24.01.10 - Spiritual Warfare - Wounded In Your Battles?

Paul Loveday

Introduction
Some of the experiences I’ve had with spiritual warfare are a little awkward to share about. Others are easier. But in all of them God’s power was present – Jesus was there with me. There were lessons to learn. In some battles I’ve gone through unscathed, whereas in others it has not been the case.

Battle wounds tend to have happened when I’ve either been off guard, or when I entered into the battle already wounded. Going into spiritual battles unready or off-guard, and also wounded is not good.

Let me illustrate that for you.
E.g. On holiday walking around a lake being followed by a boy with evil spirit.
        Walking around a local bazaar in Karachi.

Last week I mentioned that spiritual warfare is unavoidable for Christians. Let’s not get too excited with the thought about encountering battles, but on the other hand, let’s not become complacent, and think they won’t happen.

First of all let’s refresh our memories about what I mentioned last week.

1. Why has a Christian been called into spiritual warfare?
• To carry on the ministry of Jesus
• For individual refining
• To glorify Jesus (To honour Jesus)
• Spiritual warfare is not an option

2. Where does spiritual warfare take place?
God in His Word speaks of three areas where we as Christians fight our spiritual battles.
• The flesh
• The World
• Satan and demons

We now pick up on some practical points about spiritual warfare.

3. When can a Christian expect battles to take place?
• After conversion (e.g. after Jesus’ baptism – Matt 4, Mk 1, Lk 4
Sin nature has a new opponent
Satan lost what he had stolen from God
      o Humankind is the only part of creation that bears God’s image. God is the rightful owner. Jesus redeemed what had been taken away. “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

I believe this is one of the reasons we have to be prepared to be prayerful for those whom we believe God is drawing to Himself – to bring them to faith in Jesus Christ.

• When serving God
Jesus led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit – after His baptism.
Satan tempted Him there
Satan left and would return at an opportune time. (Lk 4)

• When physically tired
Satan does not do battle as a gentleman. His attacks don’t come we feel ready for them. Being tired and worn out / down can leave us vulnerable to attack. Also in times of refreshment, such as holidays, when one can be off-guard. (E.g. Elijah lost perspective, became depressed after a major spiritual battle – 1 Kgs 19)

• When disappointments take place
Unexpected unpleasant circumstances (e.g. widow’s outburst when her son died – 1 Kings 17:17 – 18). This is more about God allowing what lies within us to be exposed / identified. Warfare bringing the need for personal edification / growth that honours God.
      o Watch for one’s reactivity. When squeezed by pressures look at the type of juice that comes out (James 3:1 -12). James speaks of the need to tame the tongue, of the mouth praising and cursing, that a spring cannot give both salty and fresh water, a fruit tree two types of fruit.
      o Watch for careless words, some of those throwaway comments that cut deeply. The effect can help turn people away from Jesus.

• If personal boundaries are removed
The effect can be similar to the removal of self-control.
      o Non-implementation of personal boundaries in regards to relationships, values and beliefs.
      o Can easily occur when in a different location away from supportive Christian fellowship / accountability structures. (This is fairly common when young people leave home or when parental / family oversight is removed).

• After some personal ministry achievements (successes)
      o part of refining process – God cleansing out the junk that will hinder future ministry (e.g. Elijah in 1 Kings 19)
      o Satan out to discredit (1 Peter 5:8) (To spoil credentials / good name)
      o World has its own mechanism – e.g. competitiveness
      o Reactions in other believers – their own sinful nature (e.g. resentment, jealousy)

• When ignorant
      o The example of Peter rebuking Jesus for speaking of His rejection and death (Matthew 16:22ff; Mark 8:32). Peter had some revelation – Jesus the Christ the Son of the living God – but lacked understanding. He was still ignorant on some things, many things.

• Attack after ground reclaimed
      o Healing – doubts can come. As the case in many situations this proverb has relevance, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV). Guard against doubts. Stand firm on what God has given. Doubt undermines faith.

But we have not been left defenceless. We cannot stand in our strength and power, we must be dependent upon God.

But in saying this, Jesus states very clearly we have some responsibility in order to stand. We must be alert / be watchful.

