Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual Warfare 2 Tim. 3:1

In this war success for the Christian will depend in a large measure on recognizing the work of the devil and knowing how to defeat and expel him from every situation.

Christians must be able to handle the weapons of God successfully in order to overcome satan.

Our culture tried to reduce all life to natural cause & effect, interplay of atoms, reaction of chemicals etc. Yet scripture and tradition, and personal experience all testify to the presence of a personal evil force opposing God and the plan of God.

Satan exists; he wields tremendous power, as a fallen angel he still possesses some of the power and majesty of his angelic nature.

However, Satan and his angels shudder with fear before God and His son Jesus (James 2:19)

Those united with God through Jesus Christ need not fear the force of the evil one, for “he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4)

The power of God brings freedom from satan’s control.

The world - our social & cultural environment whose system of relationship, trends, values, & ideas are separated, opposed or against the kingdom of God. Authority, relationships in the family, in government are warped by competitions, mistrust, resentments, manipulation. Men & women relationships are poisoned by fear, suspicion, exploitation, all these are bent by the will to dominate. All these patterns are contrary to God’s desire.

The Flesh – our self sufficient human nature which operates independently of God, separated from God. Functioning apart from God & thus acting in opposition to Him.

The devil – the fallen angel.