Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Engaging Our Spiritual Foes

PSALM 95:1-2 – Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

THEME OF THE DAY. ENGAGING OUR SPIRITUAL FOES. Christians are in a daily spiritual war that is intense, never-ceasing, and seeks our destruction. Praise God, we cannot be totally defeated which means taken out of the kingdom of God and returned to the kingdom of Satan. However, we can be defeated on a daily basis if we are not properly armed and doing battle. And a defeated Christian will be one who lacks joy, drifts along life in dull routines, finds the spiritual disciples of the Word, prayer, church attendance, and Gospel service a “have to” chore instead of holy privileges enjoyed and practiced with zeal.

When it comes to this spiritual war, three things are necessary if we are to fight it aggressively and enjoy victories consistently. First, we must really believe we are in a war. I know if I were to ask you this question, “Do you know we are in a constant spiritual war with the devil, world, and our flesh?”, I don’t believe any of you would answer, “Nope, Jim. Not at all. I am in Jesus and safe in His arms, free from this war.” Safe in His arms for sure, but not free from constant spiritual battle. But it must be stated . . . if we are Christians and simply living life never thinking about the spiritual battles we are in, then, we are already spiritual casualties. The ignorant of battle Christian is the spiritually slain Christian in the battle.

The next necessity for the Christian to wage successful spiritual warfare is to be properly equipped for battle. God has given us comprehensive armor to defeat our foes every time they attack, provided we use what He has given us. This armor is found in Ephesians 6. It would be a good habit to memorize these verses, or read them each morning before we enter our day. Doing so will equip us to “go to war” – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints (Ephesians 6:10-18).

A final equipping for battle is something we may not think of when it comes to fighting spiritual warfare. It is the power of praise. The power we read of in today’s scripture. And when it comes to the power of praise, the reason why it is so successful in fighting our foes is that it draws our attention away from ourselves and onto our God. One of the chief ways the devil, world, and our flesh bring about our spiritual defeat is that all three want us to focus on our circumstances, situations, and feelings. Should they get us to think on ourselves, instead of the Lord, defeat is certain. We are called to deny ourselves, not bring attention to ourselves. Praise will do this and when praise dominates our lives, the God who gives us victory, will be a God who is known personally and with nearness; a nearness that brings us to conquer all our foes.

So, as we fight the good fight of faith, let’s do so by daily putting on the armor of God and learning to live a life of praise. As we do, we will know more and more the victory we have in Jesus.

PRAYER: “Lord, help me today to keep my eyes on You and praise, not myself, situations, and circumstances and complain.”

QUOTE: “Praise is powerful because it aligns us with our re-created purpose in Christ; to be a worshiper of God.”