Why Do Born-Again Christians Forget About Spiritual Warfare

Opening Scripture: "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

Introduction: Born-again Christians have access to incredible Spiritual power, yet many live in fear and forget the unseen battle raging around them. Instead of standing firm in God's promises and engaging in prayer and Spiritual warfare, they blame earthly authorities, circumstances, or themselves. Today, we will explore why this happens, what Scripture says about spiritual warfare, and how we can walk victoriously without fear.

I. The Forgotten Battle

1. A Culture of DistractionThe enemy thrives in distractions. Satan doesn't need Christians to reject God outright; he wants them to focus on worldly fears and concerns instead of spiritual truths.

   • Illustration: A soldier at war who forgets he's on a battlefield becomes an easy target. Similarly, Christians who neglect Spiritual warfare become vulnerable to attacks.

   • Scripture: "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

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2. Lack of Teaching on Spiritual WarfareMany churches emphasize grace and love (rightfully so) but neglect to teach the reality of spiritual warfare. Without knowledge, Christians cannot engage effectively.

   • Scripture: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6)

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3. Forgetting the Enemy's Strategy

   • Satan's greatest trick is making people forget he exists. Christians may feel the effects of Spiritual warfare—discouragement, fear, doubt—but fail to identify the spiritual source.

   • Illustration: Imagine a chess game where your opponent moves pieces invisibly, and you wonder why you're losing. That's how Satan operates when we forget he's behind the battle.

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II. Why Christians Fear Instead of Fighting

1. Fear of the Unknown

   • Christians may fear addressing Spiritual warfare because it's mysterious and invisible. They may feel ill-equipped to handle it.

   • Scripture: "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7)

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2. Misplaced Trust

   • Fear often arises when Christians trust worldly systems more than God. Political parties, governments, or even personal abilities cannot offer the protection only God provides.

   • Scripture: "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes." (Psalm 118:9)

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3. Forgetting God's Promises

   • The trials of life can make Christians forget God's assurances. The enemy whispers lies, convincing them that they are alone or that God has abandoned them.

   • Scripture: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." (1 Corinthians 10:13)

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III. The Solution: Remember and Engage

1. Recognize the Battlefield

   • Christians must remind themselves daily of the Spiritual battle. This is not paranoia but vigilance.

   • Scripture: "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." (Ephesians 6:11)

2. Pray Without Ceasing

   • Prayer is the most potent weapon in Spiritual warfare. It aligns our hearts with God's will and invites His intervention.

   • Illustration: A child lost in the dark can call for their father. The father's presence banishes fear and restores confidence.

3. Stand on God's Promises

   • Fear dissipates when Christians meditate on God's unchanging promises.

   • Scripture: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)

4. Rebuke the Enemy

   • Jesus rebuked Satan directly (Matthew 4:10), setting an example for us. Christians have authority through Christ to resist and rebuke spiritual attacks.

   • Scripture: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

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Conclusion: The next time you feel overwhelmed by fear or circumstances, remember: this is not a battle of flesh and blood. The political authorities, health crises, financial struggles, or interpersonal conflicts you face are not the ultimate enemy. Your true enemy operates in the Spiritual realm, but praise God; we are equipped to overcome it.

Closing Illustration: A young boy woke up frightened during a thunderstorm. He ran to his father's room crying, "I'm scared!" His father hugged him and said, "Son, storms are loud and scary, but they can't hurt you here. I've got you." In the same way, we must run to our Heavenly Father when spiritual storms rage. He reminds us that no attack can harm us because He is in control.

Call to Action:

1. Commit to Daily Prayer: Spend time each day asking God for strength and wisdom to engage in spiritual warfare.

2. Memorize Key Scriptures: Equip yourself with verses like Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Peter 5:8, and Psalm 91.

3. Pray and Rebuke: Speak with authority in Jesus' name, rebuking the enemy and declaring victory over fear.

   
   

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, remind us daily of the battle we face and the victory we already have in You. Equip us to stand firm, rebuke fear, and trust in Your promises. Teach us to boldly and confidently wield the weapons You have given us—Your Word, prayer, and faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.

This message reminds us that Spiritual warfare is real, but victory is inevitable when we stand in Christ's authority. We don't have to live in fear because we serve the God who has already overcome the world!