By From the shortest verse on the topic in James 4:7, to an entire manual on spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6, the Bible gives us all we need to know about the dark spiritual realities of this life that are otherwise unknown to us. Many religions offer many explanations and practises regarding the evil forces of the spiritual realm, but they all do so ignorantly and without any power (Jude 1:8-16). As Christians we have God’s revelation about the powers of spiritual darkness. He didn’t tell us all, but He did equip us completely. If we read His manual on spiritual warfare, we will know all we need to know, and we will stand firm without needing anything more.
Ephesians 6:10-20 is the famous Biblical Manual on Spiritual Warfare. Its first two verses act like an introduction that gives us something to do, something to achieve, and something to understand.
It begins with a command—something we must do when it comes to dealing with the Devil, demons, and whatever evil spiritual realities all exists. “Put on the armour of God.” The armour will be explained later, but first we ought to make sure that whatever we do in spiritual warfare is defined by God. Only God’s armour will work.
Then, we are are given the purpose—what we will achieve if we obey the command. “that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil“. What a wonderful assurance! Do what God commands (“put on”) with God’s provision (“the whole armour of God”), and it will work! You will be able! You may then confidently stand against even the Devil’s schemes. The importance of “stand” will also be explained later again, but for now the purpose of spiritual warfare is a grand assurance that God’s armour will work.
And then, all of v. 12 is the reason for spiritual warfare—why it is so important in a Christian’s life. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Spiritual warfare is imperative for every Christian to stand firm as a Christian in this world. That is because there are spiritual dark forces at play. They might not fit into the realm of what is visible, scientific, or relatable, but it is nonetheless real.
It is precisely because of the reality of dark spiritual forces and powers that we need God’s word on the matter. It is by obedience to God’s command regarding His solution that we will be able with confidence to stand strong as Christians in the midst of a spiritual battle against demonic activity.
But, remember, this manual is the key—nothing more, nothing less. The weaponry is clearly explained in Ephesians 6:13-17. Become a master in your use of them. The winning techniques are further explained in vv. 18-20 with a very personal application from the Apostle Paul even. Regarding spiritual warfare, know the manual!