God's Chosen: Understanding Spiritual Warfare

GOD’S CHOSEN:

UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL WARFARE

G. GRACE SMALL

Copyright © 2013 Grace Small.

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ISBN: 978-1-4497-7987-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-7986-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-7988-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012923837

WestBow Press rev. date: 1/15/2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword

Commendation

Acknowledgement

Preface

Spiritual Wickedness: A Perspective Akin to Warfare

Challenge

Introduction

Ephesians 6:10-18

Working Definition of Spiritual Warfare

Background Facts and Overview

Chapter 1: Strength In God

Chapter 2: God’s Mighty Power

Chapter 3: God’s Armor

Chapter 4: Stand

Chapter 5: The True Focus of Spiritual Warfare

Chapter 6: Gird Your Loins with Truth

Chapter 7: Breastplate of Righteousness

Chapter 8: The Gospel of Peace

Chapter 9: The Shield of Faith

Chapter 10: The Helmet of Salvation

Chapter 11: The Sword of the Spirit

Chapter 12: Spiritual Prayer

Chapter 13: Spiritual Supplication

Chapter 14: Spiritual Watchfulness

About the Author

Biographical Sketch

Testimony

Bibliography

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book to my children Javin, Jasheene, Sr. and Taeshia. Your hopes, faith, and love for God are strong. I boldly declare over each of you, God’s best and His full restoration. I encourage you to be bold for God, be strong in His name and put on His entire armor. Stand against the wiles of Satan. God stands with you and defends you. Satan cannot prevail against you. His reign of terror is temporary. I have great confidence in our awe-inspiring God. He loves you eternally. Believe it with all your hearts. God began a good work which He plans to complete. I pray victory, liberation and triumph for each of you in Jesus Name, Amen.

To my five grandchildren Isaiah, Imani, Jasheene Jr., Jeremiah and Jacob, I pray this work offers you a legacy in the years to come.

To my late mother who fathered me in this world, thank you for the sacrifices you made to give me better opportunities. Above all, thank you for turning your life over to God in Christ and for living for Him. Watching your faithfulness, dedication and commitment to God over the years helped to strengthen my resolve to serve Him. You were a good example of someone enduring hardship like a good soldier. You showed fervor, boldness and tenacity for God. You were faithful serving Him. I praise God on every remembrance of you and although you did not live to see the finished product, I know you would have rejoiced to know what God has done.

To my readers, this work took a few years to complete. God commissioned the writing in 2005. At the beginning of the call, I didn’t understand the degree to which spiritual forces came against believers and against obedience to God’s work. But God allowed me to pass through many battles. So, this book on spiritual warfare comes not merely from head knowledge but from personal experience coupled with research and study.

God afforded me opportunities to teach the subject. But I am still learning. Battles rage and Satan uses similar means to carry out evil goals. Nevertheless, Christians soon forget lessons taught and surprise attacks by Satan continue consistently. The message of Christ’s love and help amid trying times ministered to me. It helped me speak from the heart those truths about God, Satan and the warfare we conduct victoriously. Ensuring truth called for heavy reliance on Scriptural authority for correct application. All glory belongs to God for every valley, every hill and every darkened place where the light of His glory shone through to illumine the pathway.

Most importantly, to my great God, You are Jehovah, Savior, friend and Redeemer. Jesus Christ, my soul’s lover, first in my life. And to my Comforter, teacher, guide and anointer, the Holy Spirit – thank You for pouring Your goodness into my life. Thank You for permeating my entire being with the blanket of Your love. Thank you for inspiring courage, boldness, confidence, faith, hope, love and perseverance. Thank You, for writing my name in Your book of life. I ask You to use this work to bless lives, transform them into Your glory and image of Christ. Strengthen, encourage, fortify, use mightily those called to Your Kingdom for this time!

Life is war. That’s not all it is. But it is always that…But most people do not believe this in their hearts. Most people show by their priorities and their casual approach to spiritual things that they believe we are in peacetime, not wartime…Very few people think that we are in a war that is greater than World War II, or than any imaginable nuclear war. Few reckon that Satan is a much worse enemy than any earthly foe, or realize that the conflict is not restricted to any one global theater, but is in every town and city in the world…

By John Piper, Let the Nations Be Glad, p. 41-45.

