Spiritual Warfare - 5

Taking my stand with GOD


Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;  Ephesians 6:10-17 (NKJV)

Once we find our position in the Lord, the enemy will do his part to oust us from this position. Therefore we are exhorted to stand, withstand stand and stand!

1. I stand in this position of submission to the Holy Spirit, overcoming my flesh, pleasing Him and not my selfish lusts.

Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.   1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (NKJV)

2. Following JESUS and not overtaking Him.

 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” 23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”   Matthew 16:21-23 (NKJV)

It is Satan who tries to put us ahead of GOD. In that position, not only are we in danger but we are also a hindrance to the work of GOD.

 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.    Matthew 10:38 (NKJV)

3. Fearing GOD and not Satan or man.

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.   Matthew 10:28 (NKJV)

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.   1 John 4:4 (NKJV)

We need to understand that Satan can only touch us as and when GOD permits.

 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. 7 And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” 8 Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” 9 So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” 12 And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.   Job 1:6-12 (NKJV)

 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.   Luke 22:31 (NKJV)