THE WALK AND THE WARFARE PART 2: EXPOSING THE ENEMY

To understand this last section of 2 Corinthians, we must gain a biblical, balanced understanding of spiritual warfare. What is spiritual warfare? - a campaign designed to achieve a specific objective (1 Timothy 1:18). Why is there a spiritual war? The Devil wants to overthrow God and steal His worship/glory (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:11-19; 1 Timothy 3:6). Satan, created to be a cherub angel in service to God, is puffed up in pride and is leading the rebellion against God. When did the war begin, and when will the war end? The war began with the rebellion of Satan and his angels, and the war will end at the end of the thousand-year reign of Christ when Satan is cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10). Where is the war fought? It began in heaven and now on earth (Revelation 12:7). Who fights in the spiritual war? - Christ Jesus, holy angels, and the Church vs. evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, mighty powers in this dark world, and evil spirits in the heavenly places (Colossians 2:14-15; Revelation 12:7,17; Ephesians 6:12). How does Christ Jesus fight the spiritual war? Preaching, healing, and deliverance ministry (Acts 10:38). Developed and empowered His disciples (Matthew 10:1). Dying on the cross and rising from the dead (Colossians 2:14-15). The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). How do we fight the spiritual war? Walk/live according to the Spirit as we obey the orders contained in the Great Commission (Romans 8:14, 6:13; Ephesians 6:10-18).
2 Corinthians 11:1-33
The devil always disguises his tricks. Don’t be deceived by wolves in sheep clothing. The word of God is truth (John 17:17). Jesus said “most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” (John 10:1-5) Are you following the good shepherd?
Dr. Erin Daniel Bell
August 25, 2024