Sermon Tone Analysis

We have Two Common Enemies

There are two primary issues to address regarding spiritual warfare and the Bible.

First, does spiritual warfare exist?

Second, what does the Bible say about engaging in spiritual warfare?

We have a real Enemy

The Tempter

The Evil One

The Accuser

The Ruler of the World

The god of this world

Prince of the Power of the Air

The Bible is very clear on the existence of spiritual warfare.

Peter warns "Be sober-minded; be watchful.

Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" ().

Our adversary or enemy, the devil, refers to Satan, who is a real entity, not a mythical creature or invention.

Other titles of Satan include the tempter (), the wicked one (, ), and the accuser of the brethren ().

Spiritual warfare, the idea that humans battle in some way with supernatural powers, is also the testimony of the apostle Paul in .

Here, Paul notes that believers battle against the devil's schemes and that this is a spiritual battle, not a physical one.

We are to be fully aware of Satan's evil plans ().

Paul further describes the warfare in which we are engaged as we battle throughout our lives "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" ().

Clearly, such powers exist.

The second question—what does the Bible say about engaging in spiritual warfare?— is somewhat more controversial.

The problem typically arises when we either over emphasize spiritual warfare by seeing every occurrence in life as part of it or under emphasizing it by ignoring the spiritual realm altogether.

We are already conquerors

9

38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,

39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Peter 3:22

Satan can be allowed to attack believers

and that Satan has already been defeated (; 2 Peter 3:22).

Second, the power of Christ within the believer is greater than the power of Satan ().

We have no reason to live in fear of Satan or evil spirits as believers.

Satan can harm, but he cannot defeat the believer in Christ.

2 Peter 3:22 Second, the power of Christ within the believer is greater than the power of Satan ().

We have no reason to live in fear of Satan or evil spirits as believers.

Satan can harm, but he cannot defeat the believer in Christ.

Third, we must not forget that Satan can be allowed to attack believers (; ) in order to fulfill God's perfect plan for His people.

This was the case of Paul's thorn in the flesh and was also seen in the example of Job's life ().

Satan's power over us is limited, however, to only that which God ordains for His purposes—to bring His children to maturity and bring glory to Himself.

in order to fulfill God's perfect plan for His people.

This was the case of Paul's thorn in the flesh and was also seen in the example of Job's life ().

Satan's power over us is limited, however, to only that which God ordains for His purposes—to bring His children to maturity and bring glory to Himself.

blind us to God's plan for our lives

We are tempted and enticed by our own evil desires

First - We are already conquerors

Satan has already been defeated

The general tactic used by Satan is to turn our eyes away from God's truth and toward self.

1 Peter 5:5–10 (ESV)

5Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders.

Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

6Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

7casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

8Be sober-minded; be watchful.

Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

9Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

10And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

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Ultimately, spiritual warfare is not about a technique to defeat Satan or demons, but a heart that walks closely with God.

When God is first and foremost in our lives, Satan lacks power over us, despite his attempts to weaken our efforts to pursue Christ.

In summary, spiritual warfare is a very real part of the Christian life, but should not be an opportunity for either fear or pride.

Instead, the reality of Satan and his evil forces should cause us to draw near to God all the more, realizing His power can conquer any foe we may encounter.