Week 7: What does Spiritual Warfare really mean

R. Sandoval

Week 7: What does Spiritual Warfare really mean

Spiritual Warfare is not a set of dark forces moving around and hovering over people and places. It is about obeying God. 

The most impressive thing is that, spiritual warfare is not a place I get aware of, but a place where Jesus is fighting for me ever since I accepted Him in my heart.

I find this image specially compelling, and clear: Jesus already defeated the enemy. I should recognize there is a spiritual world that is real, but not be impressed by the acts of the enemy, but of how amazing God´s work really is. Exalting Jesus, not satan. 

I remember this week I was having my nice, warm coffee as Rogerio (this week speaker) hit his chest with his fist so hard it echoed around the room while saying “I AM TEMPLE OF GOD. GOD LIVES IN ME”. It made me ask myself, when had been the last time I said that to myself?

I felt the grief of the Holy Spirit. Asking myself that question was like hitting rock bottom. I felt tears welling up my eyes. When had been the last time I had treasured and acknowledged the fact that my body was a vessel, but dwelling in the presence of God in such a way that He is IN ME. If He is in me, then He should be my heart. I should be worshipping, all day, every thought and lapse of time. He and I, living together in one place. I felt urgency to pray and for forgiveness. 

But Rogerio kept talking and talking, and my heart was pounding heavily under my chest. I almost felt like running. As we walked out of lecture, I didn´t know what to do with myself. So I just climbed into my bed, prayed and sung. But I was not yet healed, I had to recover, and it took me a couple of days.

Along with this manner, I think God has been really speaking to me in Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” and 2 Corinthians 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”.

It all starts with one thought, and that one thought should be Christ. In the same way, in my heart Jesus must be crowned and be the first one, so that everything can flourish out from that. 

After having that rough day, I thought about taking captive every to Jesus and renewing my mind through worship. Not verbal worship, but attitude and being—always—in a worshipping behavior for the glory of God. 

At this very moment I feel peace. It´s just a few hours before leaving to Czech Republic and I feel that worshipping state of peace. I know God put me through that hard day, so that I could be more conscious of what it means to dwell in His temple through my life. Not just at certain lapses, but always, coexisting.