Introduction: Wars come in many shapes and sizes. Many varieties. The American Civil War, WW1 and WW2, the Korean War, the Viet Nam War, the Gulf War, the war in Afghanistan, and now possibly another war with Iraq: These wars all have a different character, different reasons, different ways of battle. As Christians we are in a spiritual war with Satan. In these verses, Paul tells us some important information about this war.

I. The war we are in is spiritual, not carnal. Verse 4 in the NASB reads, "The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh." This is not a war that we can fight physically with our bodies. We cannot use our fists, or pistols, or guided missles or bombs. Karate will be useless. This war must be fought with heart, soul, spirit and mind. What are the goals of our fighting?

Chiefly, to advance the Kingdom of Christ on earth. This is what we pray for every Sunday in the Lord's Prayer. Do we actually mean it when we pray?

Secondarily, to personally conquer our own sinful desires and actions. To resist Satan's temptations, and lead a holy life.

II. Spiritual warfare should center on using our minds to preach the Gospel, to defend the Faith, and to promote Christ's Kingdom in all we do.

A. In verses 4l-5 5 Paul speaks of arguments, knowledge, and thoughts. In the NASB the word "arguments" is translated "speculations." The Greek word is actually "logismous," from the root "logos" or "word" in English. In other words, we battle against Satan chiefly with information and spiritual understanding. We use that information and understanding to advance the Kingdom. For example, when Paul entered a Pagan city on his missionary journeys, he did not march around the city casting out demons and binding Satan. He went to the Synagogue, or the public debating place, and preached and argued the truth of Christianity.

B. The term "Spiritual warfare" has been hijacked by the Charismatic movement, until in the ears of many Christian it usually refers to exorcisms, casting demons out of people, or houses, or marching around a city chanting "we are claiming this city for Christ." Demons are real, but we need to realize that they are very limited in what they can do. Christians cannot be demon possessed, because we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and we have been baptized into Christ Himself. When we live holy lives, win people to Christ, and promote truth and righteousness in our communities, we are truly engaged in spiritual warfare.

III. This points us directly to the Word of God. It is a weapon in our hands as we...

• 1) Learn what it says
• 2) Understand what it says
• 3) Apply what it says to our situations
  Psalm 119:9-11 says...
  "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
• 4) Teach and preach what it says in our churches, in our families, and to society
• 5) Obey what it says.

We win the nations to Christ, and we teach the nations to live by Christ's Word (Matthew 28:18-10). In Ephesians 6:17, Paul calls the Bible the "Sword of the Spirit." Are YOU devoting yourself to the study of God's Word? Are you seeking to understand the impact the Word of God makes on every area of life and culture?

IV. In our spiritual warfare, we have two all-purpose weapons, and five pieces of armor (Ephesians 6:11-18).

A. Our all-purpose weapons are the Word of God and prayer. They are useful for either offense or defense. We use them to advance Jesus' Kingdom.

B. Our defensive armor is:

• 1) Truth - Define it, defend it, teach it.
• 2) Righteousness - rely on Jesus' righteousness; and lead a holy life, too.
• 3) The Gospel - preach it and win people to Christ. This casts down Satan's strongholds.
• 4) Faith - You are lost without faith.
• 5) Salvation - You need assurance of salvation.

Conclusion: Most Christians are barely engaged in this great spiritual battle going on all around us all the time. If you want to be successful in being a warrior for Christ, you need to understand what that means: using your mind, your intelligence, your knowledge of the Word of God -- to use the Word of God and prayer to advance Christ's Kingdom on earth. May God help us. Amen.