Unlocking the True Purpose of Spiritual Warfare
Beyond Temporary Relief
Most Christians engage in spiritual warfare with the sole aim of escaping their current struggles or achieving a sense of normalcy. However, this approach falls short of God’s ultimate goal. The purpose of spirituality, including warfare, is to transform us into the image of Christ. Any pursuit that neglects this fundamental objective will ultimately prove futile.
The Bigger Picture
Recall the story of the ancient Hebrews, whom God delivered from Egypt to bring them into the Promised Land. Similarly, our salvation is not merely about being freed from sin, but about becoming like Christ. The first phase of our faith journey, often referred to as “salvation,” is only the beginning of a lifelong process of conforming to Christ.
The Father’s Goal
God’s purpose in delivering us goes far beyond simply removing our burdens. His ultimate goal is to conform us to the image of His Son, making Jesus the “first-born among many brethren” (Romans 8:29). To achieve this, we must cooperate with God’s will, allowing His glory to advance within us.
The Power of Transformation
When we are born again, the presence of the Lord Jesus enters our lives through the Holy Spirit. As we yield to God’s will, His glory increases within us, producing an indestructible defense against evil. We enter into the excellence of His ways, walking in immunity from satanic attacks.
The Key to Victory
It is not Satan who defeats us, but our own openness to him. To overcome the devil, we must walk in the “shelter of the Most High” (Psalm 91:1). Satan is tolerated only to facilitate God’s eternal plan: to make man in His image (Genesis 1:26).
Appropriating the Nature of Christ
Once we realize that God’s goal is not just to save us but to transform us, we will find that He has one answer to all our spiritual problems: appropriating the nature of His Son! Whether troubled by fear, doubt, lust, or shame, we can submit those areas to God, repent, and yield ourselves to Christ’s faith and purity within us.
The Path to Victory
Remember, your victory begins with the name of Jesus on your lips, but it will not be consummated until the nature of Jesus is in your heart. When the enemy recognizes that his assaults are actually forcing you to appropriate the virtue of Christ, he will withdraw.
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