FOREWORD

Commendation

In this work Minister G. Grace Small shares her spiritual insights with readers. This high-energy resource offers readers:

•   Godly counsel on the genesis of spiritual warfare

•   Tips on distinguishing between human strength and divine strength

•   An overwhelming sense that Engagement in the battle brings triumphant victories

•   Real life inspirational revelation in Ephesians 6:10-18 and awareness on progression necessary to put on God’s armor

As you read the chapters you will find the fiber of your faith strengthened. You also see a gospel minister faithfully offering her gifts and talent to God to be a blessing in the lives of those among whom God placed her in this present age.

Rev. Robin Dixon-Floyd, M. Div.

Pastor, New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

South Bay, Florida

Acknowledgement

It is fitting to recognize some key people who believed in the God-inspired vision to write this book. Not only did they believe but they did not think it difficult to give time to reading, discussing and recommending techniques needed to strengthen the contents of the book. They lent expertise, encouragement and patience, to help me wait and accept God’s standard of excellence to work out principles of spiritual warfare and promote understanding.

These important people include: Lorna Danvers, my close friend and protégé whom I love dearly since we labored together in New York. She epitomizes true Christian love and friendship with her sparkling smile and ready encouragement and consistent prayer. Angela Sutherland, a trusted friend and Sister-in-Christ who helped type corrections, read portions of the manuscript and provided much needed encouragement. She stood with me during trying times ministering to various needs. Angela displays Christ-in-action as she shows the love of God and a growing desire for maturity in Christ. My eleven year old granddaughter, Imani Ward also helped with typing a part of the edited document and wanted to do far more than I allowed. She is such a precious gem. Winsome Smith and Sonia Townsend, my cousins helped to make this book a reality by lending their assistance in a critical moment. They have also encouraged and ministered their love for which I am grateful. Additionally, the Editorial and Production Teams of Westbow Press have expertly, excellently and competently guided me through the publishing process. I want to specifically thank Nicole Cruz, Justin Swing, Mateo Palos and Eugene Hopkins for their patience, assistance and guidance.   

Importantly, I recognize the work of countless researchers whose comprehensive composition provided perceptible information that lent itself to develop this book. Efforts of all authors listed proved worthwhile to cull an astute understanding of spiritual warfare. I am better because of them and I praise God for their undertaking. Finally, pastors, their wives, church leaders and various congregations have sown into my life the Word of God. They have, counseled and provided opportunities to serve the body of Christ. I applaud and celebrate each one! All glory, honor and praise to Christ our King.

PREFACE

Spiritual Wickedness: A Perspective Akin to Warfare

And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down…Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time (Rev. 12:7-10, 12).

Conversations about spiritual warfare must consider spiritual wickedness which is at the heart of spiritual war. Evil and wickedness attempt to thwart holiness and goodness in the earth. Satan and demons use evil and wicked deeds to meet goals of human destruction. Interwoven by discussion, the text speaks to these causes. Therefore, it is necessary to define more fully evil and wickedness. A summary view appears here with fuller details expanding the scope of these ideas in chapter 5 where it more appropriately fits with the true nature of the fight. Setting the stage for a proper discussion on spiritual warfare warrants a brief look at Revelation 12:7-10, 12 which gives us a picture of end times. Our text tells us that war broke out in heaven. War broke out in heaven and continues unseen throughout worldly spheres because of rebellion and pride. Satan, led by these vices revolted against God and heaven’s hosts. God does not tolerate such roguishly disgusting and unpleasant behavior where He lives – He takes no pleasure in wickedness. He forbids evil rejecting such foolishness despite His loving nature.

Biblical imagery depicts war from Genesis to Revelation. John’s vision of war in heavenly places was not merely misfortune but victory. Encouraged, believers celebrate this fact. Scripture clearly reveals Satan’s inability to enter war with God Almighty. Rather, he engages heavenly hosts, angels created as he, to worship and serve God.

