Lately, the Lord reminded me that the spiritual battle against the devil and his dark forces is real and relentless until the day Christ returns. Scripture clearly tells us, “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.” (Ephesians 6:12, NKJV) Apostle Peter also cautions us in 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV), “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Through these texts, we can be certain the battle between good and evil is not only real, it is also relentless.
Since spiritual warfare is real and relentless, we must likewise engage the enemy relentlessly. The word that’s been resounding in my heart is “engage”. The minute we disengage from spiritual warfare, we succumb our life and ministry to the forces of darkness. I believe there are three ways we can engage the enemy.
First, we must engage in prayer. Since this warfare is not against flesh and blood, it has to be engaged spiritually through prayer. Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 6:18 (NKJV) that we must be, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints”. This is why our Prayer Tower is so important. I know it’s challenging – sacrificing sleep and time, without seeing immediate results. Yet, your unceasing prayers establish a shield of protection for the entire FCBC community.
Second, we must engage by walking in the Spirit and in holiness. Galatians 6:8 (NKJV) states, “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” When we walk in holiness by the power of the Holy Spirit, we do not give the devil an opportunity to wreck our lives.
Third, we must engage by making disciples. The evangelist Reinhard Bonnke challenges us to “plunder hell to populate heaven”. As we lead people out of spiritual darkness into God’s heavenly light, we assert the victory of the cross against the kingdom of darkness. FCBC, we must continue to press on in establishing our 1,728 cells, because that will add 20,736 soldiers to Christ’s army. Let’s not quit in continuously winning, consolidating, discipling and sending out our 12 till our church overflows with disciples who are passionate for the gospel of Christ.
As we do so, I’d like to share my favourite verse found in 2 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV), “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” Yes, the battle is the Lord’s and He will deliver the enemy into our hands!
- Senior Pastor Lawrence Khong