The war begins with me…

Spiritual warfare is a struggle between light and darkness. God has secured the victory, but Satan still attempts to wage war against God and His people. Light is sourced in God and infuses all that is good; darkness is sourced in Satan and permeates all that is evil. Many verses speak about this:

For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness. (Psalm 18:28)
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. (Isaiah 9:2)
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)
And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. (John 3:19)
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ (Acts 26:18)
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. (Ephesians 5:11)
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, (Colossians 1:13)

All believers face spiritual warfare, sometimes very clear and evident, but often subtle and elusive. The victory is in direct proportion to our obedience to Jesus Christ, not at all by our own strength or  strategies. Romans 6:16 says, “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” Putting on the full armor of God is also key in battling against evil. It is described in Ephesians 6:11-17. This is not a magical formula but truth in a word picture. For example, the belt of truth is knowing and obeying the truth in God’s Word.

However, stepping out of God’s will opens the door to Satan’s destructive power, even though he also attacks when I am right in the middle of God’s will. “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7) is the promise to lean on. Also, I’m not to give up too quickly. Resist until victory comes.

Since I can only wage this war from a point of strength, I need to keep short accounts with God regarding sin. Three areas need discerning and protection…

A strong mind takes every thought captive…

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:1–5)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)

A pure heart involves emotions and attitudes…

See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled. (Hebrews 12:15)
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19) Also James 1:14-27.

Guard my mouth because…

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. (Proverbs 18:21)
For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body…. And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell… but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing…(James 3:2–12)

PRAY: Jesus, just reading these verses shows me the importance of obedience to getting my prayers answered for others. If I’m not right with You, You will deal with me before You respond to my requests. Not only that, praying has far greater power than many realize. If my prayers are selfishly motivated so I will be more comfortable, shame on me. Purify my heart and may I be properly clothed in the armor of prayer — always — and for Your glory!