War occurred between Michael, the archangel and Satan, the Dragon. Scripture depicts two created beings and those angels who allied with them fighting in heavenly realms. Michael, an angel of high rank, contends with Satan because he is leader of God’s angelic army. God created and bequeathed Michael with gifts for this role in heaven and on earth. Scripture warns Satan is a powerfully fierce paranormal being. He is seriously sinister. Michael has more power equipping Him for Satan’s defeat. Unbelievably, spiritual in nature and context, an invisible world exists. On earth, unseen angels battle demons trying to control human affairs and events. Use of deceptive tactics draws people into every evil work and wickedness. The goal is to sever human connection with God. Satan’s army consists of angels that followed him in rebellion becoming demons. From birth on human beings mainly recognize those people and matters familiar to the senses. These trap them to live chiefly in the natural world where deception and manipulation by demonic influences are easy. Spirituality lays dormant until Jesus comes. Raising the reality of need for a Savior lies centrally in human souls. A great awakening within the individual’s spirit takes place. Some Christians grow to notice varying spirits working in different environments. Learning to manage unseen spirits comes after spiritual awakening. Still, some Christians believe only what they can see. Unseen forces or spiritual realms are nonexistent to them. They believe we chart our own course and decide our own destiny with no or slight involvement from God. Hard work and good choices by the individual is what makes the difference between success and failure. Good choices are important. But God is at work in human lives, often bringing about good when choices meet with spiritual lack. The person who relies on individual capacities to work hard and make good choices takes complete credit for success. In such an atmosphere, people downgrade God’s importance and refuse Him glory.

Recently, researchers tried to gauge Christians’ thoughts on the devil. The Barna Group shows that almost 60% of Americans believe Satan is not a living being but is merely a symbol of evil. Regrettably, 45% of born-again Christians challenge Satan’s existence (2009). This is alarming since the Scriptures tell us the devil is our enemy and he "walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8). Jesus tells us Satan is the evil one (Matt. 6:13). He is Beelzebub, prince of demons (Matt. 12:24) and murderer – father of lies (Jn. 8:44). He is also ruler of this world" (Jn. 14:30). What’s the importance? If Christians do not believe they have a real live archenemy, the likelihood of them understanding spiritual warfare is slim to none. And their interest in learning to engage the enemy and confront demons through spiritual strategy disappears. Christians naturally walk in defeated, traveling blindly to heaven, becoming discouraged and easily giving up on God. Heeding biblical warning compels belief of its records. Scriptural warnings issued throughout the Bible tell of daily war and encourages preparation to guard against defeat. We must guard against defeat even though our Savior secured victory. Jesus’ conquest reigns on earth and in heavenly realms.

Revelation 12:4 calls attention to Satan’s original rebellion against God. His tail swept away a third of heaven’s stars. These stars stand for angels giving support to Beelzebub. Scripture shows Satan as "a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads (Rev. 4:3) and reveals Lucifer’s beastly nature. Humanity must fight with this devil. Christians in particular deal with an unseen monster. His chief aim is destruction by whatever means necessary. Unsaved individuals serve Lucifer and are eventually damned to that fiery pit called hell. Salvation from hell comes to human beings by turning to God and away from sin. Dragon means a mythical monster or a large serpent" because of the keen power of sight it owns. Biblically, its use suggests the devil and shows the powerful force of darkness. Christians must contend with Satan until Jesus returns for His Bride.

Although Lucifer and his demons’ wickedness began in heaven where their revolt took place, they were not strong enough to defeat God’s holy angels. Instead, they were propelled by God’s angels who powerfully threw them down from heaven. There was no longer a place for them in heaven so their expulsion led them to earth. Wickedness reveals rebellion and revolt. Christians must gain understanding to more fully grasp the depth of spiritual warfare they face. Vigilance in awareness toward rebellion and revolt is critical. It helps ensure exercising diligence towards keeping pure, sanctified and surrendered hearts to Christ and avoiding devotion to demonic spirits.

God’s Chosen: Understanding Spiritual Warfare contains fourteen chapters based on Ephesians 6:10-18. The first chapter stresses the importance of God’s strength in beginning and continuing war for souls individually and collectively. The human strength is no match for demonic and satanic spirits and taunts. The believer must both understand and take the measure of God’s strength needed to fight successfully the good fight akin to faith in Jesus Christ. Chapter two defines the principles of God’s mighty power and shows how outside this power Christians fail. David’s many testimonies of skilled warfare resulted from knowledge gained, and utter dependence on God’s might. His testimonies also guide us to seek, discover and use God’s mighty power to win the battle in every circumstance.

