynamite". So it is dynamite like power. But, you cannot be strong in yourself. The strength comes from God and His power.
Paul continues to write: "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" (Ephesians 6:11-12).
The verb tense of "put on" means that it is a command to begin at this very moment. Right now, not later! Put on the whole armor or God, not just bits and pieces, but the full armor of God! The phrase, "Take your stand" implies that not everyone does take a stand. Often, the very fact that you are willing to stand while everyone else is falling away, draws the attention of others and makes them seek out your secret. HINT: The secret is your relationship with Jesus Christ.
So, are you STANDING? Are you EVEN in the Battle? Whose strength are you fighting IN? Your own strength or GOD'S? Everything aims at our ability to stand... refuse to yield ground... sometimes all you can do is stand! And you will "win" if you stand! But, expect an active battle as you stand. "You can always measure the weight of your blow by the one you get back." (- from a missionary in New Guinea
Here is your copy of firstIMPRESSIONS, Volume 9.42. Live for God, on purpose, regardless of the circumstances that surround you.
Here is your copy of firstIMPRESSIONS, Volume 9.42. Live for God, on purpose, regardless of the circumstances that surround you.
