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Spiritual War: Continual Protection Against the Enemy

 


Although we should take up the offense against the Enemy, we must also be able to defend ourselves against his attacks and counterattacks.

The more effective we are in our attack with the gospel, the more we will be counter-attacked. People who are ineffective with the gospel are not usually the ones who get martyred.

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12).

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:10–15).

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (1 Pet. 5:8–9).

At the same time, the Enemy has no effective defense against our offense.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (Jas. 4:7).

“Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (1 Pet. 5:9).

The church of Christ has been ordered and equipped, in order that she might take the offensive in every part of the world through praying, preaching, and love. This offensive includes evangelism everywhere by every believer.

But there have been many instances when the Church as a whole has not taken this offensive. It has been sleeping or on the defensive. Consequently, our homes, churches, cities, schools, and colleges have been taken over by the Enemy.

(To be continued…)


*Excerpted from Weapons & Tactics. To purchase, visit ccmbooks.org/bookstore.

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