GOD’S WORDON SPIRITUAL WARFARE

West Union, WV: Elk Lick Publishing

[First Draft: Has Not Been Edited]

INTRODUCTION

I am aware that there are many excellent works on thesubject of spiritual warfare available and that my offering may not bring any new facts on the subject to light. However, I do believethat I can present the material in a manner that will reacquaint thereader with biblical truths that are crucial to our understanding of the nature of this warfare and the manner in which we will be ableto successfully engage and defeat spiritual enemies.It is my observation over several years of ministry (most of which as a pastor)that far too many members of our congregationsare living defeated lives. They know intuitively that they are in a battle, but they have no sense of the scope or nature of the war theyare in. They are more like lost soldiers stumbling through theminefields of life hoping that they do not step in the wrong place— invariably, they do. Furthermore, they often do not understandwho the real enemy in this warfare is, so innocent people aregetting hurt by “friendly” fire.It need not be like this. God’s Word provides a spiritual battle plan that can guide us through the battles of life. Trueenough, most Christians will face a defeat from time to time (1John 2:1), but that does not mean that we have to live defeatedlives. There is a medic on the field of battle who is a great physician, a healer of wounded spirits, and a mender of brokenhearts.1

Furthermore, we have a Comforter, the

Paraclete,

whowalks beside us to guide us and to empower us to walk in victory.The Holy Spirit is that person and He provides the power to befaithful witnesses of the ultimate triumph of truth over deception.Finally, we have the spiritual armor that we need to standinstead of fall on the field of battle. From head to toe, mind, body,soul, and spirit are covered and protected. Yet if we fail to put onthe armor, to take up the shield of faith, or to wield the Sword of the Spirit, then we become vulnerable and subject to defeat andfailure.This study is designed to help us not to hype us. It is notsome kind of pseudo-spiritual methodology where you can simplyspeak the right words and the enemy magically disappears, your health is assured and your wealth is restored. That is not what thisstudy is about. This study is about facing the realities of life withthe realities of faith and with an understanding of the spiritualimplications of what we think, do and say.It is about far more than saying the right words;it is about being someone who is ready to be turned on and tuned in to thespiritual realities around us, and to employ the revelation of God(the Incarnation, His prophets and His Word) to the battle at hand.It is, as much as anything else, a matter of submission andobedience to God.2