Dealing with the Devil: Understanding Spiritual Warfare
In a world that constantly tells us to feel good about ourselves, it's crucial to remember that our righteousness, in comparison to God's holiness, is like filthy rags. This humbling truth sets the stage for understanding the gravity of spiritual warfare. We must start from a place of recognizing our need for Jesus, who died for us despite our unrighteousness. Spiritual warfare is not a metaphor; it's a real battle that takes place in the unseen realm. Ephesians 6:10-20 serves as the foundation for this understanding. Paul reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. Ignoring this reality leaves us vulnerable to the enemy's schemes. The devil is not a passive adversary. He actively schemes against us, studying our weaknesses and planning his attacks. These schemes are tailor-made to exploit our vulnerabilities. Whether it's through temptation, deception, o...