As we enter August, our designated month of Spiritual Warfare, I greet you with joy and anticipation.  Whether you are a Christian or not, you are engaged in a spiritual battle.  Scripture consistently reveals that the world is a battlefield, with humanity at the center of a cosmic struggle between God and His adversary, Satan.

 

This war manifests in the hearts of men as forces of evil seek to turn us away from God. But for those in Christ, victory is already assured through His resurrection. The Bible provides solutions to every battle we face in life, and I urge you to take time this month to understand and engage in spiritual warfare.

 

The Apostle Paul exhorts us: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities, and powers of this dark world, and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:10-12).

August, the eighth month, symbolizes new beginnings. Let this be a fresh start in your spiritual life. Submit to God, resist the devil, and view yourself as victorious in Christ.

 

What is Spiritual Warfare?

 

Spiritual warfare refers to the Christian practice of battling evil forces. It is rooted in the belief that demons and other preternatural beings intervene in human affairs to cause harm. For Christians, this warfare is both inward and outward. It includes the fight against Satan, his demons, fallen angels, and even our sinful nature, which tempts us with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.

 

Upon accepting Christ, the battle between the spirit and the flesh begins. We must rely on the Holy Spirit within us to gain victory.

 

I recall a movie where a young man, after graduating with honors, faced life battles that seemed insurmountable. His friend took his girlfriend, and he struggled to find a job. Eventually, through a spiritual mentor, he discovered that his struggles were spiritual in nature, tied to his family's past actions. Through prayer, fasting, and spiritual discipline, his fortunes were transformed.

 

Too often, Christians today are complacent about spiritual matters, leaving us vulnerable to attacks. We must remember that spiritual warfare is more than fighting demonic forces; it includes confronting ungodly systems, like human trafficking and pornography, as well as resisting our own sinful inclinations.

 

Who Is Our True Enemy?

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that our real enemy is not people but the devil and his forces of darkness. When we direct our anger toward others, we have fallen into Satan’s trap. He is often the unseen hand behind our struggles, and we must recognize him as our primary adversary.

 

The Purpose of Spiritual Warfare: A Case Study from Jeremiah

Spiritual warfare is inevitable when you are on assignment for God. Take the prophet Jeremiah as an example. He was appointed by God to deliver difficult messages to Israel and endured much suffering as a result. His enemies plotted against him, and he was thrown into a dungeon, yet he persevered and fulfilled his calling. Jeremiah’s life demonstrates that obedience to God often leads to opposition. However, God’s promises of protection and victory sustained him through trials. Jeremiah’s endurance in the face of hardship is a lesson for all of us today. God defends those who serve Him faithfully.

 

The Example of Elijah

Elijah, another powerful figure in spiritual warfare, engaged in battles for the sake of God's kingdom. Twice, Elijah called down fire from heaven, not for personal reasons but in fulfillment of his divine assignment. He confronted a godless king and false prophets, demonstrating the supremacy of the true God. Elijah's victories teach us that when we are aligned with God's will, He equips us with the resources to fight and win.

 

The Weapons of Our Warfare

 

Spiritual Weapons:  Paul tells us that our weapons are not carnal but spiritual. In Ephesians 6, we are instructed to put on the armor of God, which includes truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer.

 

The Name of Jesus:   Jesus teaches us to ask for anything in His name, and it will be done (John 14:14).

 

The Word of God:  When Jesus faced spiritual warfare in the wilderness, He used Scripture to defeat Satan (Matthew 4:4). We must follow His example and use the Word as our weapon.

 

Prayer:   Prayer is vital in spiritual warfare. It aligns us with God and empowers us to intercede for ourselves and others.

The Blood of Jesus and the Word of Our Testimony: Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are overcomers. Our identity is now hidden with Christ in God, making us victors over the enemy (Colossians 3:3).

 

Praise and Worship: Worship is a powerful weapon. I once saw a video where a masquerade, known for violence, began dancing to Christian worship music, demonstrating the power of praise.

 

Pursuing Purpose and Proclaiming the Gospel:  Fulfilling your God-given purpose is one of the most effective ways to engage in spiritual warfare. Preach the Gospel and live out your calling, and the devil’s schemes will fall apart.

 

Conclusion: God has made provision for every area of your life—whether it be health, finances, relationships, or spiritual matters. Our spiritual weapons are mighty through God for pulling down strongholds. Though we have a real enemy, we are not defenseless. We are equipped and empowered to stand firm in the face of spiritual warfare. This month, be encouraged to fight your battles with the confidence that God has already declared you victorious. You shall win!

 

Special Announcement:

Join us for the International Gathering of Eagles Conference from September 19-22, 2024, at 22-94 Kenhar Drive, Toronto, ON. The theme is Transformed By His Power.   Admission is free, but space is limited. Register now at www.igoeministry.com or www.cacbethel.com. You can also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 416-616-2425 for more information. Additionally, we are assembling a mission team for a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, and Nigeria from November 15 to December 5, 2024. If you are interested in joining, please contact us for details.