The subject of study in this article is one of spiritual growth and spiritual warfare. At a first glance, these two subjects seem to be at odds with one another. How can a Christian grow spiritually when spiritual warfare is taking place? We live in a day of great chaos and confusion. Institutions all around us are crumbling. Leaders are failing. Christians are left wondering how will we thrive in a day of great spiritual opposition? Will the Church of Jesus Christ be wiped off the map? Will the plans and purposes of God be thwarted? In this article, I want you to understand one main claim upon your life: you will only stand for Christ in these evil days when you are aware of the spiritual battle that is around you.

In Ephesians 6:10-20, the Apostle Paul marries our two subjects together — spiritual growth and spiritual warfare. In verses 10-11, Paul writes: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, …” In other words, God has given you the means—or better said, weapons—for your spiritual growth. The aim of God’s equipping grace among His people is “that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” In other words, God has given His people spiritual armour to utilize so that we would successfully fight in the spiritual battle at hand.

In verses 12-13, Paul again reminds us of the spiritual nature of the battle that we are in: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”

How can we thrive as Christians in these evil days? Again, I bring you back to my main claim: you will only stand for Christ in these evil days when you are aware of the spiritual battle that is around you. What then must be known by way of implication? Let’s look at three life changing realities.

One: Satan is After Every Christian

The Apostle Peter was a man who knew about spiritual warfare. Though he stumbled into sin in our Lord’s passion, he repented and was restored. Recall our Lord’s comment to Peter in Luke 22:31-32: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” This reality is true, not only for Peter, but for every Christian. Satan is seeking to “sift you like wheat”.

In 1 Peter 5:8, the Apostle later urged the Church to “be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” In John 8:44, Jesus identifies the devil as “a liar and the father of lies.” As you measure all the various messages from the world against the unchanging and truth of the Word of God, the Devil’s lies and schemes become crystal clear. In the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), the Devil began by twisting the Word of God and lying about the character of God. His tactics remain the same. In every possible way, the Devil is seeking to turn you away from the Truth. He is seeking to present broken cisterns before your eyes that entangle you into sin. How will we stand?

Two: God Has Given Us Means to Thrive Spiritually

In his book, The Christian in Complete Armour, William Gurnall writes: “When Satan buffets and temptation washes over you like a tidal wave, you must cling to God’s truths. They are your shelter in every raging storm. But you must have them on your hand, ready to use.”[1] The weapons that God has given us to use in this raging battle are known as “the whole armour of God.” It is outline for us in Ephesians 6:14-18. If we use these means of grace, the Lord—by His power—will allow us to grow spiritually in the midst of a raging battle. Paul writes:

“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…”[2]

God has not left us to ourselves to figure out how to grow spiritually and how to fight the battles set before us. Instead, He has graciously given us everything that we need to fight the good fight, and even grow spiritually in that fight. The truths found in Ephesians 6:14-18 are the truths that Gurnall says “we must cling to. They are your shelter in every raging storm.”[3] You must fasten on the belt of truth. Have the Word of truth daily wash of your mind, will, and affections. Remember each day that you, by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, are clothed in the righteousness of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). It was the gospel of peace that brought this about in your life! You must be a soldier of prayer and the Word. In prayer, you talk to your Commander in Chief. In the Word, you hear from your Commander in Chief. To stand firm, you must utilize the resources that He has given you. If you do not, you will stumble and fall. We must all take heed, lest we fall. How, then, will we succeed?

Three: Success is Only Found by Resting in God’s Power

William Gurnall will go on in his book to remind us that “the outcome of the battle rests on God’s performance, not on your skill or strength!”[4] Our Christian growth and warfare is, as some theologians like to call it, a dependent responsibility. We are utterly dependent on the Lord to stand in this evil day (John 15:5). It is in the “strength of His might” that we must stand. We are weak and pitiful men and women. We are needy and dependent. He is all-powerful. Every trial and temptation is too strong and too fierce for us to get through it on our own. Our love for Christ ebbs and flows. Beloved, if we are to succeed and make great strides for Christ, we must ultimately remember that it is only His power at work within us that will make us succeed. If He does not, we labour in vain (Psalm 127:1). We march forward as Christian soldiers on our knees in prayer, praying for His help, His power, His strength.

In the words of Conflict and Triumph, William Henry Green reminds us that:

“Satan utterly fails to compass the ruin of one of them upon whom Jesus has set his love. He can terrify them; he can torture them; he can make them drag on the weary conflict with sin and corruption while life lasts; he can extort from them bitter groans of agonizing distress; he can shower upon them his fiery darts; but he cannot destroy them. The glimmering spark, which divine grace has kindles, he cannot with all the floods of temptation extinguish. Satan cannot by any means harm the feeblest of God’s saints, who stands up against him in the name of the Lord … The gates of hell cannot prevail against the Church. The earthquake, which in its violent upheaval threatens to demolish the city of God, but shows how absolutely secure its firm foundations are.”[5]

As we conclude, I remind you again of the main claim: you will only stand for Christ in these evil days when you are aware of the spiritual battle that is around you. Having looked briefly at the spiritual battle before us, it is evident that we will not grow spiritually on our own. We need to rest on Christ’s power and utilize His means so that we can successfully live for Him in our day. May God help you as you fight the good fight of faith.

“Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus going on before!

Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;

Forward into battle, see his banner go!”
— S. Baring-Gould, Onward, Christian Solider!

 

References

[1] William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour (Edinburgh, Banner of Truth, Vol. 1), 28.

[2] William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour (Edinburgh, Banner of Truth, Vol. 1), 28.

[3] Ibid, 28.

[4] Ibid, 23.

[5] William Henry Green, Conflict and Triumph (Edinburgh, Banner of Truth), 30-33.