Spiritual Warfare

There are many hymns like “Onward Christian Soldiers” that tell us that we are engaged in a spiritual battle, and rightly so.  Paul exhorts the Ephesians to, “put on the full armor of God” because “our struggle is not against flesh and blood…” (Ephesians 6:10-18).  As sound as this admonition is, the best counsel that I have heard concerning spiritual warfare comes from the mouth of one of the apostles’ enemies.

In chapters 4-5 in the book of Acts, after the apostles were thrown into jail and warned not to do what they were doing, they continued to preach in Jesus’ name.  This infuriated the religious leaders and they considered putting the apostles to death.  While they were conspiring to do this, Gamaliel stood up and said, “If their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.  But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38-39)

These words that Gamaliel spoke are amazing and astonishing.  It shows me that God is not a respecter of persons (Romans 10:34).  He can use our adversaries to bring a prophetic message.

This is a sobering thought to me.  It is warning me to know God and know what He’s about, then identify the enemy.  It’s a terrible and devastating thing to think you’re fighting for Him and then find out that you’re fighting against Him.  Ask Paul.  He’ll tell you.