what is spiritual warfare

[NewCreation435]

In Ephesians 6:12-18 it says 2 For our struggle is not against [e]flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 [f]in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 [g]With all prayer and petition [h]pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

So it appears that Paul was affirming that spiritual warfare is a real thing and that as a believer we have armor available to us. How do you think you are attacked in spiritual warfare? What tips would you give a new believer going through a tough time or anyone going through a hard time? What works for you?

Part of the reason I am asking is because I feel like I am being attacked on a daily basis in different ways. I have lost my patience almost everyday lately and my faith seems small to me. I haven't really had a good year and feel like that while I haven't done anything horrible that I am not in the same place I was a year ago or even 5 years ago.

 

[Tigger]

The word of God tells us to fan the flames the the gift of faith. For me it can be reading writings from Martin Luther.

 

[Cassia]

In Ephesians 6:12-18 it says 2 For our struggle is not against [e]flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 [f]in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 [g]With all prayer and petition [h]pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

So it appears that Paul was affirming that spiritual warfare is a real thing and that as a believer we have armor available to us. How do you think you are attacked in spiritual warfare? What tips would you give a new believer going through a tough time or anyone going through a hard time? What works for you?

Part of the reason I am asking is because I feel like I am being attacked on a daily basis in different ways. I have lost my patience almost everyday lately and my faith seems small to me. I haven't really had a good year and feel like that while I haven't done anything horrible that I am not in the same place I was a year ago or even 5 years ago.

Spiritual warfare is something that everyone deals with because that's the world we live in. Christians have the armour in the gospel, His righteousness, His truth, His salvation His covering for us. The only armour we don't have covering for is on the back. I think that's where pride either covers or maybe it's that we are not to turn from God but when we do He's got us covered.
Remembering that satan's rule is behind every dart thrown helps to put things in perspective of hating the sin but loving the sinner.
There's no way to get around flesh's outbursts either but in trusting in God to heal all that arises because it's just the world's groaning for release. Sounds corny but that's how I see it.

PS the only armour that is ours for attacks against the powers coming against us is faith and the word of God, our shield and sword.

 

[Lamb]

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. (1 Peter 5:8-9)

Going through tough times makes us want to think God has abandoned us as the devil beats us down But Jesus said He would be with us always so we know he isn't a liar even when we can't see him beside us. Our faith will be shaken but don't give up hope. It's the blood of the lamb spilt on the cross that upsets the enemy. The devil wants you to turn away from the Savior and feel doomed.

Are you being attacked by Satan or is it just a normal breakdown of the body? It's hard to say. Satan won't want to take the credit though...he'll blame it on God.

The verse you quoted says to stand firm. Keep reading your bible, go to church if you are able to be fed on God's Word, sing hymns and pray. We aren't guaranteed a happy life here and now but our joy will come when Jesus returns and we will be with him for all eternity. All that pain and suffering you have now will be no more.

 

[NewCreation435]

I've come to the conclusion that the devil doesn't care if he is on the throne of someone's life. as long as God's is not that is good enough for him. He will use anything and anyone, even some people who call themselves christians, to discourage you in your walk. People are so careless in what they say and don't realize how much hurt they do.

 

[Cassia]

I've come to the conclusion that the devil doesn't care if he is on the throne of someone's life. as long as God's is not that is good enough for him. He will use anything and anyone, even some people who call themselves christians, to discourage you in your walk. People are so careless in what they say and don't realize how much hurt they do.

If God is not on the throne then the devil wins by default.

 

[pinacled]

If God is not on the throne then the devil wins by default.

The Heavenly Throne?

A woman should know better.
The moon is at her feet

There is a difference in the bread and the water.

 

[faramir.pete]

Jsimms435 you seem to have a firm grasp of the scriptures regarding the subject of spiritual warfare so why not read a little more widely on the topic. There are a number of very good books by respectable Christians that speak of methods to fight the battle in which we all find ourselves.

There are in fact so many, each focussing on this from the many different perspectives of their own particular brand of christianity, so it may be difficult to find a balanced view. It is very true that too much is as bad a too little in respect of a view of spiritual warfare.

Personally I would recomend books by John Eldredge, in particular Waking the Dead as a starting point. But that is my own personal perspective and he may not appeal to your taste.


Pete from Peterborough UK

 

[TurtleHare]

Jsimms435 you seem to have a firm grasp of the scriptures regarding the subject of spiritual warfare so why not read a little more widely on the topic. There are a number of very good books by respectable Christians that speak of methods to fight the battle in which we all find ourselves.

There are in fact so many, each focussing on this from the many different perspectives of their own particular brand of christianity, so it may be difficult to find a balanced view. It is very true that too much is as bad a too little in respect of a view of spiritual warfare.

Personally I would recomend books by John Eldredge, in particular Waking the Dead as a starting point. But that is my own personal perspective and he may not appeal to your taste.


Pete from Peterborough UK

Your recommending a book other than the bible to someone asking about spiritual warfare, now ain't that a bit concerning?

 

[IACOBVS]

Your recommending a book other than the bible to someone asking about spiritual warfare, now ain't that a bit concerning?

I'm not a big fan of much of what is called spiritual warfare by most churches that use that term, but if someone is one, and knows of a resource which supports that theology, there's nothing wrong with that person offering it. The Bible itself is actually quite sketchy on the topic, so other books would be helpful.

 

[faramir.pete]

Your recommending a book other than the bible to someone asking about spiritual warfare, now ain't that a bit concerning?

