Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Spiritual Warfare In Modern Times For Messianic Believers
The concept of spiritual warfare is woven throughout the Tanakh and New Covenant, presenting a picture of the ongoing struggle between God’s people and the forces of evil. For Messianic Jewish believers, this battle takes on unique dimensions as they strive to uphold their Jewish identity while following Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah. Recognizing the tactics and strategies of spiritual warfare through the lens of Jewish history, prophecy, and the role of the Messiah provides crucial insight into our daily lives and our collective mission.
A Long History of Spiritual Conflict
From the Garden of Eden, the story of humanity reveals a constant tension between obedience to God and the deceptive lure of the enemy. This narrative is central to the Tanakh and paints a vivid picture of a God who calls His people to holiness and a world that resists that call. For Israel, spiritual warfare has historically involved not only individual battles but also the collective challenge of staying faithful to God amid surrounding pagan nations.
Genesis 3:15 (NASB)
"And 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."
This verse in Genesis foreshadows the age-old conflict between good and evil, promising that the seed of the woman would ultimately prevail. For Messianic believers, this prophecy points to Yeshua, who triumphs over evil. This assurance gives us confidence as we engage in our own spiritual battles, knowing we fight alongside the One who has already overcome.
Israel’s Role in the Spiritual Battle
As a chosen nation, Israel has been central to God’s plan of redemption. Israel’s mission was to reveal God’s holiness to the nations and to serve as a light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:6). Yet, this role made Israel a target of spiritual attacks, both from within—through idolatry and moral compromise—and from without, through persecution and exile.
Deuteronomy 7:6 (NASB)
"For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth."
The enemy’s opposition to Israel was not merely political; it was spiritual. Israel’s faithfulness to God was meant to draw the nations toward the Creator, but the adversary sought to disrupt this mission by introducing doubt, deception, and division. For Messianic Jews today, this calling remains. We are set apart to reveal the truth of the Messiah while embracing our Jewish identity, making us prime targets for spiritual challenges.
The Role of Messiah in Spiritual Warfare
The role of the Messiah in spiritual warfare is profound, as Yeshua fulfilled the prophecies and promises that secured victory over sin and death. As Messianic believers, our connection to Yeshua is at the core of our spiritual defense. The Messianic prophecies in the Tanakh describe a Redeemer who would take on our struggles and ultimately bring peace.
Isaiah 53:5 (NASB)
"But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed."
In this powerful prophecy, we see that the Messiah’s suffering and sacrifice were the means of defeating sin. Yeshua’s victory over death means that we no longer need to fear the enemy’s accusations. Instead, we stand in His righteousness, knowing that He has already won the ultimate victory. This understanding strengthens us in spiritual warfare, as we do not fight alone or in our own power but in the strength of our Messiah.
The Adversary’s Tactics: Deception, Division, and Distraction
The Tanakh provides multiple examples of the enemy’s tactics, showing how deception, division, and distraction have historically weakened God’s people. The enemy’s goal is often to distort our understanding of God’s truth, separate us from one another, and shift our focus away from our purpose.
Isaiah 5:20 (NASB)
"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!"
Deception is one of the primary tools the adversary uses against Messianic believers, especially through influences that attempt to pull us away from our heritage or distort our faith in Yeshua. Similarly, division among believers weakens our spiritual defenses, while distraction diverts our attention from God’s call. By staying vigilant and grounded in God’s Word, we counter these tactics and stay aligned with God’s truth.
The Power of God’s Covenant as Our Defense
Throughout the Tanakh, we see God reaffirming His covenant promises to Israel. These promises are not merely historical; they are the foundation of our spiritual confidence and protection. God’s covenant assures us of His presence, guidance, and victory over our enemies. When we feel overwhelmed by spiritual opposition, remembering these covenant promises can bring us peace and strength.
Psalm 91:1-2 (NASB)
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!'"
This psalm speaks of God’s protection over those who remain faithful to Him. For Messianic believers, it is a reminder that we are covered by God’s covenant love, and no matter the enemy’s schemes, we can find refuge in His presence. As we walk in our covenantal relationship with God, we gain the strength to resist spiritual attacks and stand firm in our identity and mission.
The Prophetic Call to Spiritual Preparedness
The prophets of Israel repeatedly called the people to spiritual vigilance, urging them to turn from sin and rely on God’s strength. This call remains relevant today. The prophet Joel, for example, speaks of a time when God’s people will be empowered by His Spirit to face challenges and fulfill His purposes.
Joel 2:28-29 (NASB)
"It will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days."
This prophecy, partially fulfilled at Shavuot (Pentecost) in the book of Acts, reveals that God’s Spirit equips us for spiritual warfare. As Messianic believers, we walk in this empowerment, able to discern the enemy’s tactics and resist them through the Spirit of God. This prophetic insight also gives us hope, knowing that God’s plan involves a future where His kingdom will reign in fullness.
The Spiritual Armor: Lessons from the Tanakh
While the New Covenant speaks explicitly about the "armor of God" (Ephesians 6), the Tanakh also provides illustrations of spiritual preparedness. We see this especially in the book of Isaiah, where the concepts of righteousness, salvation, and truth are depicted as divine armor.
Isaiah 59:17 (NASB)
"He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; and He put on garments of vengeance for clothing and wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle."
This imagery reminds us that God Himself is a warrior who arms His people with His own righteousness and salvation. When we engage in spiritual warfare, we do not rely on our strength alone; we are clothed in God’s own protection. For Messianic believers, understanding this divine armor means living in a way that reflects God’s righteousness, truth, and salvation.
Conclusion: Embracing Our Messianic Calling in Spiritual Warfare
Understanding spiritual warfare from a Messianic Jewish perspective means recognizing the depth of our calling and the nature of the opposition we face. As those who bridge the Jewish heritage and the belief in Yeshua, we stand on the frontlines of a spiritual battle that requires both awareness and reliance on God. The Tanakh shows us that this battle is not new; it has always been part of God’s people’s journey.
Joshua 1:9 (NASB)
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
This call to courage was given to Joshua as he prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land, but it resonates with all who follow God’s call in the face of opposition. As Messianic believers, we can be strong and courageous, knowing that God is with us. Our faith is rooted in the promises of the Tanakh, fulfilled in Yeshua, and strengthened by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
With this understanding, we can approach spiritual warfare with confidence, not focusing on the power of the enemy but on the power of God who fights for us. Embracing our Messianic identity, we stand as witnesses to the God of Israel and as partakers in the victory of Yeshua, who has overcome the world. This is our assurance, our strength, and our reason to stand firm in faith, knowing that the One who called us is faithful.
