When We Fight
Have you ever wondered what spiritual warfare looks like? Is it armed angels fighting against armed demons in ongoing cosmic clash? Does it look like a $100 million blockbuster? Or is it more subtle?
The Bible makes it clear that spiritual warfare takes place all around us. Daniel wrote in chapter 10:10-21 of angelic struggles between Michael, the prince of Persia, the prince of Greece and an unnamed being. Peter reminds us to “Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour” (1 Peter 5:8, HCSB). In Ephesians 6:12, Paul teaches we do not battle against flesh and blood [humanity]. The true battle is against rulers, authorities, powers in this world’s darkness, and spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places.
If spiritual warfare is a reality in which we find ourselves, we must know how to win when we fight. How to we stand against a devil who wants to devour us, and demons who want to harass and antagonize us? Are we left to figure it out on our own? To fight it out on our own? Gratefully, the answer is no.
God Has Provided Weapons
- The Holy Spirit, who is stronger than Satan. When we were saved the Holy Spirit came to reside in us. Each and every believer is indwelled by the One sent by Jesus Himself. As we read in 1 John 4:4, “You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (HCSB). Daily we are indwelled by God Himself. Moment by moment the power of the Holy Spirit is available to help us overcome temptation. We never face a demonic force who is strong enough to overcome Him. Our victory over evil is centered in Christ’s victory on the cross. We do not gain victory; we enter into the victory He has already won.
- God’s Word strengthens us against temptation. The psalmist addressed this truth many times in the 119th psalm, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping Your word” (v. 9), “I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You” (v. 11), “Teach me good judgment and discernment, for I rely on Your commands” (v. 66). As we immerse ourselves in God’s word, our thinking is changed and our hearts are strengthened. Our minds take on the mind of Christ, who knew no sin. We are drawn to be like Him and reject the temptations that would turn us aside.
- The family of faith. Bible Studies for Life emphasizes the role of community in spiritual growth. God never called His followers to be “Lone Ranger” Christians, living in a state of solitude. God’s plan has always been that we live in community; that we lean upon each other for strength. Paul wrote to the Galatians about the importance of watching out for each other. In that epistle, chapter 6, verses 1 and 2, we read, “Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you also won’t be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
We do not fight alone. We will never fight alone as long as we fully depend on the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and our family of faith.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Senior Pastor, Cross Church
General Editor, Bible Studies for Life
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
An Update on the Cross Church School of Ministry
Today, RonnieFloyd.com welcomes guest writer, Dr. Jeff Crawford. Dr. Crawford is the President of Cross Church School of Ministry and a Teaching Pastor at Cross Church.
The Cross Church School of Ministry (CCSM) is off to a God-touched start! Seven months ago, we were a vision and a strategy on a piece of paper. Today we are one month into a year-long ministry residency with 11 God-called men who have come to us from five states. In addition to these men serving in “real time” across the ministries of Cross Church, we are also deep into preparation for our mission trip to Venezuela. Every Cross Church School of Ministry student will advance the Gospel globally via one international mission experience and two North American mission experiences. The trip to Venezuela will put us on the front lines of mission work as we lead a training conference for over 150 church leaders from all over Venezuela. In addition, we will be doing church specific training in reaching Muslims for Christ. The churches of Venezuela have an open door to the Muslim countries of the world, whereas we do not as Americans. So we will provide the training and they will provide the “going!”
CCSM resident minister, Adrian Jordan, on our church planting track, has summed up his experience with the Cross Church School of Ministry this way, “This moment in my life is I believe the perfect place in time where God has uniquely equipped the leadership (of CCSM) to pour into the lives of men who feel His call on their lives. As I answer the calling to, ‘Go!’ I am so excited for this amazing adventure of faith where I know without a doubt this is only the beginning and I look forward to seeing the beauty unfold in God’s great masterpiece.”
A.J. Kirk is studying with CCSM on our student ministry track and has grasped the unique opportunity our school offers next generation leaders. Says A.J., “God made a way for me to be a part of this terrific opportunity, all I had to do was say yes, and that is exactly what I did. I am beyond thankful to everyone who has been a part of getting me here, and I am thankful most of all to serve a Savior who makes a way for His will to be done regardless of the circumstances.”
The story is not finished, though. In fact, it has only just begun. We are currently recruiting for our second cohort, which will begin with us in August of 2014. God is on the move and working even now in the hearts of men and women to join us at Cross Church. Listen to the words of current CCSM student and future church planter, James 
Forbis, “I have complete confidence and faith that God is already calling men and women to be a part of the next cohort of students for next year’s class, and I urge you to pray about and consider two things: ‘Am I called?’ and ‘What am I called to do?’. If you can discern those two things and know without a shadow of a doubt that your life is meant to glorify God through Kingdom work then join us at The Cross Church School of Ministry.”
If you would like to know more about the Cross Church School of Ministry check out our new website at: CrossChurchSchool.com or contact me directly: jeffc@crosschurch.com
Dr. Jeff Crawford
President, Cross Church School of Ministry
Teaching Pastor, Cross Church
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.