Chapter three provides the grounds for heightened progression toward putting on God’s armor. It examines the need for salvation which enables reliance on God’s Word and laws for defense. Taking on the Spirit of Jesus Christ for victory is dependent on this act. Chapter four encourages believers to be firm in commitment and faith towards God. It also promotes the belief that God is the Commander of His own army. Dedication and belief produce victory. Chapter five discusses the real place of the conflict, the place of spiritual war for Christians. It compares the struggles of physical life to the demands of spiritual life lived out in an environment of hostility to godly living. Chapter six describes God’s Word as relevant and infallible truth. Jesus Christ is Truth and embodies the Word. Freedom comes from Him as believers receive and live in His Word.

In Jesus lies strength and procreative power. This power surrounds believers and keeps us constrained by God’s love. Living in Jesus covers and shelters individuals from danger. Chapter seven importantly underscores the breastplate as a garment covering believers all around. Specifically, this chapter reveals Jesus as Righteousness to believers. Jesus supports the believer, covers and protects individual Christians from vulnerability to Satan’s arrows. Chapter eight highlights managing the gospel properly. Preaching God’s Word is essential to Christian vitality. Chapter nine aids understanding and recognition of those signs alerting detection to faith action and provides signals to the contrary. It also offers suggestions on ways we can correct our lack of faith and restore possession of faith. A faith necessary for fruitfulness in taking dominion over territories the enemy once held. Chapter ten reveals how the mind by trusting in Christ for salvation receives protection. Examination of ideas on how the mind differs in treatment within Old and New Testaments are also conducted. Chapter eleven explores the Word as the sure foundation on which every Christian’s life rests. The Word is an essential and important weapon in spiritual warfare. War warrants the use of different weaponry. God’s Word is integral to such weaponry. Christians must use the Word with all other pieces of God’s armor to achieve success. Effectiveness and victory is impossible outside the Word.

Chapter twelve underscores those ideas of intellectual or natural prayer versus prayer in spiritual realms. It also looks at tendencies toward focusing on worldly matters. It explores some ways Satan preys on Christians in various spheres of life. Chapter thirteen highlights pleading with God as part of prayer. The chapter shows differences between just praying and begging God. The final chapter, fourteen, defines watchfulness based on Christian responsibility. Believers become aware of opportunities to seek God. And watch in prayer for others, helping to ensure God’s will in individuals’ lives, individually and corporately.

Challenge

Writing a spiritual warfare book embodies hope and prayer for many blessings. Optimistically, the expectation is for God to fill each reader’s life with power, victory and triumph. It is anticipated many warriors receive strength, are sent forward with some given birth. The prayer rests in hope for soldiers to arise equipped for battle. For discouraged Christians to again boldly engage or reengage Satan in warfare. Hopefully they step forward bravely and fight. God is sought for a better understanding of both purpose and significance of the fight. The longing and yearning is for believers to go from victory to victory, eternally triumphing in Jesus Christ.

Personally, I pause to say, speak Lord, thy servants hear You. What do You say to us about spiritual warfare, about becoming warriors and soldiers conducting warfare in Zion? What do You speak to us Lord? Please speak to us as with weakened and feeble knees we no longer vigorously seek Your face. We have become complacent and apathetic, lamps untrimmed. Little oil remains in our lamps and the Bridegroom might put in His appearance. We run away from You when we ought to run toward You. We continue to be preoccupied with material and physical prosperity and become too comfortable. Speak Lord, Your servants hear You!

Each reader is challenged to ask: Where are the warriors in Zion? Where are the soldiers clad for the battle? Have you stepped forward? If you have indeed stepped forward, are you prepared? Have you gained strength in God, His power and might? Have you put on the whole armor of God? Can you stand up to Satan’s wiles? Are you actively wrestling against principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness in heavenly places? Have you taken on the whole armor of God? Can you stand in the evil day after you have done all? Are your loins girded about with truth? Do you have on the breastplate of righteousness? Are your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace? Significantly, if not most importantly, have you taken the shield of faith with you to quench the fiery darts of the wicked? Have you taken salvation’s helmet? You must take it on this Christian journey! Can you use God’s sword, which is the word of God? Do you pray always with prayers and supplication in the spirit, watching with perseverance for believers? Do you pray God gives utterance to His servants to speak gospel mysteries?

