The world does not fully acknowledge this, what sets Christianity apart from other religions is its absolute confirmation and awareness of the spiritual realm. A realm where spiritual beings like angels and demons dwell. A place where, most importantly, God the Creator of Heaven and Earth releases His power to order the physical domain.
In modern times, the topic of spiritual influences often sparks controversy. Many shy away from discussions about demonic influences and possessions, dismissing them as mere superstitions or relics of a bygone era. However, as believers, we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the reality of spiritual warfare. The Bible is clear about the existence of demonic forces and their ability to influence and possess individuals.
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “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.” This verse underscores the importance of being vigilant and spiritually prepared, for our battle is not merely against human adversaries but against supernatural entities.
It is crucial for Christians to guard their hearts and minds against the influence of demonic forces by immersing themselves in the truth of God’s Word. The psalmist declares, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). By filling our minds with the principles and promises of Scripture, we fortify ourselves against the schemes of the enemy.
Brothers and Sisters, it is imperative that we keep in mind that the Christian life is a battle. A battle that we have already won through the sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus the Christ, but a battle that we must continue to fight until the day our Messiah returns.
Fortunately, as God’s children, we are not left without a means to fight this battle. And our weapon against the forces of evil is the full armor of God.
Wearing the full armor of God is essential. Ephesians 6:11-18 provides us with a powerful metaphorical depiction of this armor:
“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. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Each piece of this spiritual armor represents a vital aspect of our relationship with God and our defense against the enemy’s attacks. The belt of truth reminds us to ground ourselves in God’s Word, which serves as our ultimate source of truth and wisdom. The breastplate of righteousness protects our hearts and minds, guarding us against the lies and accusations of the enemy. The shoes of the gospel of peace equip us to walk confidently in the good news of salvation, sharing it with others and standing firm in our faith. The shield of faith enables us to deflect the fiery darts of doubt and fear that the enemy hurls our way. The helmet of salvation assures us of our identity as children of God, secure in His love and redemption. And the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is our offensive weapon, enabling us to combat the enemy’s lies with the truth of Scripture.
By putting on the full armor of God, we are empowered to stand firm in the face of spiritual opposition, knowing that our victory is assured through Christ. Let us, therefore, heed the apostle Paul’s exhortation to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10), trusting in His provision and protection as we engage in the ongoing battle for souls.
We must be discerning and wise in our interactions with the spiritual realm. While awareness and education about demonic forces are important, we must exercise caution not to develop a morbid curiosity or fascination with them. Dwelling too much on the activities of darkness can lead to spiritual bondage and oppression. Instead, we are called to focus on that which is pure, noble, and true (Philippians 4:8).
As followers of Christ, our ultimate goal is to live quiet and peaceful lives, free from the turmoil and chaos stirred up by the enemy. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 urges us to “make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you.” This does not mean a life devoid of challenges or trials, but rather one characterized by a deep-seated trust in God’s sovereignty and a commitment to walking in obedience to His Word.
Lazarevic Ministries 