This article is a companion piece to our sermon series on Spiritual Warfare. Watch the full sermon below:
Why Every Christian Must Understand Spiritual Warfare
Let’s be honest – there’s no such thing as a neutral position in the spiritual realm. As believers in Jesus Christ, we’re engaged in a battle whether we recognize it or not. Some Christians mistakenly think, “If I just keep quiet, nothing will happen to me.” This couldn’t be further from the truth.
The enemy has a strategic plan against every believer, and it’s crucial to understand his three primary objectives:
- To steal your faith – starting with subtle doubts about God’s Word
- To cool down your relationship with God – making prayer and Bible reading feel less important
- To compromise your testimony – weakening your witness in the world
Your True Identity in Christ
Before we can effectively engage in spiritual warfare, we must understand who we are in Christ. The enemy knows your identity – do you?
“What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.” – Psalm 8:4-5
Created in God’s Image
You are not just another creation – you are made in God’s image and likeness. This truth infuriates the enemy because he knows the authority and dignity God has given you.
“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky.'” – Genesis 1:26
Saved by Grace
While we are created in God’s image, we must remember that we’re sinners saved by grace. This balance is crucial – we are both crowned with glory and dependent on God’s mercy.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” – Romans 3:23-24
The Power of Praise in Spiritual Warfare
Here’s something many believers miss: praise is not just an expression of joy – it’s a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. When you praise God:
- You shift focus from your circumstances to God’s character
- You declare God’s victory over your situation
- You align yourself with heaven’s perspective
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” – Psalm 100:4
Why the Enemy Hates Your Praise
Satan, once the worship leader in heaven, now cannot stand to see God’s people praise Him. When you praise God in difficult circumstances, you’re declaring that God is worthy regardless of your situation. This is particularly powerful because it demonstrates faith that transcends circumstances.
Your Daily Challenge
For the next 7 days, I challenge you to:
- Start each day with 10 minutes of focused praise (regardless of how you feel)
- Identify one area where you’ve been doubting God’s Word and actively replace that doubt with truth
- Share your testimony of God’s faithfulness with at least one person
A Prayer for Spiritual Victory
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the authority You’ve given us in Christ. Help us to stand firm in our identity as Your children, created in Your image and saved by Your grace. Strengthen us to praise You in all circumstances, knowing that our praise is a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Conclusion
Your praise shapes your future – not because you’re speaking things into existence, but because praise positions you to receive what God has already prepared for you. Don’t let the enemy steal your song. Stand firm in who you are in Christ, and let your praise be a declaration of His victory in your life.
Join us next week as we continue our series on the Armor of God, where we’ll explore specific strategies for recognizing and defeating the enemy’s schemes.