WATCHFUL / VIGILANT
• At the end of the age
Mark 13:32 – 37 three times Jesus says’ “Watch”
Mark 13:32-37
The Day and Hour Unknown
32"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

35"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' "

• At crucial ministry times
In the time of His own battle, in the Garden of Gethsemane Mark 14:32 – 42 three times Jesus says, “Watch”
Mark 14:32-42 - Gethsemane
32They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."

35Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36"Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."

37Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

39Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.

41Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

• The Apostle Peter’s warning to believers
When Peter tells his readers about their enemy being like a roaring lion 1 Peter 5:8
1 Peter 5:8-9
8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

• Against pride
The warning Jesus gave His disciples when speaking to Peter Luke 22:31 the ‘you’ is in the plural.
Luke 22:31 (New International Version)
31"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.

So, assuming we are going to be alert about the possibility of battles taking place, let’s look at the weapons of our warfare. Then we’ll be better able to stand.

Recognise if you’re going around the mountain again? E.g. A friend in Lower Hutt who had spent quite a lot of time ‘inside’. He could see that some of his behaviour was linked to habits / attitudes that would put him back inside prison. He could see that it was more about choosing to do battle differently. The battle first starts in our minds, recognising and choosing what form of response there will be. Seeking the Holy Spirit’s discernment.

Watch for symptoms of disunity and confusion
Being in agreement in prayer – in the blessings of God (Matt 18:19 20 – in the context of restoring relationships)

The evil one will actively try to bring division into our relationships
- Marriages
- Families
- Work places
- Friendships
- Christian ministry

2 Corinthians 10:3 – 6
"Indeed we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human standards; for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ. We are ready to punish every disobedience when your obedience is complete.”

4. What are the weapons of our warfare?
• Divine power
The gift of the Holy Spirit – the baptism which Jesus promised His followers – so that they could be His witnesses (Acts 1:8; Ephesians 5:18)
The gifts of the Holy Spirit

• Word of testimony
Jesus used Scripture to defeat Satan in the wilderness temptations (Matt 4:1 – 11, Luke 4:1 – 13)

• Faith in God
Hebrews 11; Matthew 21:22fig tree – mountain – believing prayer (; Mark 11:24 (faith in God – throw mountain in sea); Philippians 4:13 (“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

• In the name of Jesus
Luke 10:17 (the return of the 72 – demons submitted because of the authority Jesus had given them); Ephesians 1:18 – 23 (the power at work in us is that power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead); Philippians 2:9 – 11 (at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow); Acts 16:18 (a spirit cast out of the girl in Philippi); Revelation 12:7 – 12 (the devil, or Satan, hurled down and defeated by the blood of the Lamb and the word of believers’ testimony)

• The whole armour of God
All the armour comes through knowing the Word of God.

• Recognise the tactics of the Evil one
- brings doubt
- Sows unbelief
These are often expressed through our mouths – Proverbs 18:21.

• Fasting
Luke 5:35. Jesus speaking about the time when the “bridegroom will be taken away” and then those who follow Him will fast.

Some manuscripts include fasting in the comment made by Jesus when He talksa with His disciples following the healing of the by with an evil spirit (Mark 9:28).

The bottom line is obedience to what God says – in His Word and as directed by Holy Spirit. (Note: the Holy Spirit will never ask anything of us that contradicts God’s written Word.)

Some indicators about whether one is responding rightly in battle or fighting / walking away from active duty:
• Is what I’m doing lining up with God’s character – honouring Him?
• Is what I’m doing strengthening the fruit of the Holy Spirit in my life – shaping my character to look more like that of Jesus?
• Am I building others up or knocking them down – pointing them to Jesus?
• Am I relying on God, or am I relying on my own abilities, unpowered by God’s Spirit?

5. Dealing with wounds and maintaining the victory
• Come to Jesus Matthew 11:28-30
• Deal with sin God’s way, turning away from all known sin
• Seek Christian fellowship / friendship
• Worship God
Some other helpful tips
• Affirm what you believe
• Pray
• Serve God
• Cultivate good things
• Be an encourager
• Have total commitment to God
• Read the Word of God

Our Response
• What is your attitude to spiritual warfare?
• Alert and active?
• Passive or non-combative.
• Ready to take a fresh or new stand in the strength Jesus gives?