Grace in Spiritual Warfare Author: Creflo Dollar Summary Spiritual warfare is not merely fighting with other people. It also involves fighting against wicked spiritual forces. Jesus won the war against the kingdom of darkness by sacrificing His life for us. However, although the war has been won, Satan still attacks us because of our identity in Christ. We do not have to lose our individual battles with the enemy. We will not be defeated when we remain steadfast in Jesus Christ, and believe in the promises of God and all that Jesus has accomplished for us. “For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere” (Ephesians 6:12, AMP). We are not merely fighting against physical opponents, but against wicked spiritual forces in the supernatural realm. The enemy approaches us with deceitful strategies. His goal is to ruin our lives. However, the devil is a defeated foe. Jesus has guaranteed our victory in spiritual warfare. In other words, we fight from victory, not for victory. Although the battle is won, it doesn’t mean that Satan won’t try to attack us as individuals. We are still a threat to his kingdom because of what the blood of Jesus has done for us. The most important thing we can do in spiritual warfare is to remain steadfast regarding the promises of God, and all that Jesus had done for us. “Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11, AMP). In these spiritual battles, we cannot trust and rely on our own human abilities; we have to rely on Jesus. “In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]” (Ephesians 6:10, AMP). When we trust our strength, we are no longer trusting in the finished works of Jesus, which include our salvation, deliverance, prosperity, healing, and preservation. We draw our strength from Him, through our union with Him. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). According to this scripture, the devil cannot devour everyone. He cannot devour those who are truly remaining steadfast in Jesus Christ, and what He has done to give us the victory. Many people think it’s humbling to be shy or fearful. The biblical definition of humility is someone who is in agreement with God by agreeing with His Word. A truly humble person according to God’s Word is one who has submitted himself or herself entirely to God. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:6, 7). It is prideful to believe we can carry all the cares (or concerns) of our lives. God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5, Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6). Grace is available even in the wilderness. Even when we are in a dry place in life, grace is there to provide (Jeremiah 31:1-3). “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:8, 9). When we are weak, He is strong. Likewise, when we are strong in our own way and human abilities, we may decide we don’t need His strength. However, in the scripture above, Paul says he has learned to trust in Jesus’ strength, not his own human strength. The devil can only succeed in his strategies against us when we trust in our own human abilities more than we trust God’s ability. Scripture References Ephesians 6:10-12, AMP 1 Peter 5:5-8 Proverbs 3:34 James 4:6 Jeremiah 31:1-3 2 Corinthians 12:8, 9
Posted on: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 11:09:12 +0000
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