Expert: Phillip Senn - 10/5/2008

Question
QUESTION: hi,
i hear people say we are God's army, and we have armor. are we really meant to battle against the devil?
Or are we just meant to only pray to God?


ANSWER: Victor,

There are many aspects to being in spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:10-20 tells about the armour of God that we are to wear. All of the pieces of armour are spiritual. The Apostle Paul makes it clear that the battle is one where we take a stand against the tricks of the devil. That is not to say that we are to be fighting against Satan, but rather, that we are to take a stand against his trickery. The battle is four-fold. It is against principalities (improper leadership), powers (wicked influences), rulers of the darkness of this world (Satan & his demons) and  spiritual wickedness in high places (evil desires and purposes).

The praying is the primary weapon of the Christian against these forces, as is evidenced by Paul's admonition to pray always for all the saints and for him. Part of placing ourselves in the battle with the Lord's army means that we are to be careful to remember to take the whole armour, and not just part of it. Can you imagine a soldier going to war with no helmet? or to the front lines without a sword? Many people talk about prayer, but few are studious of the Word of God, so that their prayers might be that God would use them to be faithful ministers of His Word to others, as well as praying for others that are ministering.

Ultimately, the battle belongs to the Lord. But we are to prepare for the battle, as if He were going to choose us to fight the fight. He has chosen us to fight a good fight of faith. Simply put, we are to prepare, then trust the results to Him, who is faithful in all things.

I hope this has helped you.

With Love In Christ,
Phillip Senn

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi phillip,
where did learn all these insightful things? did you do any bible college or something?

Answer
Victor,

Thank you for your nice comments.

My public education is limited to a High School diploma. I have had the privilege if sitting under some great Pastor/Teacher leadership in the past 27 years (since becoming a Christian), along with spending many hours in the Word of God. He (the Lord) has been my teacher, and I am grateful that He has placed men of great Biblical influence in my life to direct me to Him and His Word.

With Live In Christ,
Phillip Senn