God’s chosen do His will and achieve His purpose through surrender to Jesus Christ. God’s chosen live under divine authority and leadership. His chosen recognize His deity and dwells in the power of the Holy Spirit. They understand intricacies and complexities of being. Several Scripture passages show God’s chosen as those individuals who accept, believe, and confess Jesus Christ as Lord. God’s chosen conducts spiritual warfare (Jn. 15:16, 19; Acts 22:14-16; and 1 Pet. 2:4-5, 9-10).

INTRODUCTION

Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins gird about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all believers.

Working Definition of Spiritual Warfare

The essence of spiritual warfare may not immediately loom off the pages of Scripture as we read and study the Bible. Take the book of Joshua, for instance. Warfare fills its pages but differently than other books described by war. Israel marched around Jericho immediately after crossing into Jordan. Warfare occurred but appeared more celebratory and worshipful. Israel celebrated God for safe arrival into the Promised Land. They marched to take God’s promise. But, behind the scenes, God fought against the inhabitants already living in Jericho and gave them victories.

The book of Joshua describes little warfare, and in Joshua, Israel doesn’t win because her army has great warriors. Instead, what is important is to trust in God, who is the warrior of Israel. The goal of conquest is to set up God’s house in the land and to worship Him, and even the battles sometimes look more like a service of worship (Leithart, 2000).

In considering the commands and admonitions set out in Ephesians 6:10–18 and other Scripture passages like it, we plainly see warfare and spiritual battling taking place. Several Old Testament accounts show a history of war occurring before Israel possesses God’s promises. Before Israel entered the Promised Land, they fought many battles and walked countless miles. God led them through the wilderness. Temptations and testing were challenging for Israel as they journeyed through barren terrain. Much casualties and military confrontation posed threats to families and individuals. Amid these experiences, loads more victories accounted for God’s continual reversal of sin in His peoples’ lives. Revelation provides images of war and similar future victory as do Scripture records of God’s dealings with Israel. Jesus achieves final victory with redeemed Christians and angelic hosts. Christians have an expected future of victory and triumph over Lucifer and his hosts.

Christians, born not of the flesh but Spirit—must fight to keep and preserve faith, holiness, justice, and virtue before God. This fight comes through God’s Spirit. Winning depends on engaging and waging daily war on Satan. Engagement in this battle brings triumphant victories. In Galatians chapter 6, Paul warns believers to walk in the Spirit. He insists: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds)" (2 Cor. 10:3–4). Warfare, then, represents acting in waging war, engaging in armed conflict or struggle. The term spiritual stands for paranormal spheres or means outside natural realms. Supernatural brings us into the arena of unseen realms to spheres detected and awakened spiritually. In spiritual realms, God guides, directs and teaches with His Holy Spirit working within human spirits. Human beings sense God’s inner workings and become alert to invisible matters. Therefore, Christians engage in supernatural armed conflicts and struggles against evil and wickedness. Believers must always prepare to supernaturally conduct battles, engaging the enemy in war. This needs vigilance and diligence. Diligence leads to excellence. Knowing satanic strategy and schemes aids believers’ readiness for overt and covert attacks. It also helps Christian preparation.

Unlike combat in the natural, physical realms, where dress and rank distinguish various armies, Christian warfare is invisible. Demonic spirits are unseen and detected only by spiritual insight. Behind the scenes, demons inspire sinister imaginations—in particular, appealing to people’s fleshly wants. A specific format for biblical model showing how to fight might prove helpful. Our text illustrates proper conduct of spiritual warfare. Engaging in thorough review of textual sources to help us learn tactics comprise the main goal of the book.

Wisdom gained through this exercise aids learning of these strategies and helps applying them to combat forces of darkness. Through God’s Holy Spirit, this spiritual battle forces fighting and winning in invisible realms. Both God and human spirits are important considerations. Examination of phrases dealing with spirit from human vantage points prompts reflection on varying notions. The Greek text reveals rûah to mean mind-set, outlook, or temper (Ps. 32:2). Ezekiel used it to show how people think (13:3). Representing specific nature, people’s emotional state aligns with rûah. Proverbs 29:11 speaks of spiritual order in people: A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back – meaning foolish versus wise spirits (Vine, Unger, and White 1996). Choosing the best tactics is wise in combat. Selecting wisely or foolishly decides results.

