Understanding the Battlefield

(Ephesians 6:11-12) “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

 

“We have enemies to fight against, a captain to fight for, a banner to fight under, and certain rules of war by which we are to govern ourselves. “Finally, my brethren (Eph_6:10), it yet remains that you apply yourselves to your work and duty as Christian soldiers.”” (Matthew Henry)

 

Have you ever consider who you talk to the most on any given day? Your reflex answer may be, my spouse, children and the like, but it is obvious we speak to ourselves more than anyone else. I am constantly engaging my brain about my standing before a holy God and it is in the mind where the battle is won or lost. But what chance do we have if we do not understand the battlefield? We will always be like water tossed to and fro by every thought and vain imagination that creeps up on us. This is where Satan attacks, just source enough doubt in one’s mind and his job is done. See Eve’s encounter in Genesis. It caused so much havoc that sin found life for the very first time in our world. Far more deadly than the Corona virus. What chance do those have who do not understand the battlefield? Zero! But by the grace of God here the Christian stands. I am constantly reminded not to be conceited regarding salvation and how it happened. It’s always the goodness of God that leads an individual to repentance. Why one and not another? God knows!

 

All the same, we must be prudent concerning the battlefield. Paul makes it very clear, that there is a war in the spiritual realm, an unseen realm that is as real as the crackle coming from my fire. We must not overlook the unseen enemy, their objective is to get us to fail. They have been commissioned by their king, Satan! He has ordered them to challenge daily living with an overarching objective to target the Christian and get them to curse God, so that they may die eternally. See Job chapter 2… Some of us may have witnessed demonic possession, that’s when a spirit enters a body and takes control. It is an undeniable event that is impossible to denounce. However, all of us have be subjugated to demonic oppression. Simply put, acting out against the will of God at any given time. It is often because we have been influenced by the scheme of the devils influence. How does it all work? He entices us with our weakness, that nagging thorn in our flesh that we find takes up most of our deliberation. If we are not yielding to it we are fighting to find grace to keep it at bay.

 

At this time, let me right another wrong that so many perceive to be the truth. Can a Christian be demon possessed? NO! Can a Christian be subdued (influenced) by a demon? YES! Here are two great example to illustrate my findings. Judas Iscariot walked amongst the disciples, he acted as one of them, but a time came when he was demon possessed, up until then he was full of trickery within the circle, he controlled the money bag and only ever swayed externally by evil forces and his own carnal lusts, see James 1 and 1John 2. I wonder how much talking Judas did with himself, concerning his actions? Then it happened, “Satan entered him”, took control of his actions; “Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.” (Luke 22:3)

– Here we can clearly see that Satan entered Judas and the next verse tells us of how he then went away looking to betray Jesus. An immediate fruit of possession, by intention he look to betray Jesus. Peter also gives us some insight to being influence by the devil. This speaks of oppression and not possession and yet they both have the same intent, to thwart the plans of God.

“From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.””  (Matthew 16:21-23) 

– Peter obviously believe he was acting to protect Christ from harm. Instantaneously the Lord turns to him pulling no punches as he automatically recognizes Satan’s influence over Peter. And addresses him as Satan, wow what a blow that must have been to Peter. I can only imagine what he had to deal with emotionally. But he obviously got through it, no differently to how we need to get through the challenges and influence that evil forces have over us. This is oppression and not possession. Churches that are constantly cursing out demons from believers have understood very little. A Christian’s body houses the Spirit of God, do you believe HE would allow the enemy to possess HIS abode? Does God allow Satan to sit on His throne? Although it is obvious that is what he wants, but it will never happen! So too, a demon will never possess a Christians body. Not to say their resolve may not be to try. They have and will continue to cause havoc wherever a door is left slightly ajar.

 

What are we to do? We need to stand believing in the finished work of our beloved Saviour and then take up the whole armour of God if we are to overcome, Dressing for battle is a fortitude of faith, which feeds our hope. One day very soon, we will see our King reigning over all, where every knee will bow to Him and confess Him as Lord. How I long for that day, even so come quickly LORD JESUS.

 

 

“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

 

 

Signing off

 

 

Tyrone