We do not wage war as the world does

II Cor. 10:3-5: 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.

There is a spiritual battle being waged around us. That spiritual battle is nothing to be afraid of or to be confused about. This spiritual battle is happening in the unseen world. We are in this divine struggle every time we engage in prayer. There are powers that do not belong to this physical world that still have influence in this physical world. The book of Ephesians says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.13 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.” Eph 6:12-13
There is a battle that is raging against the evil of this world, and God’s people. We cannot see this battle, yet I bet you have all felt it from time to time. There is evil in this world because of sin. That is why we live in a very dangerous world. That is why bad things happen to good people.

Paul was telling the Corinthian church that he did not want them to be ignorant of the fact that if they were Christ-followers, and that they are in this battle whether they wanted to be or not. Satan and his demons have two passions, which are to keep people from having a relationship with God, and to destroy anyone who poses a threat to their mission. They will use doubt, fear, and disillusionment to destroy your faith. Ever wonder why so many children are dying in this world? Why Christians are persecuted around the world, and discriminated in this country everyday?

We are given weapons to fight in this battle; they are outlined in Ephesians chapter 6. Prayer is the number one weapon we as Christ-followers have. We need only rely on God’s awesome power for protection. Using weapons such as prayer, faith, remembering our salvation experience, and God’s word will enable us to stand against the tricks of the devil.

Application – All Christ-followers are in a spiritual battle.

Challenge – Trust in God and ask Him to help you stand. Read your bible; stand in faith, and being reminded daily that you are a Christ-follower, and that the Blood that Jesus shed has made you righteous.

Tomorrows Readings:
Old Testament: Eccles 7-9 New Testament II Cor. 11:1-15