“He [The Father in Heaven] has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
(Colossians 1:13–14, ESV)
(Colossians 1:13–14, ESV)
I have had more than twenty meditations about spiritual warfare in the past five years. What has been interesting to me are the responses I have gotten about these meditations. At first, people were interested in the content, appreciating the issues involved and the stakes at hand. However, as my meditations taught about different aspects of that spiritual warfare, (including mention of the final battles between Heaven and Earth revealed in Revelation as well as spiritual battles in Jesus’ life and Paul’s life) some readers offered up an interesting response. While a good many people appreciated learning this biblical material, others wanted me to tone down mention of spiritual battles. These other people had a difficult time either believing in spiritual warfare or listening to the harsh realities of life in constant conflict with evil.
For those who have fought in World War Two, the wars in Korea or Vietnam, or in the wars in Serbia or the Middle East, the fighting has stayed with them. The memories are harsh, vivid, memorable, and terrible. That is why soldiers experienced “shell shock” in World War Two or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the Gulf Wars. The experience, suffering, and battle took a toll on mind and soul. The memories are traumatic. I have met a good number of soldiers who have suffered night sweats, recurring nightmares, and periods of depression. It has been hellish for them.
Just like soldiers who fought battles against human combatants, those who fight spiritual battles often experience traumas, trials, bad experiences, and even “shell shock” or PTSD. Don’t underestimate the suffering that spiritual battles will cause in your heart and soul. Spiritual warfare will also leave a lasting impression on your life. That is why some people don't like to talk about spiritual battles or warfare. They have already suffered greatly in this fight between good and evil.
The Bible is full of stories of warfare between Israel and its neighbors as well as spiritual battles between good and evil. In all cases, the national warfare was either initiated by spiritual battles or resulted in spiritual skirmishes between good and evil. If you read the Bible for any length of time, spiritual battles far outnumber earthly warfare between nations. In every case, spiritual battles formed the impetus for earthly warfare. That is not to say that religion is the cause of most wars in the world! However, one can easily conclude that the spiritual war between good and evil in this world is behind EVERY SINGLE human conflict!
Since spiritual battles and warfare are so prevalent in this world, shouldn’t you know ways to defend yourself in spiritual battle and how to overcome a fight between good and evil? Absolutely! That is why I do not back down in my efforts to teach you of spiritual conflict in your life! I want to protect your soul from evil and keep you safe from the dark spiritual forces that would love to destroy your faith and keep you in depression or turmoil all your days.
The scripture for today from Colossians 1 bears an important aspect of the spiritual warfare waging around you. It will bring you hope for your battles of good versus evil. Paul wrote this scripture to inform his readers of God’s stance in spiritual warfare. If you are a child of God, you are part of God’s army. You are on God’s side. Jesus is your Savior. The Father in Heaven “has delivered you from the domain of darkness and transferred you to the kingdom of his beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13). This has already happened. These words are in PAST TENSE! Darkness and evil are now your enemy. You fight on the side of God and the right. Other holy warriors fight beside you. You are never alone. The darkness of evil will never control you if you stay in the good graces of the Father in Heaven, the Creator of light in the world.
Jesus was sent as your Savior and Lord. Colossians 1:14 adds that Jesus is the one who brings you “redemption” and the “forgiveness of sins” so that you may fight the good fight alongside all the faithful. You have allies in this spiritual fight. You have chosen to stand with God the Father and Jesus, His Son. Remain in this battle for Jesus’ sake and “darkness” will not touch you.
In the book, Trusting God with Today, Colossians 1:13 is listed as the starting point of a commentary about spiritual battle:
“Since Satan’s fall, there have been two supernatural realms at war: the kingdom of God and the dominion of darkness. This means we were born into conflict—caught in the middle of the struggle for power between these two domains. Even though we may not be able to see it, it’s real and will continue to rage until Christ finally returns as the reigning King of kings and Lord of lords.
You may not recognize this conflict in your own life, but it’s certainly present throughout Scripture and has permeated every area of society. Indeed, watching the news and observing the evil and suffering present throughout the world is almost enough to make us question whether the Enemy is winning. However, do not fear. God will always be victorious.
With this in mind, how should you live? You must prepare yourself for the spiritual battle—standing strong in the Lord and the power of His might. You do so by strapping on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–18) but also by understanding that obedience to the Lord is imperative. Therefore, cast off anything the Enemy can use against you to his advantage and march in lockstep with the Savior. Jesus, help me in all ways to serve You and Your kingdom. Amen.” (p. 341, Charles Stanley).
