(Eph. 6:12).One of the best books I’ve read on spiritual warfare is The Three Battlegrounds by Francis Frangipane. I pulled this book off my shelf, dusted it off, and began to read it again. I was amazed by the first chapter. Listen to what he says regarding Satan’s authority:
“The devil and the fallen angels with him have been relegated to live in darkness. This darkness does not simply mean ‘lightless regions’ or areas void of visible light. The eternal darkness to which this Scripture (Jude 6) refers is essentially a moral darkness, which does ultimately degenerate to literal darkness. However, its cause is not simply the absence of light; it is the absence of God, who is light….Unlike those who do not know Jesus, however, we have been delivered out of the domain or ‘authority’ of darkness (Col. 1:13). We are not trapped in darkness if we have been born of light. But if we tolerate darkness through tolerance of sin, we leave ourselves vulnerable for satanic assault. For wherever there is willful disobedience to the Word of God, there is spiritual darkness and the potential for demonic activity….We must grasp the point: The devil can traffic in any area of darkness, even the darkness that still exists in a Christian heart ” (p.12).
Moral darkness doesn’t refer only to outward sins. This darkness is found in any rebellion against God. Worrying and trying to control our lives or the lives of others is one such place of darkness because it demonstrates lack of trust in the wisdom and faithfulness of God. Other sin may include unforgiveness, envy, self-pity, and jealousy. The Spirit of Light can’t live in these dark places. And as long as we entertain such sin, we won’t know the entire abundant life Jesus promised.
Many of us will continue to struggle and ask why we haven’t become new creatures. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old is gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Word of God doesn’t lie, and if there isn’t evidence of these two foundational promises of our faith, abundant life (a life of peace and purpose) and becoming a new creation, I believe that it isn’t God’s fault. I believe it is ours. We must ask God to reveal those dark places, repent of our sin, claim His Truth, and surrender to His control. He’s so much wiser than we are. His power greater, and His love unfathomable.
Ask the Lord if you have agreed with any lies from the enemy. God’s revelations will bring freedom. His rebuke never brings shame only clarity and new life. His life brings light into those dark places, and….the light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it! (John 1:5).
I realize this isn’t a very fun topic for the beginning of the week, but maybe it will be the beginning of new light shining in our lives, and that is more important than a “feel good” post! I love you my friends! I want the fullness of Christ for you. May we truly live shiny and abundantly in Christ! Amen.
Much love,
andy
