3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
What a blessing to see the practical advice provided over the last two days as we considered challenges to Bible Study. We now switch our attention to the Discipline of Spiritual Warfare, and Carolina has a question. As a reminder, you are being asked to play the part of Libby and share your thoughts on the challenges people are having. Please share your thoughts and check the comments throughout the day to see what others are saying to Sarah.
Dear Libby,
I actually feel a bit awkward writing to you about the topic of Spiritual Warfare. I know that evil exists and I know the Bible says a lot about evil powers, but talk of spiritual warfare evokes childish thoughts of boogie men and monsters in my closet. I certainly wouldn’t be comfortable discussing this topic with my work colleagues. What I am trying to say Libby is that of all the Disciplines this is probably the one that I keep most on the “low down”. I don’t want to get all weird about spiritual warfare but I also don’t want to be naïve about my adversary. Libby, how do you relate to spiritual warfare?
Uncomfortable,
Carolina
Today’s Question:
What thoughts would you like to share with Carolina?
March 15, 2017 at 5:02 am
Dear Carolina,
You are partly right. Spiritual warfare is about boogie men and monsters, just not of the childish type. Spiritual warfare entails the struggles of the flesh that can be addictive , wreak havoc in a person’s life, and keep them separated from God as well as family members. Some are: gambling, pornography, jealousy and hate, adultery, drug addiction, racism, envy, gossip, negativity, etc.
I consider these things as just a few of the ways the devil tries to turn God’s children away from Him. There are many Christians who have become victorious in these wars, but they had to resist fleshy urges through prayer, strapping on the whole armor of God, turning to a loved one who will hold them accountable to their actions, burying themselves in God’s word, fellowship with “strong” Christians, Bible study, as well as making the conscious decision to stop placing themselves in the environments that will force them to have to fight.
Carolina, as children of God, we have or will encounter some form of spiritual warfare in our life. My suggestion to you is to be watchful of your surroundings so you can be able to detect when a “war” is near. Back off and “flee the appearance of evil”. Make wearing God’s armor a daily habit. Use the above methods above that have made other “warriors ” who have fought against spiritual warfare victorious.
March 15, 2017 at 3:07 pm
Actually not only boogie men but I used to think voodoo and obeah stuff so I would think can’t touch me but I guess you are saying to be observant and arm yourself with prayers.
March 15, 2017 at 12:18 pm
Dear Carolina
The boggie men & monsters are like leech. Sometimes they are worse than others.
Pray say Bible verses & when @ times you feel overwhelmed just say WWJD.
March 15, 2017 at 3:00 pm
What is WWID?
March 15, 2017 at 5:17 pm
Hi Yasmin – I think that was WWJD for “What would Jesus do?”
March 15, 2017 at 12:59 pm
The Bible says that Christians are “aliens,” that we are set apart from the world. Understanding that we are different, that our beliefs may not mirror those of the people we interact with, may be the first step in becoming comfortable with spiritual warfare.
Sometimes, when I think of spiritual warfare, images of medieval battles with swords and horses come to mind. Silly, I know. I say this because there is a tendency to view spiritual warfare as some grand, untouchable thing that we can’t relate to. However, I’m learning that spiritual warfare encompasses both big and small, every-day occurrences. As was mentioned above, spiritual warfare includes all of our struggles, all of the things that burden us. We need to arm ourselves in the ways of the Lord in order to combat any challenges we face.
March 15, 2017 at 1:05 pm
Dear Carolina,
Like you, things I don’t understand usually take a back seat. Unfortunately it doesn’t make that issue disappear. Jesus shared His spiritual struggles with us to show us how to behave in similar situations. Know the Word and be prepared to use it. Spiritual hurdles will come. Be ready! You win the battle by preparing for your enemy.
March 15, 2017 at 2:59 pm
You sound like me asking same question. For over 60 years I have been fighting this same dilemma. Will read what others have to say so I can learn too.
March 15, 2017 at 5:28 pm
Spiritual warfare is true and happening in this world. Our Lord God always wants us to be with him and He continues to love us despite our shortcoming. Satan always believes and hopes to have power like God but he cannot have it so he is striving hard to really compete with God, and that is how the spiritual warfare goes on. We believers should be vigilant in prayer that we shoukd not fall on Satan”s trap Keep holding on to the Holy Spirit, our advocate and counselor. Our God already has the victory and Satan will never win in this warfare. Never give him a chance.