In closing, make sure you pray to God in Heaven for spiritual strength. Look to Jesus for your inspiration! Listen to the direction and promises of the Holy Spirit. Gird yourself for spiritual battle! Keep up the good fight. Lean on the rest of the faithful for comfort and assurance. Your future is bright in the Kingdom of Heaven if you don’t let evil and its darkness steal your joy and cloud your judgment.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12, ESV)
For those who have fought in World War Two, the wars in Korea or Vietnam, or in the wars in Serbia or the Middle East, the fighting has stayed with them. The memories are harsh, vivid, memorable, and terrible. That is why soldiers experienced “shell shock” in World War Two or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the Gulf Wars. The experience, suffering, and battle took a toll on mind and soul. The memories are traumatic. I have met a good number of soldiers who have suffered night sweats, recurring nightmares, and periods of depression. It has been hellish for them.
Just like soldiers who fought battles against human combatants, those who fight spiritual battles often experience traumas, trials, bad experiences, and even “shell shock” or PTSD. Don’t underestimate the suffering that spiritual battles will cause in your heart and soul. Spiritual warfare will also leave a lasting impression on your life. That is why some people don't like to talk about spiritual battles or warfare. They have already suffered greatly in this fight between good and evil.
The Bible is full of stories of warfare between Israel and its neighbors as well as spiritual battles between good and evil. In all cases, the national warfare was either initiated by spiritual battles or resulted in spiritual skirmishes between good and evil. If you read the Bible for any length of time, spiritual battles far outnumber earthly warfare between nations. In every case, spiritual battles formed the impetus for earthly warfare. That is not to say that religion is the cause of most wars in the world! However, one can easily conclude that the spiritual war between good and evil in this world is behind EVERY SINGLE human conflict!
Since spiritual battles and warfare are so prevalent in this world, shouldn’t you know ways to defend yourself in spiritual battle and how to overcome a fight between good and evil? Absolutely! That is why I do not back down in my efforts to teach you of spiritual conflict in your life! I want to protect your soul from evil and keep you safe from the dark spiritual forces that would love to destroy your faith and keep you in depression or turmoil all your days.
The scripture for today from Colossians 1 bears an important aspect of the spiritual warfare waging around you. It will bring you hope for your battles of good versus evil. Paul wrote this scripture to inform his readers of God’s stance in spiritual warfare. If you are a child of God, you are part of God’s army. You are on God’s side. Jesus is your Savior. The Father in Heaven “has delivered you from the domain of darkness and transferred you to the kingdom of his beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13). This has already happened. These words are in PAST TENSE! Darkness and evil are now your enemy. You fight on the side of God and the right. Other holy warriors fight beside you. You are never alone. The darkness of evil will never control you if you stay in the good graces of the Father in Heaven, the Creator of light in the world.
Jesus was sent as your Savior and Lord. Colossians 1:14 adds that Jesus is the one who brings you “redemption” and the “forgiveness of sins” so that you may fight the good fight alongside all the faithful. You have allies in this spiritual fight. You have chosen to stand with God the Father and Jesus, His Son. Remain in this battle for Jesus’ sake and “darkness” will not touch you.
In the book, Trusting God with Today, Colossians 1:13 is listed as the starting point of a commentary about spiritual battle:
“Since Satan’s fall, there have been two supernatural realms at war: the kingdom of God and the dominion of darkness. This means we were born into conflict—caught in the middle of the struggle for power between these two domains. Even though we may not be able to see it, it’s real and will continue to rage until Christ finally returns as the reigning King of kings and Lord of lords.
You may not recognize this conflict in your own life, but it’s certainly present throughout Scripture and has permeated every area of society. Indeed, watching the news and observing the evil and suffering present throughout the world is almost enough to make us question whether the Enemy is winning. However, do not fear. God will always be victorious.
With this in mind, how should you live? You must prepare yourself for the spiritual battle—standing strong in the Lord and the power of His might. You do so by strapping on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–18) but also by understanding that obedience to the Lord is imperative. Therefore, cast off anything the Enemy can use against you to his advantage and march in lockstep with the Savior. Jesus, help me in all ways to serve You and Your kingdom. Amen.” (p. 341, Charles Stanley).
In closing, make sure you pray to God in Heaven for spiritual strength. Look to Jesus for your inspiration! Listen to the direction and promises of the Holy Spirit. Gird yourself for spiritual battle! Keep up the good fight. Lean on the rest of the faithful for comfort and assurance. Your future is bright in the Kingdom of Heaven if you don’t let evil and its darkness steal your joy and cloud your judgment.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12, ESV)