Time and again, the Scripture reminds us that we are, consciously or unconsciously, involved in a conflict with the forces of evil. I am not referring here to a sort of spiritual psychosis, but to a reality that can, and often does, fall into oblivion among us believers.No wonder God attempts to reach us with such exhortations as:

“Fight the good fight of faith …” (1 Tim 6:12)

“I have fought the good fight …” (2 Tim. 4:7)

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12)

Actually, the spiritual psychosis is found in those who deny the existing conflict and live in a surrealistic peace, unaware they are losing the battle.

1—The conqueror is aware that he is involved in a fight

Since the conqueror engages in combat rather than raising the white flag, he is fully aware of the ongoing battle. He could be compared to the soldiers of the Qassam Brigades and the IDF. These soldiers need no convincing that a battle is raging; the mind of the Christian conqueror is no different. It is entirely imbued with the fact that a battle is going on. As a result, he watches, prays, and fights.

2—The conqueror is aware that he is involved in a good fight

Not only is he aware that a fight is going on, but he is also conscious that the fight is good. Most of the time, fighting is rightly considered futile and vain, not to say ugly and pernicious. But the apostle Paul speaks of “a good fight,” of an honorable and righteous battle, of a wrestling “against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” To raise our swords against such foes is actually a manifestation of nobility and godliness. In addition, a part of this good fight is directed toward setting the captives free, for they have been taken captive by the devil to do his will (2 Tim. 2:26).

So we fight against the flesh, the world, the devil, and his demons. Yet demonic intervention is not always required; often, the flesh and the world are sufficient to knock us out. Only when a person has overcome the flesh and the world do the devil and his servants enter the fight. Jesus and Paul were among such overcomers. No wonder the evil spirit in the Book of Acts answered the itinerant Jewish exorcists, saying, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” (Acts 19:15). Jesus and Paul had a reputation in hell. They had acquired fame because they were accustomed to defeating the diabolical hosts. The pertinent question is: Do we have a reputation in hell? Or are we, like the exorcists above, unfamiliar to the hosts of wickedness?

3—The conqueror is mindful that he must be prepared to fight

Whether we like it or not, a battle is going on, and we will do well to engage in it with determination and preparation—not as dreamers, but with a sober mind, clear focus, and firm resolve. The conqueror knows this; he knows he needs an armor before engaging in battle. Unlike Asahel, who fought Abner without such protection (2 Samuel 2:18-23), the Christian conqueror has the whole thing on, not just pieces of it. The apostle Paul puts it this way…

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).

Paul doesn’t merely write, “Put on the armor of God”. Led by the Spirit, he inserts the word “whole”, for the Spirit knows we tend to put on only parts of it, and as Paul maintains, fragments of the armor are not sufficient to secure victory.

In addition, the word translated as “wiles” is μεθοδεία (methodeia), from which the English word “method” is derived. This implies that the devil is methodical, not shambolic. A standard definition of methodical is:

“Methodical is an adjective that means doing things in a very organized, systematic, and careful way. It describes a person, plan, or action that follows a clear set of steps to make sure nothing is missed.”

In other words, the devil doesn’t fight on impulse; he plans everything meticulously.

Therefore, putting on the whole armor of God should not be regarded as optional. It is, in all of its aspects, a necessary procedure for anyone who seeks to overcome the enemy—an outcome that is entirely indispensable, as we will see in a moment.

4—The Christian conqueror is cognizant that he must attack

When the Apostle Paul describes the armor of God, he includes the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). By this, he shows that the Christian must not only defend himself, but also go on the offense. In fact, the sword of the Spirit is the sole weapon of offense available to us, highlighting its critical importance.

Unfortunately, one of the tragedies of modern Christianity is that God’s Word is becoming increasingly unknown—a reality about which much could be written. The Word of God—also called the Word of truth—must not merely be read, but actively handled (1 John 1:1). We must abide in it (John 8:31), walk in it (3 John 1:3), meditate on it (Psalm 119:148), and also be trained in its use (Psalm 144:1).

When Jesus fought Satan in the wilderness, the Word of God was His only weapon. When He told the devil, “It is written…” His words were like a two-edged sword, causing the devil to flee (James 4:7).

5—The conqueror’s mind is set on overcoming

Jesus, speaking to each of the seven churches in the Book of Revelation, says:

“To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God” (Rev. 2:7).

“He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death” (Rev. 2:11).

“To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it” (Rev. 2:17).

“And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations” (Rev. 2:26).

“He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels” (Rev. 3:5).

“He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name” (Rev. 3:12).

“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Rev. 3:21).

All these Scriptures remind us that overcoming is imperative. Therefore, the overcomer approaches the battle with a ready mind and a clean heart, determined to secure victory.

(To be continued)

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