“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh.” 2 Corinthians 10:3
The primary conflict that Christ knew on this earth, was not with men, but wiith “…all principality, and power, and might and dominion.” (Eph. 1:2) In Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he wrote: “And having spoiled principalities, and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (2:15) And if there is any doubt concerning the primary conflict, warfare, in which the Christian is engaged, Paul writes further in the letter to the Ephesian believers: “…for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (6:10) It must be understood that the spiritual conflct is manifested in the physical world, for it is clear from Scripture that the enemy of our souls, uses men who are not under the Lord’s control, not submitted to His authority. An example of this is first of all Judas, whom the enemy used and manipulated to deny Christ. Satan’s control of Judas stemmed from a refusal to embrace Christ as Lord, submit wholly to His authority. We know this, because he was a thief, even while being a disciple. The other example is Simon Peter who confronted the Lord concerning His coming crucifixion. Jesus would address Peter, who was being manipulated by Satan, by declaring: “Get thee behind Me, Satan; thou art an offence unto Me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” (Matt. 16:23)
What are the great principles and lessons that the Christian must learn if he is to be effective in this warfare, this spiritual conflict, as the Lord Jesus was?
The first principle, or truth, is that of alignment. It is the orientation in mind and heart with Christ, the kingdom of God, and the Father, by the Spirit. In other words, the disciple must always choose to put his will on the side of Christ, and even though he might not understand fully, or completely, the will of God, he makes petition to know it, and chooses in his heart to believe and obey it.
Secondly, there is no fighting this fight effectively unless one comes to grips with the reality that it is a spiritual warfare, not a carnal or flesh-oriented one. When Jesus was confronted by Satan in the wilderness, He was perfectly aligned with the will of His Father. He was very clear with regard to what the Scripture declared as being the truth. Secondly, He confronted Satan in the power and authority of the Father, by the Spirit. His weapons were first and foremost the truth. He was also totally submitted to His Father, thus receiving from Him, His authority and power. This power was given to Him by the Father, manifested in Him by the Spirit, and would at every point of attack by Satan, overcome him. We must not minimize the reality of the conflict involved here. We might think that the interaction that Christ had with Satan was just a verbal interaction, but it was not. All the power of Satan, in his persuasive manner and manipulations, were at work, not to mention his trickery and deceit. Pure evil was facing Christ that day, and afterwards, but Jesus did not cede His authority to him at any point, thus accomplishing a perfect victory over him when He declared on the cross: “It is finished.”
The third, and very important principle has to do with the believer’s position IN CHRIST. From the moment of his conversion to Christ, and the new birth, the believer was placed into Christ. Christ became his righteousness, wisdom, sanctification and redemption. He became the believer’s TANK against the onslaught of the enemy. To overcome the enemy, the weapons as well as the victory, are found only IN CHRIST. Satan is not afraid of fleshly, earthly, man-made or conceived, “weapons.” Ultimately he fears, and only respects, the power and authority of the Christ who has overcome him.
Dear Father, Empower us to overcome. In Jesus’ name, Amen.