BGEA: Our pastor spoke on spiritual warfare, talking about how the devil and God are at war with each other. Is this true?

Our pastor spoke on spiritual warfare last week, talking about the way the devil and God are at war with each other, and how we are in the middle of this spiritual battle (if I understood him correctly). I had never heard this before. Is this true? — Mrs. J.F.

Yes, the Bible does teach that we are in the midst of an unseen spiritual conflict between God and Satan—one in which Satan is constantly trying to gain victory over us. The Bible says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against ... the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).

These are sobering words, and they should warn us to be on our guard, and not ignore our responsibility to believe in Christ and live for Him. They also should remind us of our need to face the devil and his temptations with God's strength, and not rely on our own resources to meet Satan's challenges.

This is why the Bible tells us to "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (Ephesians 6:11). Through prayer, through the truth of God's Word, through the Spirit, and through our fellowship with other believers we can resist the devil's assaults.

But you should remember two truths about the devil. First of all, he is a defeated foe! By His death and resurrection Jesus Christ overcame the devil, and someday He will come again to bring an end to Satan's influence over the universe. Second, when we know Christ, we are safe in God's hands forever. Is your faith and trust in Christ? Make sure of your commitment to Him today.

2 Comments

Vickie says 7.18.2012, 02:23 a.m.

For many many years I have known what satan(adversary) has done to/in my life...And I believe it has touched places where it was never suppose to end up...Through my own personal struggles and in that of being in the Faith. I can only begin to fathom

JO says 7.23.2011, 05:46 a.m.

Although I have often been taught and read about spiritual warfare, I have only recently begun to experience it (13 yr old Christian). I have recently been giving the 'Good News' at work and yesterday, while there, I felt, what I can only describe as a real sense of danger. I told myself that I was being paranoid but the fear kept growing. I prayed and read my daily verse (Psalm 37) which told me quite clearly to trust in God's strength and 'fret not', but I left work early in sheer panic. I have never felt such fear in my life and know that it was a cowardly act. Although I often boldly profess to 'trust in the Lord' with all my heart. When it came down to it, I didn't. I have prayed for forgiveness and will go back there next week. Please pray for me BGEA. "Our adversaries are many, as they will be if satan's kingdom is being shaken" (Wesley).