Spiritual Warfare
We Fight From Victory Not For It.
“This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.” - Ephesians 6:12 MSG
The enemy has declared war! He has had it with God, which also means, us. The good news is though, it’s a war that has already been WON. It’s victory that we can fight from instead of for.
When the fall happened back in Eden, Satan thought he found a way to win, but little did He know about God’s plan with Jesus. Throughout the entire Old Testament we see God conquering evil. It’s like Satan sees an opportunity to infect something and then seizes it. God comes in and cleanses things. He makes beauty out of ashes.
It’s a constant cycle.
We see in scripture that tremendous amounts of chaos broke out upon the earth from this cycle: slavery, deception, murder, sorcery, pride, envy, and so much more. God was fed up with what His people were doing (sin), so He flooded the earth to cleanse it of sin at one point. He even made commandments on stone tablets to protect people from falling into sin. It’s in stories like Noah’s, Samson’s, David’s, Moses’s, Daniel’s, Esther’s, and so many more that have lead us to see God’s goodness in times of oppression, in time of evil.
This all lead up though to the cross, to the ultimate sacrifice of self so that we may live in freedom. Satan didn’t see this coming. When he finally did catch on though, he tempted Jesus for 40 days in the desert, trying to get him to give in to taking it all for himself. Jesus was even tempted on the cross...but He still chose us over pride.
To this day, the enemy has lost the war. Death was defeated. Our sins were forgiven. (Praise break: Praise be to the LORD!!) - Seriously though, if Jesus had given in to all the jeers and taunts, we would be living in a very different world today. Satan fell from Heaven because of PRIDE...he wanted to overtake God’s throne; he thought he deserved it, that he was better, that he could do a better job. WRONG! Look where it landed him...eternal separation from God...HELL...a lake of fire.
If you knew that was your future, would you go around sulking in your defeat just waiting for it to happen or would you try to bring down as many people as you can with you to get back at the one who sentenced you to this terrible future? Satan has clearly chosen to bring down as many people as he can with him, so don’t be surprised when lies, fear, shame, guilt, and etc. are piled on top of you. They are from Satan himself and he manipulates people, like puppets on a string, to do things or say things to others that make them question God’s goodness.
When you question God’s goodness, Satan has you right where he wants you, guard down, and tail between your legs. Your shoulders start sagging from the weight of everything you are now letting in and as a result you walk around looking DEFEATED....
Hello?!
“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” - Romans 8:37 NLT
If you believe that verse above then you need to start walking around VICTORIOUSLY! Paul continues to write in the following verses:
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38-39
WOW! No matter what comes at you, the battle has been won. If we don’t wake up or go to sleep with our armor on, then we will always be an easy target for the enemy. This is war! We have won! The enemy holds no power of you then when you really think about it. If his future is Hell and you have chosen to accept the free gift of salvation, then why oh why are you letting something that is dead hold you back from everlasting life?!
Go to Ephesians and read chapter 6, but really focus in on verses 10-18.
“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” - Ephesians 6:13-18 NLT
*The Lord knew the enemy would come after you. He knew that Satan would find a way to throw your past in your face or discourage you in a different way from stepping into your future. In response, which the Lord always has a response for Satan, has given you armor, an armor that will help you persevere in every trial set before you, for every fiery arrow aimed at you.
1 Peter 2:9 talks about how we are a royal and holy priesthood chosen before God. Satan wants you to believe the opposite, that you aren’t good enough, you are a failure, and you were abandoned. It’s sad how much power we have given to someone that has none at all. Don’t get me wrong, I have had my fair share of doubts and dealings with feelings that I am worthless. I have given the enemy way to much power over me, but not anymore.
I know I am forgiven and I can walk boldly in my freedom because of that.
Zephaniah 3:17 says: “The Lord your God is in your midst, a Warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with joy; He will be quiet in His love [making no mention of your past sins], He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy”
The Lord sees us through the Resurrection, not the crucifixion. Jesus died for every single one of your sins. They are gone. The Lord sees you as Holy, Righteous, Blameless, Pure, Valuable, and so much more. If you believe that, then walk like it. Don’t let the enemy hold failure, fear, anxiety, or anything else over you any more. Put on your armor and walk boldly in the freedom that has been so freely given to you. Accept Him because He accepts you, and
Remember, we fight from Victory, not for it because we are already VICTORIOUS through Him!
