The term “spiritual warfare” can be intimidating to some of us. What does it actually mean? Does everyone need to enlist in this fight? Can I make a difference in this fight?
To have an understanding of “spiritual warfare” we need to understand when and where it began.
In the beginning….
Would you believe it all started in the Garden?
God desired a family, one that would commune with Him. Adam and Eve were created in response to desire. In their daily conversation and relationship with the Father, they would come to know God’s plans for creation. Plans to not only glorify Him but bring purpose and substance to the gifting that the Lord had deposited in both of them. As they fulfill God’s plans, they, in turn, are fulfilled.
Unfortunately, there was a problem with a fallen angel named satan. Satan is full of pride and deception; everything within him wanted to destroy God’s intentions for this world. He is a trickster and crafty, able to spin a conversation into a web of lies. And that’s just what he did. Adam and Eve were taken with this smooth operator and convinced them that God was holding out on the truth. Satan convinced them that the Holy One, they had trusted for everything, held back on blessings. So, they believed the lie; they gave into the deception, exchanging their birthright for corruption. (You can read all about it in Genesis 3) The devil now has limited authority on the earth to try and wreak havoc on all of God’s children and creation. (Ephesians 2:2)
Transfer of Authority
Authority is defined as: the power or right to control, judge, or prohibit the actions of others. (The Free Dictionary)
Although Adam gave away his initial authority, it was reinstated by Jesus, through the work of the cross.
“the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8 NLT
When we confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in our lives, we belong to Him. The authority that Jesus walks in is now ours, seeded in our identity in Him.
“But to those who embraced Him and took hold of His name He gave authority to become the children of God!” John 1:12 tPt
The word “authority” translates in this verse as power, ability, freedom, and strength. We lay hold of His name by believing what Jesus represents, the Kingdom of God. Our identity as His children gives us the authority to walk in freedom, power, and the ability to overcome the works of darkness. We are no longer orphans; we are adopted into God’s family and co-heirs with Jesus inheriting “all that He is an all that He has” (Romans 8:17 tPt). Our identity positions us for warfare, and our authority allows us to apprehend the victory in Jesus' name.
Spiritual Warfare and Identity
The enemy’s battle plan is to kill, steal and destroy and the strategy is to infiltrate your mind through destructive thoughts. Satan has no authority, but what we give him and that is accomplished by believing the lies he tells us. One lie that is familiar to me is, “you have failed too many times to make a difference.” If he can keep us from engaging in the fight, whether it is to see freedom come to a loved one or a region saved, he has won that battle. However, when we have our identity in Christ, we are secure, and our battles end in victory. (1John 2:14) It is a spiritual fight to overcome the deception unleashed on the world. In order to defeat satan’s agenda, our mind must be fixed on the author and finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2) What He begins in us, He is more than able to complete.
Sisters, stand firm! Don’t give in to the lies that you are nothing.
All is not lost! Your identity is your authority.
You are a daughter of the Most High God! Galatians 3:26-29
You are seated with Him in authority! Ephesians 2:1;5-6
You have authority to act as a new creation! Ephesians 4:21-24
Amen