-Author D. Vincent Bud Ford
Spiritual warfare prayers are more important now than they ever were before. What do you think of when you hear the phrase "spiritual warfare"? If you have images of the latest supernatural Hollywood blockbuster on the brain, you might want to reconsider. Unfortunately, it seems that the subject of spiritual warfare has two main camps, those who do not believe in it at all and those who see demonic activity in every aspect of life. Both of these camps are reluctant to talk about the subject albeit for vastly different reasons.
Biblical Concept
The truth is if you are going to believe in God, the Bible is your guidance system. It is this authority you should turn to for more information on the subject. The Bible clearly states that Satan and demonic activity are a reality. It is not presented in some spooky, hocus pocus sense but matter of factly. The truth is, if you are going to take any part of the Bible as fact, then you must accept the entire writing, which includes the presence of demons, Satan, possession and spiritual warfare.
Do Not Fear
In the Bible the phrase "do not fear" is repeated several times, even when it comes to the activities of dark spirits. Jesus has overcome the power of darkness and indeed the entire world; so as a Christian, there is little to worry about. The problem is, many Christians do not understand their place, especially as it relates to spiritual warfare.
Jesus came to the world to save it, and upon his death He took the keys of death, hell and the grave. He ascended to Heaven where he is seated at the right hand of God; as believers, we are united with Him, far above demonic activity.
Prayer
Spiritual warfare will not be fought with weapons made of human hands. Instead, it will be waged in prayer by believers and with the believers on their knees. Christians do not fight against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places, Ephesians 6:12. When the disciples asked Jesus how they were to pray, the answer He gave was The Lord's Prayer, which is key when it comes to spiritual warfare.
One thing you should know about prayer in general and not just as it pertains to spiritual warfare; it needs to be fervent and continuous in nature. Take the example of Christ in the garden just before he was to be taken and crucified. Jesus prayed until his sweat was as droplets of blood! This would be the very definition of fervent and intense prayer.
Conclusion
Spiritual warfare is not a new age concept. It was dealt with in the biblical text at some length. Jesus dealt with the man who was demon possessed from the area of Gadarenes. Even his disciples talked about those demons they could not cast out and He replied to them that some would not be moved accept through prayer and fasting! Dealing with Satan and his horde is not fairy tale fodder; it is a fact of the world you live in.
There is Practical Spiritual Warfare which all of us deal with each and every day; it shows up in the simple, everyday happenings of life. The important thing to remember is not to overplay or underplay its significance in your life of as a Christian and to fervently pray. Satan and his demons must flee at the name of Jesus Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment