Spiritual Warfare Is Real
Sometimes we learn more about things in life from Hollywood than from legitimate sources. The proverbial “based on a true story” tag means that some parts of what you are watching are true, but other parts are made up to help the story.
Hollywood is probably where most people learn about spiritual warfare. And, that is a dangerous thing. Why? Because spiritual warfare is real but is so very different than the horror movie demon-possessed examples that we see on the big screen.
In Acts 19, we read a real-life account of spiritual warfare that occurs between some guys called the “Seven Sons of Sceva” and a demon-possessed man. Though the sons of Sceva do not have their own experiences with Jesus Christ, they call on the “Jesus that Paul preaches” (Acts 19:13) to drive the demons out of a man. Then, the demon does not recognize them and replies saying, “I know Jesus, and I recognize Paul — but who are you?” (Acts 19:15). The demon-possessed man then overpowers the sons of Sceva and sends them running in humiliation (literally) after whipping their tail.
So, what do we learn from this?
First, we learn that spiritual warfare is real. Demons exist. They desire to bring chaos to people. But, always remember this…Jesus is more powerful than demons. God, in His sovereignty, has complete control over what demons are allowed to do. There is no need to fear if you are trusting in the One who can always overpower the demons, Jesus Christ. Also, remember that Christians have the indwelling Holy Spirit and cannot be possessed by demons. So, for a child of God in Christ, there is no need to fear.
Second, we learn that we must have our own experience with Christ to powerfully engage in spiritual warfare. We cannot depend on the “Jesus that Paul preaches” or “the Jesus that my mother knows” or “the Jesus that my pastor talks about.” You must always call on the Jesus that you have personally experienced and with whom you walk every day. You need your own experience with Jesus to walk in His power.
Third, we learn that spiritual warfare is going to be a part of our lives, even as (or maybe even especially as) Christians. The demon in Acts 19 said that he knew Jesus, and he had battled Paul several times, but he did not know the sons of Sceva.
If we are walking with Jesus, that means we are on the offensive through prayer and sharing Christ as we attack the darkness of lostness with the light of Jesus Christ. The best place to fight those battles is on our knees in prayer.
Spiritual warfare is real. Christians should be in the battle. But, we fight in the strength of the Spirit of God that indwells us. The battle is on…are you in the fight?
(Responses/questions? jeff.perkins@mbclife.org)