We’re living in crucial times, when we need to be more alert and aware than ever, refreshing ourselves in the spirit regarding the unfolding events around us.
A few of the principles in spiritual warfare might be a powerful revelation to some, and an important reminder to others.
James 4:7 — “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
The first principle is to submit to God. In that lies our victory! In our submission to God, to His will, to His working in us, through us and for us. That is one of the most powerful parts of our spiritual life.
The second principle is to resist the devil.
The Bible teaches us about victory in Christ, about God’s goodness and greatness, and all the wonderful things He does for us, yet the Bible also teaches us about our enemy; the devil, reminding us that we need to resist him, to be aware of his plotting.
While living in a physical world, we are surrounded by a spiritual reality, and are engaged in spiritual warfare that takes place all around us.
As important as it is to always remember that you are a Christian, a believer in Christ, it is equally important to remember that the devil will not flee from you just because of your Christian identity. The Bible clearly calls us to action, to be proactive in our fight against evil. We must resist the devil, and only then he will flee. It goes hand in hand.
I want to remind you that God is real! His Kingdom is powerful and His Spirit is moving and changing lives, but we have to remember there is also an enemy, who is actively fighting us, and we have to be aware of him so we can resist him.
Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual principalities and powers. The key is to submit to God and resist the devil, and he will flee!