Biblically speaking, "spirit," a noun, defines nonmaterial ego in special bonds. It embodies critical, active principles vitalizing people’s lives. Self is called spirit when bodily, emotional, and academic areas bear direct association to God. Usually, stressing these complete important roles (Rom. 8:15b, 16) (Vine, Unger, and White 1996). Life in a person, including that individual’s natural spirit, has importance in viewing spiritual warfare and approaching it. Rûah adequately stresses invisible, intangible, fleeting qualities of air, breath, strength, wind, and breeze. Job used rûah showing lack of purpose, use, or vanity, characteristic of any life existing in futility (Job 7:7).

Besides living for Jesus Christ, people live vainly dying only to answer God’s law on judgment day. God, Creator (Amos 4:13) and sovereign Controller of everything claims ownership of human souls. Yet He gave everyone will to chose good over evil. And to chose Him over willful rebellion against Him. Spirit may then epitomize any enabling trait a person has to achieve specific jobs. It also represents quality given each person. Often, people neglect their spirit in pursuit of pleasures, wealth, power, and worldly status.

Sadly, many people don’t realize until too late, these pursuits remain recorded in God’s book after they leave earth. The spirit is an imperishable trait of God, breathed into civilization. Each individual’s primary place of connection with God lives within this spirit. Left neglected, individuals shrivel and die spiritually. However, when cultivated, God strengthens the spirit. Human spirit must cherish, nourish, and encourage growth in Christ. Godly works alone follow each person into eternity. We stand before God’s heavenly throne to give account. Human spirit lives in eternity and where will it linger—heaven or hell?

Rûah first appeared in Genesis (1:2), speaking of the Holy Spirit. "The earth was without form, and void, and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. God’s spirit lingered over the waters during chaos on earth carrying out His plan for order. Down through the ages and in the present time, God’s Spirit continues to carry out His plan. The earth was without form and void describing bedlam, utter confusion and disorder persisting on earth before God who once again instilled order. Satan and his hosts incited this pandemonium on earth when they left heaven. God first created the earth with order, life, and fruitfulness, but the rebellion of Satan and the sin of man caused God to bring judgment on the world in which evil prevailed. And darkness was on the face of the deep marks utter ruin and devastating effects of sin on creation. In similar manner as a mother stork hovering over her nest, the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." Scripture shows a sign of life coming from the depths of turmoil as God spoke light, dispelling the madness. The Holy Spirit in Genesis hovers in the Gospels as that precious dove alighting from heaven and descending on Jesus at His baptism.

Gaining deeper understanding of Ephesians 6:10–18 and honing skills necessary to prepare successfully for spiritual warfare, involve prayerful exploration of each key verse. Researching warfare developed from natural perspectives adds depth and promotes deeper understanding. For example, the US Marine Corps provides soldiers training on Warfighting. A manual laying out basic rules of war helps prepare soldiers to go into battle. The overall belief according to C. C. Krulak (1997) is that war is both timeless and ever changing. He assumes that while the basic nature of war is constant, the means and methods we use change continually. Underlining this point, Krulak (1997) believes that like war itself, our approach to Warfighting must change. And if we cease to refine, expand, and improve our profession, we risk becoming outdated, stagnant, and defeated.

Christians must learn lessons about the ever-present, ever-raging warfare climate on which their lives depend. It’s a favorably fixed battle. Loosing this battle because of failure to refine, expand, improve and exercise those skills needed to win entail a sad conundrum. Believers have access to victory over Satan. Jesus secured it at Calvary. Christians have triumph in earthly and heavenly realms because Christ sits at God’s right hand. He is raised and exalted, Savior of humanity. Krulak (1997) also believes doctrine must continue to evolve based on growing experience, advancements in theory, and the changing face of war itself. This Marine Corps official insists with the Warfighting manual, military personnel read it, study it, and take it to heart. The advice is solid, believers are encouraged to follow suit using the Bible similarly: Read it, study it, and take it to heart!

