One could argue that the picture of Warfare in scriptures is better painted and appreciated with graphic pictures as in the days of the old testament characters, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David and his mighty men.
However it is important to appreciate the fact that warfare for the believer is still as serious as it used to be, only it is more real in the spiritual realm than in the physical. The believer is engaged in a continuous spiritual warfare on a daily basis.
The first truth we need to remember and understand is that we are spirit beings, made in the likeness and image of God and for those who have received the gift of God’s salvation in Jesus, now regenerated.
Gen 1:26-27
26 Then God said, “Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take charge of the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, all the earth, and all the crawling things on earth.”
27 God created humanity in God’s own image,
in the divine image God created them,[a]
male and female God created them.
John 4:24
New International Version (NIV)
24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
We must understand that everything that happens in the physical realm has its root in the spirit realm.
The spiritual realm controls the physical realm.
All the heroes of faith recorded in scriptures made their exploits by faith and faith has it’s root in the unseen realm. Hebrews. 11.
As believers we have to realize that we are in a spiritual warfare:
Ephesians 6:10-13
American Standard Version (ASV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.
1 Timothy 1:18
The Message (MSG)
I’m passing this work on to you, my son Timothy. The prophetic word that was directed to you prepared us for this. All those prayers are coming together now so you will do this well, fearless in your struggle, keeping a firm grip on your faith and on yourself. After all, this is a fight we’re in.
Just as going to physical battles is not for the weak, fearful or doubtful person, Christianity is not a faith or lifestyle for the weak or wimpy-at-heart. You could come to Jesus weak and dead spiritually, the moment you become a child of God, a rebirth takes place and you become a new person, strong, bold and able to stand up in the name of Jesus. 2Cor. 5:17. 2Tim. 2:1-5, Luke 10:17-19
There is a prize to be won:
Nobody goes to war except there is a prize to be won.
Joshua 1:2-5
American Standard Version (ASV)
2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, to you have I given it, as I spake unto Moses.
4 From the wilderness, and this Lebanon, even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your border.
5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life. as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee; I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
JOHN 10:10
American Standard Version (ASV)
10 The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.
The enemy is battling to thwart the will, integrity and purpose of God in the world. He is against anything that will promote the glory and nature of God.
The battle is against the seed of God in your life.
The seed is the word of God designed to bring forth much fruit in your life, but the enemy is out to prevent this and he will come in diverse ways, he will contest your productivity all the way.
Matthew 13:3-7
3 And he spake to them many things in parables, saying, Behold, the sower went forth to sow;
4 and as he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the birds came and devoured them:
5 and others fell upon the rocky places, where they had not much earth: and straightway they sprang up, because they had no deepness of earth:
6 and when the sun was risen, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.
7 And others fell upon the thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked them:
Matthew 13:18-24
American Standard Version (ASV)
18 Hear then ye the parable of the sower.
19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the evil one, and snatcheth away that which hath been sown in his heart. This is he that was sown by the way side.
20 And he that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the word, and straightway with joy receiveth it;
21 yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while; and when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway he stumbleth.
22 And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the care of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
.
How should you handle this?
Stand and Resist the enemy. You have to fight off the onslaught of the enemy. Like I said earlier, being on God’s side is not for the wimpy and weak at heart.
1 Peter 5:8-11
The Message (MSG)
8-11 Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith……
1 Peter 5:9
King James Version (KJV)
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Ephesians 6:10-18
The Message (MSG)
A Fight to the Finish
10-12 And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. 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.
13-18 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
The Battle is undoubtedly waged in your mind. Proverbs 4:23
Proverbs 4:23
Common English Bible (CEB)
23 More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it.
Romans 12:2
Amplified Bible (AMP)
2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
Mark 11:22-24
Amplified Bible (AMP)
22 And Jesus, replying, said to them, Have faith in God [constantly].
23 Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him.
24 For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].
Some of the major weapons of the enemy are fear, doubt and unbelief.
1 John 4:18
King James Version (KJV)
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
2 Timothy 1:7
King James Version (KJV)
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
James 1:5-8
King James Version (KJV)
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
What are the weapons available to you?.
First, you need to realize and agree with the truth, that you are on the winning side. Being on God’s side is being on the winning side. You shall know the truth, and the truth you know shall make you free. John 8:32. Jesus had already procured the victory for us over two thousand years ago.
Romans 8:37
King James Version (KJV)
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
1 John 4:4
King James Version (KJV)
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Having known the truth, you hold to what you know by faith based on the Word of God. We have the authority of God in the name of Jesus, we go on the offensive in His name. and we have the whole armor of God working for us.( Ephesians 6:10-18).
2 Corinthians 2:14
King James Version (KJV)
14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
Halleluyah! We are always winners because we are on the winning side. The word of God says so. Your situation or circumstance may not look like it, you may not feel like a winner right now, but know it, you are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus. All things are working together for you good. Lift your head up. You are blessed. Weeping may endure through the night, but surely joy comes in the morning. It may look pitch black as midnight right now, but be rest assured, the darkness must give way to light. Your dawn is breaking.
Ephesians 6:13-14
King James Version (KJV)
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
It is well with you. Be encouraged, stand up and stand your ground.
‘Laolu Oyeyemi