Embracing The Ongoing Nature Of Spiritual Warfare With Confidence: Spiritual Warfare In Modern Times For Messianic Believers
Introduction: Understanding the Ongoing Battle
Spiritual warfare is not a one-time event, nor is it a battle that ends once we come to faith in Yeshua. As Messianic Jewish believers, we must understand that the nature of spiritual warfare is ongoing. The adversary never ceases in his efforts to thwart the plans of God in our lives and in the world. However, we are not left defenseless. Through the Torah, the blood of Yeshua, and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can face these daily challenges with confidence, knowing that the battle has already been won and that we have been given the tools to stand firm in the face of any spiritual attack.
This chapter will explore how we, as Messianic believers, can embrace the ongoing nature of spiritual warfare with confidence, knowing that the victory is secure in Yeshua, and that God equips us for the battle ahead.
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1. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
From the very beginning, spiritual warfare has been a part of humanity’s story. In Genesis 3, we see the first instance of spiritual conflict—when the serpent (Satan) deceives Eve and causes humanity to fall into sin. This marked the beginning of the ongoing battle between the forces of good and evil. However, God did not leave us helpless in this battle. He made a promise in Genesis 3:15, declaring that the seed of the woman would crush the head of the serpent:
> "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."
This prophecy points directly to Yeshua, whose sacrifice on the cross would deal the final blow to the forces of evil. Yet, as we wait for the complete fulfillment of this promise at the return of Yeshua, we live in a world where spiritual warfare continues. The enemy is still active, seeking to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), but as believers, we are called to stand firm and walk in victory.
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2. The Torah and Spiritual Warfare: A Foundation for Victory
The Torah is not only a guide for living a holy life but also a manual for spiritual warfare. It equips us with the knowledge of God's will, the wisdom to discern between right and wrong, and the power to resist the enemy’s attacks.
In Deuteronomy 28:7, we see the promise of victory for those who walk in obedience to God’s commands:
> "The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven."
This promise was given to Israel in the context of obedience to God's commandments. When we align ourselves with God's Word, we stand in a position of strength and protection. By adhering to Torah Law, we are not only keeping God's commandments but also strengthening ourselves in the spiritual battle.
The Torah reveals that God is our shield and fortress, and that our victory comes from Him. In Exodus 14:14, when Israel was about to face the Egyptians at the Red Sea, Moses reminded them:
> "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
This reminder still applies today. As we remain steadfast in God’s Word and trust in His protection, we can face the enemy with confidence, knowing that it is God who fights on our behalf. The Torah serves as our foundation, teaching us to depend on God’s strength rather than our own.
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3. Yeshua’s Blood: The Final Victory
The ultimate confidence we have in spiritual warfare comes from the blood of Yeshua. His sacrificial death on the cross defeated sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Through His blood, we have been set free from the bondage of sin and equipped to stand against the forces of evil.
In Isaiah 53:5, the prophet foretells the suffering and atoning work of the Messiah:
> "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."
Yeshua’s blood has not only brought us healing but also secured our ultimate victory over the enemy. In Revelation 12:11, we are told that the saints triumph over the accuser of the brethren (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony:
> "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death."
This victory is not a future hope; it is a present reality. The blood of Yeshua grants us authority over the enemy, and as we declare His victory, we walk in the strength and power of that blood. We do not fight for victory but from victory.
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4. The Holy Spirit: Empowering Us for Battle
The Holy Spirit plays a central role in our ability to engage in spiritual warfare. As Messianic Jewish believers, we understand that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live according to God's will and to overcome the challenges that come our way. The Spirit is our comforter, our guide, and our advocate in the ongoing spiritual battle.
In Zechariah 4:6, we are reminded that it is not by our own strength or power but by the Spirit of God that we overcome:
> "So he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty."
The Holy Spirit strengthens us in times of trial, guides us in moments of uncertainty, and empowers us to stand firm in faith. In Joel 2:28-29, we are promised the outpouring of the Spirit in the last days:
> "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days."
This promise is not just for a future generation but for us today. The Holy Spirit is given to all believers, empowering us to engage in spiritual warfare with confidence. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, He equips us with the discernment, strength, and power necessary to overcome the enemy and advance God’s Kingdom.
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5. Standing Firm: Confidence in the Ongoing Battle
Spiritual warfare is ongoing, but this does not mean we are doomed to a life of defeat or fear. In fact, the more we understand the nature of the battle, the more confident we become in our ability to stand firm in the face of spiritual opposition.
In Psalm 91:7, we are reminded of God’s protection in the midst of battle:
> "A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you."
This passage offers reassurance that, though the enemy may be all around us, we are under the protection of the Most High. Our confidence comes from knowing that God is with us, fighting on our behalf. In 2 Chronicles 20:15, the prophet Jehoshaphat declares:
> "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s."
When we face the ongoing challenges of spiritual warfare, we must remember that it is not our battle to fight alone. We are not left to fend for ourselves; God is with us, and His victory is assured. As we rely on the Torah, the blood of Yeshua, and the power of the Holy Spirit, we walk with confidence, knowing that God’s strength will always be greater than the enemy’s schemes.
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6. Confidence in the Final Victory
Though the battle is ongoing, we can have confidence in the final outcome. The victory over sin and death has already been secured in Yeshua. In Isaiah 40:31, we are promised that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength and rise up with wings like eagles:
> "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
In the midst of the ongoing battle, we can stand firm, knowing that our ultimate victory is secure in Yeshua. The enemy may fight, but the war has already been won. Our role is to stand firm in the truth, walk in the power of the Spirit, and live confidently in the victory that has been secured through the blood of Yeshua.
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Conclusion: Embracing the Battle with Confidence
As Messianic Jewish believers, we are not naive about the ongoing nature of spiritual warfare. We understand that the enemy is relentless and that the battle is real. However, we also understand that the victory has already been won through Yeshua’s blood, and that we have been given everything we need to stand firm in the face of spiritual opposition.
By embracing the power of the Torah, the blood of Yeshua, and the Holy Spirit, we can engage in spiritual warfare with confidence. We do not fight for victory but from victory, knowing that our position is secure in the one who has already overcome the enemy. We are called to stand firm, walk in the power of the Spirit, and advance God’s Kingdom with confidence, knowing that the battle belongs to the Lord.
