Spiritual Warfare

The subject of spiritual warfare is too often confusing for us.  Why?  Because we get sidetracked by auxiliary issues instead of the main one, which is personal holiness and the obedience of faith.  

All of us are under spiritual attack.  That's a given.  But rather than obsessing about demons and a thousand other things, Scripture teaches us what spiritual warfare really is and, importantly, how to fight it.  It's simple, yes, but not easy.  The Christian warrior is devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ and thus leads a life of gratitude, humility and submission to Him.  The world, the flesh, and the Devil will all conspire against us in  this regard.  

As we grow in personal holiness, becoming more like Him, we do this by staying in the Word, through biblical prayer, and, yes, corporate worship.  Many speak of doing great things for the Lord and yet eschew the basics.  That's actually a clear sign that we're losing the fight.  Real spiritual warfare is fought by Christians who spend time in the Word, in prayer, and in fellowship with other believers - all learning through faithful teaching/preaching.  If we're living fleshly lives, dominated by sin - by envy, conflict, lust, anger, etc. - then we're "losing" the battle.  Fortunately, there's grace to be found if this is where you're at right now.  The goal of life is to become Christ-like; the goal of the Enemy is to prevent this.  That's the heart and soul of spiritual warfare right there.