Spiritual warfare, although not a Biblical term, is a real truth in Scripture…however, not because of the title and not as presented in some streams of theology in the modern church. 

We must first determine who is at war with whom. 

In the Old Covenant, Israel’s enemies were those surrounding nations that attacked them because of their disobedience to God’s covenant… culminating in the downfall, first, of Israel, the northern kingdom, and then of Judah, the southern kingdom. 

Israel’s enemies were implacable, relentless, and many. God’s people were supposed to be His representatives to the nations, their obedient lifestyles reflecting the nature of their God. Instead, they were no different from their idolatrous neighbours, bringing God’s wrath down on them in the form of war and exile. 

In the New Covenant, the real enemy, not the nations, but the rebellious heart, is revealed. The wicked hearts of God’s people were the cause of their downfall. The covenant requirements, God’s temporary remedy, pointed to His eternal prescription through the blood of His Son, but… few in Israel recognised their tragic condition. Most thought that the sacrifice of animals, in and of itself, would protect them from God’s wrath. 

“The multitude of your sacrifices— what are they to me?” says the Lord. “I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats…Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations— I cannot bear your worthless assemblies… “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬, ‭13‬, ‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Even during Jesus’ time on earth with His disciples, His men didn’t see sin as their main problem. They thought that the Roman occupation, the enemy within they own territory, was what held them back as a nation from their destiny as God’s covenant people. Messiah would rid them of Rome’s presence and re-establish David’s kingdom in earth. 

Before Jesus’ return to heaven, the same question resurfaced…

“Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus reply was both vague and definite. Not now! Not Rome! He redirected His disciples to the current and pressing issue…

“He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Witnesses! Witnesses to what? 

It turned out, as they were soon to discover, that He, Jesus, was the core of a new life…not a national life under a new government, but a personal life under His Lordship… indwelt and empowered by His Spirit because of His death and resurrection. 

The real “spiritual warfare” was revealed…the war between the old, sinful nature within…that demands allegiance and gratification…and the new life of the Spirit who has taken up residence in the redeemed heart. The flesh destroys…

“The mind governed by the flesh is death…The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭6‬a-‭8 NIV

The Spirit restores and renews. 

“…but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”

Romans 8:6b NIV

The Sporit guides, teaches and corrects the obedient heart in the path towards the likeness of Jesus. 

This warfare is real, ongoing and relentless…

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The only way to win the war…moment by moment…is to resist the demands of the flesh by submitting to the Holy Spirit and obeying His leading…

…and the secret of victory?

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

…killed the passions and demands of the old sinful nature by identifying with Jesus in His death!

To be continued…