4 Ways To Stand Together When Fighting Spiritual Battles

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As America’s Pacific fleet lay in ruins at Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt requested, and received, a declaration of war. In his address to America, he stated:

“December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.”

4 Ways To Stand Together When Fighting Spiritual Battles

1. Recognize the True Source of the Conflict

Before World War II, there was World War I. Some now say we are on the verge of World War III. However, we were at war much before these horrific earthly battles. We have been at war since the Garden of Eden when Satan tempted Eve. We see an actual day of infamy in Genesis 3:15, which says:

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel.

The true source of the conflict

‍War is proclaimed between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the devil. The battle begins between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent. Satan assaults us, buffets us, sifts us, and seeks to devour us. Yet, through the power of Christ in us, we can resist him wrestle with him. We can quench his fiery darts, and force him to flee from us. (Thoughts from Matthew Henry’s commentary on Genesis)

2. Extinguish the Lies

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." Ephesians 6:16

The evil one is the accuser of Christ’s followers. I believe those flaming arrows mentioned above are the lies he whispers in our ears regarding our security in Jesus. Likewise, the enemy accuses us to each other. The enemy wants us to question our Christian brothers and sisters’ motives. He also seeks to stir up strife among us. We are to take up the ‘shield of faith’ to protect our minds against his relentless attacks. His goal is to divide and conquer us.

3. Stand United in Christ

Roosevelt stated:

“No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.”

Satan’s invasion was likewise premeditated, but not only against America. It is against people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. But, as Chip Ingram said in his book, The Invisible War:

“We don’t fight for victory, we fight from victory!”

The ultimate seed of the woman is Christ Jesus. (He was born of a woman, yet without sin.) Christ received a bruise to his heel when He was nailed to the cross. But, Satan received a mortal wound to his head at the same time!

We can take heart knowing as we read the words of Romans 16:20:

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”  

4. Form a Protective Barrier

We must quit shooting each other and join forces against our familiar foe!

The typical Roman shield could likewise push back against the enemy. Similarly, when soldiers clumped together, could form a protective barrier.

Let’s stand united in Christ and form a protective barrier against the evil one.

Then, we will indeed win through to absolute victory!

A Call to Action

Friends, what are some ways we can take up our shields and stand united in Christ? What are some ways we can clump together and form a protective barrier around our families, our churches, our communities?