Spiritual Warfare

Friends, Lesson 11 of our study (Ephesians, John MacArthur) could not have come at a more perfect time for me. Ephesians 6:10-17 is about the reality of spiritual warfare. I kinda felt this week like the Enemy was coming at me from all sides. He knows where my sticking points are and he was hammering them home. Back spasms for no apparent reason? A true test of my patience. Every afternoon and evening busy with games, practices and tournaments? That hated feeling of being overwhelmed, panic was rising up in me. My sweet girl facing crazy stuff at school that no kid her age should be exposed to? A knife in the heart, twisting. Satan knows where it hurts us the  most and he targets those places. Trust me, the Enemy is real and I have felt that this week in big and small ways.

Then on my day of being most at my wits end I sat down to do this lesson. And you know what I read? No matter how clever, Satan won't win. He won't!! When Jesus comes back he is gonna squash Satan's head with his little pinky toe. Done. And now, while I wait for that sweet sweet moment, God has given me all the tools I need to stand up, point my finger in the Enemy's face and say "NOT TODAY!"

So let's dive in. If you haven't already, read Ephesians 6:10-17.

If we are walking worthy of our calling...then we can be absolutely certain that we will have opposition and conflict. The good news is that God does not leave His children unprepared or unprotected in this cosmic conflict. This passage is a heartening reminder of all that God has done and all that we must do to win the victory. In Christ, not only can we withstand the devil's assaults, but we can also defeat the diabolical forces that are arrayed against God and His church. The gates of hell cannot stand against us! (MacArthur, p. 77)

If we are living a Spirit-filled life we can expect to be in a spiritual battle. But God has given us the defensive and offensive weapons we need to prevail. Did you catch in question #2 what the only offensive weapon is? The WORD of God! That's it! That's the only offensive weapon we need to slay the dragon. Jesus gave us a perfect example of this in Luke 4:1-13. When He was tempted by Satan in the desert, all Jesus did to defend Himself was quote Scripture. 

"For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." Hebrews 4:12

Abide Friends, once again it comes back to reading the Word. Because if we're not reading God's Words, they won't be in our minds when we need them in the heat of the battle.

This lesson also comes with a word of caution. 

It is easy for believers...to become complacent and become oblivious to the seriousness of the battle around them. They rejoice in "victories" that involve no battles and in a kind of peace that is merely the absence of conflict. This is the victory and peace of the draft dodger or defector who refuses to fight. They are not interested in armor because they are not engaged in war. 

A Christian who no longer has to struggle against the world, the flesh and the devil is a Christian who has fallen into sin or into complacency. A Christian who has no conflict is a Christian who has retreated from the front lines of service. (MacArthur, p. 82)

If you are abiding in Jesus you should be aware of the battle around you. But don't let it get you down. We win! Use the armor God has provided for you and stand confidently, knowing the One who created you and loves you is behind you ready to fight. 

Please take some time for honest reflection of the following questions, and share your thoughts in the comments below.
2.) What protective (defensive) pieces of armor are children of God given in their ongoing struggle with the forces of evil? What offensive weapons are we given with which to wage war?
6.) Read 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8. What should be the Christian's frame of mind?
​7.) What does this study teach or remind you about spiritual warfare? How aware are you of the cosmic conflict going on between God and His enemies?
9.) How successfully do you resist (Satan's temptations)? What new ways do you need to put on your armor and stand? Ask God to give you the grace to stand in His strength and to fight as you should.