Before we more fully delve into the Scriptural meaning of the text, it’s important to have a good grasp of some background information on the environment in which Paul wrote these instructions to the faith community. It requires a review of the proper context, meaning and nuances of that day. Significantly, this involves analyzing some of the traditions, customs and ideologies of the era. More ominously, we need the Holy Spirit to anoint us, teach us, unveil the Word of God for us and lead us into all spiritual truth, as we read it, study it and take it to heart. So our prayer is "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Feed us this day your holy Word and make us ready to serve you in purity of heart, holiness of spirit and righteousness of soul, victoriously winning the war and triumphantly defeating the enemy. For Your kingdom, power and glory remain forever and ever. Amen.

Background Facts and Overview

Strong evidence suggests the text belongs to Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. Many scholars agree there is no reason to doubt this presupposition. Based on the Pulpit Commentary (Volume XX), Ephesus was an important city, placed near the middle of the western coast of the peninsula of Asia Minor. It was the capital of Asia, confined to the Roman province for at least two hundred years before Paul visited it. The population consisted of Greeks and Asiatics whose religion and superstitions marked half the East and West.

Diana or Artemis, a goddess of the West, was the chief object of worship. The style of her worship stood for Oriental anonymity and openhandedness. Renowned as one of the Seven Wonders, Diana’s temple drew great crowds. Reportedly, she fell from heaven. Her image, notably displayed, and made of wood, formed an outstanding contrast to the magnificent display. Her stature contradicted women’s position in both home and society. Ephesus was notorious for its luxury and immorality. Sorcery and magic, an importation from the West, was common. Practices such as divination, magic and spiritism were rabid. Divination foretells the future, to change it. Spiritism tries to communicate with the dead for information and help. Acts 13:6-10 tells of Paul’s meeting with a magician trying to block conversion of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. Stirringly, the Scripture lays open the account to make us wise in our understanding and dealing with similar circumstances we undoubtedly confront in our walk:

…they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet, named Bar-Jesus. He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But El’ymas the magician (for this is the meaning of his name) withstood them, seeking to turn away the proconsul from the faith. But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, ‘You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?’

Paul proved the power of God to both reveal and subdue evil by openly confronting Bar-Jesus disclosing his evil deeds. Where evil lurks and tries to oppose the gospel, Christians must meet it head on, brazen out all interference and defy its challenge. Like Paul, God’s Spirit gives believers discernment and power to confront spirits of divination and magic. We cover this topic more in chapter five.

Paul visited Ephesus during his second missionary tour and spent over two years there, which might explain the importance he attached to Ephesus. He visited from house-to-house warning men to flee from the wrath of God and encouraging believers to press forward faithfully serving Jesus Christ. Correspondingly, he met with great opposition. Opposition such as presented by El’ymas the magician. His passion, love and commitment to Jesus was unparallel since he viewed himself as a slave of Jesus Christ and as such persevered in teaching, preaching and encouraging believers of his day (Pulpit Commentary, Vol. XX). Paul’s perseverance was mainly due to the indwelling Holy Spirit Who filled him, led, guided and directed him. The level of Paul’s communion with God illustrates his devotion to teaching, preaching and encouraging believers. Paul’s stand for excellence evinced his singleness in purpose as captured by a prominent commentator:

The Epistle is marked by a tone of great exuberance and spiritual elevation. The frequent occurrences of such expressions as fullness, riches, abounded, exceeding riches, riches of glory, exceeding abundantly, and the like, shows that the writer was in the spirit of glowing satisfaction and delight at the thought of God’s provision for the wants of sinners… The three Persons of the blessed Trinity are ever present, in the various functions which they fulfill in the economy of the Godhead. The foundations of the believer’s security and blessedness are laid deep in the eternal counsels of God. The believer is not viewed merely as an individual, but also, and very specially, in his relation to the Church, both to its Head, Jesus Christ, and also to its members. The moral counsels of the Epistle are searching and salutary. The standard of Christian privilege is very high but also is the standard of Christian character. The great aim of the writer is to urge the Ephesians to aspire to the very highest reach of Christian attainment, and thus bring the greatest revenue of glory to their God and Savior (The Pulpit Commentary, Volume XX).