Actually it could be, you are so right. But before you get too concerned, perhaps it would be a good idea to check it out. John Eldredge bases all of his teaching firmly in the bible. Now I could tryto reproduce his teaching here, but that seems rather pointless as he has already written a book that covers it all.

And in any case I am not aware of any prohibition in recomending books other than the Bible. I don't think the Bible is the only source God uses to inform us of His will and teaching in any case.


Pete from Peterborough UK

 

[Pedrito]

And here was Pedrito labouring under a serious misapprehension.

Pedrito thought that spiritual warfare was when priests, ministers and pastors from the same religions or Christian denominations, on different sides in wartime, prayed to their God for victory for their side. And when they prayed that their soldiers who were about to go and kill others on the other side, would be protected.

We live and learn.

 

[MoreCoffee]

And here was Pedrito labouring under a serious misapprehension.

Pedrito thought that spiritual warfare was when priests, ministers and pastors from the same religions or Christian denominations, on different sides in wartime, prayed to their God for victory for their side. And when they prayed that their soldiers who were about to go and kill others on the other side, would be protected.

We live and learn.

That's tribal warfare.

 

[NewCreation435]

Your recommending a book other than the bible to someone asking about spiritual warfare, now ain't that a bit concerning?

So you never seek advise from others? Isn't that a bit arrogant

 

[MoreCoffee]

"spiritual warfare" doesn't mean much of anything that can't be covered by less dramatic phrases. For example, if you're tempted to sin by something you cannot completely control - for example street sign advertising - then if you pray to God that the temptation either be removed or that he grant you the grace and fortitude to resist it you're praying for help not engaging in "spiritual warfare".

 

[psalms 91]

How about principalities and powers, spiritual wickedness in high places? Spiritual warfare is all about prayer and coming against the forces of evil, fasting, fervant continuous prayer

 

[MoreCoffee]

How about principalities and powers, spiritual wickedness in high places? Spiritual warfare is all about prayer and coming against the forces of evil, fasting, fervant continuous prayer

"coming against"? The prayers in holy scripture are prayer to God, addressed to God, and usually about sins, forgiveness, help in times of need, and blessing to others. Where's there's a "coming against" prayer?

 

[Pedrito]

Post #12: “And here was Pedrito labouring under a serious misapprehension.

Pedrito thought that spiritual warfare was when priests, ministers and pastors from the same religions or Christian denominations, on different sides in wartime, prayed to their God for victory for their side. And when they prayed that their soldiers who were about to go and kill others on the other side, would be protected.

We live and learn. ”


Post #13: “That's tribal warfare.”


If that be so, then Pedrito must ask why those priests, ministers and pastors who did the praying to the same “Christian” God, did not desist from that practice. And why did the church leaders on both sides not speak out strongly against it? And were not ordinary “dedicated” Christians concurring with their shepherds by praying for exactly the same things?

==============================================================================================

Is this not yet another example of worldly loyalties interfering with and overriding God’s revealed desires and truth?

Prejudice is insidious. It masks itself as something positive, something worthy of being defended.

Step back, and consider how skilfully Satan, who disguises himself as an angel of light, has infiltrated and influenced Christendom as we see it today – awash with conflicting loyalties.

And how many “dedicated Christians” do we see who are willing to step up to the plate, step out of their comfort zone, and step into the fray, to do something about it?

Would the accurate answer be: “Not many”?

 

[MoreCoffee]

Post #12: “And here was Pedrito labouring under a serious misapprehension.

Pedrito thought that spiritual warfare was when priests, ministers and pastors from the same religions or Christian denominations, on different sides in wartime, prayed to their God for victory for their side. And when they prayed that their soldiers who were about to go and kill others on the other side, would be protected.

We live and learn. ”


Post #13: “That's tribal warfare.”


If that be so, then Pedrito must ask why those priests, ministers and pastors who did the praying to the same “Christian” God, did not desist from that practice.

Because their tribe was at war and their loyalty to tribe affected them deeply so they prayed that God would help their loved ones. It is not so much "divided loyalties" as loyalty born out of love. It is sanctimonious "more holy than thou" talk to condemn them for praying for the preservation of the people that they love.

And why did the church leaders on both sides not speak out strongly against it?

church leaders often speak against war but they are not the ones who decide that matter in most cases. And sometimes war is forced upon a people. Democracies usually do not wage aggressive war and when they do then Christian ministers are often leaders of those who resist the war. Nevertheless when your friends and family are at stake even if the war is aggressive it is right to pray for them.

And were not ordinary “dedicated” Christians concurring with their shepherds by praying for exactly the same things?

==============================================================================================

Is this not yet another example of worldly loyalties interfering with and overriding God’s revealed desires and truth?

No

Prejudice is insidious. It masks itself as something positive, something worthy of being defended.

Step back, and consider how skilfully Satan, who disguises himself as an angel of light, has infiltrated and influenced Christendom as we see it today – awash with conflicting loyalties.

And how many “dedicated Christians” do we see who are willing to step up to the plate, step out of their comfort zone, and step into the fray, to do something about it?

Would the accurate answer be: “Not many”?

 

[psalms 91]

"coming against"? The prayers in holy scripture are prayer to God, addressed to God, and usually about sins, forgiveness, help in times of need, and blessing to others. Where's there's a "coming against" prayer?

Does not Paul tell us to wage warfare? It is obvious that you will not understand me so I am done, should have known better