Waging Spiritual Warfare

(Part 3)

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

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 strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Mighty through God

·        We have briefly looked at the fact that flesh or the human will with all its abilities and resources profits us little to nothing in reference to spiritual warfare.

·        The Old Testament draws back the veil to what is being studied in this lesson:  “This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6

o   Zerubbabel was the governor, and the one who had much of the care and trouble of building the temple.

o   One thing he had to keep in mind was that even though great responsibility was upon him and that he would face difficulties and obstacles he must not become discouraged for it was God that would accomplish it through him.

o   Jesus said this, “And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Luke 18:27

·        The word “mighty” is defined as powerful, mighty in wealth and influence, having power for something.

·        All that we have need of, is found in the King of Glory, the Lord of Heaven. All strength, might, power, wealth belongs unto Him.

o    Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Psalm 24:8

o   He is what? Strong, mighty, mighty in battle!

·        But it gets better, it is one thing to know that He the source, but it is another thing to know and comprehend that He is our resource and that He will supply all that we have need of.

o   One of the devil’s greatest tools is deception and ignorance concerning spiritual truth.

o   He would like us to think that we stand alone and are powerless against him, but the Apostle Paul made this one thing very clear, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

·        Want some Bible to support this fact? Here it is! Jesus said “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19”

o   Note that the word “power” in Luke 10:19 is defined as, power of choice, permission, physical and mental power, the ability or strength with which one is endued, which he either possesses or exercises, the power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege), the power of rule or government (the power of him whose will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed).

o   Keep in mind that this is reference to spiritual things! And only available to those who are in covenant relationship with Christ.

o   What the Lord is saying in this text is simple, “I give you the power to advance and successfully encounter anything that the enemy brings your way.” How awesome is that.

o   The Lord is not saying that we will not face trials, difficulties or sufferings, but rather that no matter what we may face, no matter what the devil or life might throw our way, we will not be overcome by it! He has empowered us and stands with us!

o   Will we survive and we will be victorious, we will receive the reward of the faithful!

·        Do we truly understand this? He said “I give you”! It is given to you, to us. It did not come from us it came to us.

·        The One that has all the authority in heaven and earth says to those who serve Him in spirit and truth, I give to you “power”. You are not weak but strong in and through Me.

o   Remember what the Lord said to Zerubbabel, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord:”

o   That is what God is saying to you and I today!

o   We are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Romans 8:37

o   How can we fail! God has, through His great love and mercy given us all that we need to walk this walk, in complete confidence. Not in ourselves, but in who we are in Him.

·        So many Church’s today seek to satisfy people with programs that do not educate or equip the believer with what he or she will encounter and what they will need to live an overcoming life. And that is what this walk is truly all about, living an overcoming life in Christ and building for eternity.