One other commentator acknowledges Paul’s viewed of Christian life as a type of warfare, warning readers to prepare for combat with a dangerous opponent (The Student Bible, NIV - 1973). His direct confrontation with Bar-Jesus supports this idea. He saw evidence of Christian blessings because the Father placed their welfare on secure footing. God chose them before the beginning of the world and blessed them with His Spirit before birth. Paul recognized various works of each Person of the Trinity in redemption. This he makes prominent in his writings.

Paul advances earnest prayers for spiritual growth of the Ephesians and worldwide church throughout all ages. His concern centered on believers’ development. He wanted them to have experience in their souls of Divine power. The measure of such power exists in Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, and in His elevation to Head over everything to the Church. He moves on to more forcefully deal with their spiritual history in fuller measures to bring out the increasingly powerful grace of God’s sovereignty and His riches which they had gratefully experienced.

The Apostle makes a digression to stress the goodness of God in placing Jews and Gentiles on equal footing. He seized the occasion to announce the greatness of the privilege conferred on him as the instrument that God chose to publicize his goodness to the Gentiles. From a more practical standpoint, Paul began to lay out principles for Christian living. These associations with one another, with Jesus Christ as Savior, between husband and wife, children and parent, masters and slaves, as well as employers and employees are critical to sound doctrine and effectual Christian living. These areas come under constant attack by satanic and demonic influences. We see this played out in a world gone wild and standing upside down.

Christ is Head of the Church. He treats His Church as one body and gave her certain gifts. Paul amply explains Jesus’ gifts as given to inform, advance and complete believers. He views Christian character in terms of personal holiness and purity. Virtues of holiness and purity are obtainable only through putting off the old man and putting on the new. Love, forbearance, forgiveness, gentleness, goodness, temperance and longsuffering are characteristics of this holy and pure lifestyle. They are characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit which the Christian is called to bear. Christians united with Christ, living in union with Him, should have the purest character. Thus, since all powers, earthy and spiritual, corral against believers, Paul urges believers to put on the whole armor of God. He calls for a vigorous and fearless conflict with the forces of evil.

CHAPTER 1

STRENGTH IN GOD

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might…

Images of body builders spring to mind when one thinks of strength and endurance. Strength does not come naturally although some people are physically strong. Bodybuilders typically show strength, power, endurance and charisma. These traits develop overtime through conscious effort and employing specialized behaviors. Bodybuilders typically display good amounts of enthusiasm toward actions involved in bodybuilding. In addition, they preserve a positive attitude toward life. They are especially particular about exercising regularly and doing whatever it takes to build outstanding muscles that they can proudly display. Bodybuilders’ muscles get exercise regularly to increase strength and stamina. Bodybuilders have certain excellent characteristics and take specific actions daily to ensure success. These traits include:

•   Positive thinking – which helps them uphold unwavering belief in achieving succeed because they believe in themselves. They look for good in everything. In the face of obstacles, they remain undeterred and continue to pursue success. They often see the positive side, keep a productive posture and remain enthusiastic which enables them to work toward success.

•   Foreseeing successes – conscientious bodybuilders exercise their understanding of the importance of positive mental imagery or sight, they see this as critical to a champion’s success. Therefore, they think of themselves accepting their trophies.

•   Surrounding themselves with positive thinking people – effective bodybuilders avoid negative influences including people, places and behaviors. They look for positive, committed and dedicated people with whom to interact.

•   Setting goals consistently – fixed long and short-term goals and objectives ensure success. Bodybuilders write out specific measurable goals and objectives with attainable deadlines.

•   They maintain a burning need to succeed – enough intensity goes toward the desire to succeed. They feel and show intensity, eagerness, longing, craving, and insistence. Serious-minded bodybuilders cultivate a demanding and ravenous need to ensure they accomplish their goals and objectives. They want achievement badly.

•   Disciplined and consistent - presenting a strong commitment to training and dietary practices. There is no off-season. Accomplishment does not come overnight. Good bodybuilders understand this principle and dedicate themselves accordingly.

•   Persisting – honing a never-quit spirit. Bodybuilding occurs with diligence and persistence which leads to winning.

•   Learning from failures –bodybuilders don’t view losses as failures but sees them as learning experiences. Only when a person quits does failure occur, therefore they find the lesson in every obvious loss and seeks ways to grow from their errors.

•   Having incredible powers of focus and concentration – goals are