The Word - January 4, 2012 - Spiritual Warfare Part One

"In conclusion, be strong, not in yourselves but in the Lord, in the power of His boundless resource. Put on God's complete armor so that you can successfully resist all the devil's methods of attack. For our fight is not against any physical enemy: it is against organizations and powers that are spiritual. We fight against the unseen power that controls this world, and spiritual agents from the very headquarters of evil." (Ephesians 6:10-13).

In his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul presents to us the great realities of being in Christ. What it means to be a believer; to be born again. What it means to have the Spirit of God dwelling within us. What it means to become His adopted child. The position of the believer, who he is in Christ, who she is in Christ. Where we stand, our identity, a definition of our character because of Jesus Christ.

And we can see in the first three chapters of this great section on positional truth, who we are in Christ; blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies. Now he brings us to face another reality: in spite of all the truths concerning our new life in Christ, it will not be easy. So when it comes to defining our new life in Christ, the best term to use is simply being involved in a war.

We face an enemy that is so strong and so clever, so deceiving and so subtle, that if we are ever to fulfill the potential on our life in Christ; if ever we are to live in Practise what we are in Position, we must listen and learn all that Paul has to say about how to win the war.

"Therefore, you must wear the whole armor of God that you may be able to resist evil, and that even when you have fought to a stand-still, you may still stand your ground." So this week we will with the help of the Holy Spirit, discover in truth, what it takes to keep on standing.

Prayer: Father, would you send your Spirit to bless all this truth concerning our life in your Son. Jesus fought the good fight all the way to the cross. There He gave His life that we might live eternally. We cannot begin to face the enemy in our own strength. We must have the weapons you have provided; all of them. Give us wisdom to truly understand and obey. We would honor your Name and glorify our Savior by winning the war. We ask your help in Jesus Name. Amen