Combat Mode: Living as a Spirit-Filled Christian in Today's World!

What the Bible Says About Spiritual Warfare

In our modern world, we interact daily with devices that operate in different modes—power-saving mode, aeroplane mode, silent mode. Each mode serves a specific purpose, optimising performance for particular circumstances. But what mode should we, as spirit-filled Christian men and women, be operating in as members of the body of Christ today?

The answer is clear: we must live in combat mode.

Understanding the Spiritual Battle

The Apostle Paul understood this reality profoundly when he wrote, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12, KJV). Our Christian life isn't a passive existence or a casual stroll—it's an active battlefield where spiritual warfare rages constantly.

Living in combat mode means recognising that we're engaged in a real fight. Peter warns us, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8, KJV). The enemy doesn't take holidays, doesn't work part-time, and never switches to rest mode. Therefore, neither can we afford to be spiritually complacent.

This warfare is not a metaphor—it's a spiritual reality that affects every aspect of our lives. Jesus Himself said, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10, KJV). We have an adversary who seeks our destruction, but we also have a Saviour who offers abundant life.

What Does Combat Mode Look Like?

1. Putting On the Full Armour of God Daily

Combat mode requires putting on the full armour of God daily. Paul instructs us to take "the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (Ephesians 6:13, KJV). This isn't optional equipment—it's essential gear for survival and victory.

We must clothe ourselves with truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:14-17, KJV).

Each piece of armour serves a specific purpose. Truth guards our core, righteousness protects our hearts, and faith shields us from the enemy's attacks. Without this armour, we're vulnerable and exposed to spiritual assault.

2. Constant Prayer & Vigilance

Combat mode demands constant prayer and vigilance. Paul continues, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance" (Ephesians 6:18, KJV). Prayer is our direct communication line with headquarters—with God Himself. Without it, we're operating disconnected from our source of power and guidance.

Jesus exemplified this when He instructed His disciples, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41, KJV). Prayer keeps us spiritually alert and connected to divine strength that surpasses our human limitations.

3. Maintaining Spiritual Discipline

Living in combat mode means maintaining spiritual discipline. Paul wrote, "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (1 Corinthians 9:27, KJV). We cannot afford to be spiritually lazy or undisciplined when souls hang in the balance.

This discipline extends to every area of our lives. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV). Every action, every thought, every word must be brought under the Lordship of Christ.

4. Courage & Boldness in Faith

Combat mode requires courage and boldness. Joshua received this command: "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest" (Joshua 1:9, KJV). We're not called to shrink back in fear but to advance boldly in faith.

David demonstrated this courage when he faced Goliath, declaring, "Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied" (1 Samuel 17:45, KJV). True combat mode means facing overwhelming odds with unwavering faith in God's power.

5. Remembering Whose We Are

Finally, combat mode is sustained by remembering whose we are and who fights for us. "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31, KJV). We don't fight for victory—we fight from victory, because Christ has already won the ultimate battle through His death and resurrection.

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us" (Romans 8:37, KJV). Our victory is assured not because of our strength, but because of Christ's finished work on the cross.

The Call to Action

The question isn't whether we'll face spiritual opposition—we will. The question is whether we'll be prepared, alert, and equipped when it comes. Paul urged Timothy, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called" (1 Timothy 6:12, KJV).

So check your mode today. Are you in combat mode, ready to stand firm, fight the good fight of faith, and advance God's kingdom? The hour demands nothing less. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might" (Ephesians 6:10, KJV).

May we live as victorious warriors, fully equipped, spiritually alert, and advancing boldly in the authority Christ has given us. The battle is real, but so is our victory in Him…

Key Takeaways:

• Recognise the Reality of Spiritual Warfare: We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12 KJV). The battle is real and ongoing.
• Put On the Full Armour of God Daily: Equip yourself with truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God (Ephesians 6:13-17 KJV).
• Maintain Constant Prayer and Vigilance: Stay connected to God through unceasing prayer and spiritual alertness (Ephesians 6:18 KJV; Matthew 26:41 KJV).
• Exercise Spiritual Discipline: Bring every aspect of your life under Christ's Lordship and maintain self-control (1 Corinthians 9:27 KJV; 10:31 KJV).
• Stand with Courage and Boldness: Face opposition with unwavering faith, knowing God is with you (Joshua 1:9 KJV; 1 Samuel 17:45 KJV).
• Remember Your Victory in Christ: Fight from a position of victory, not for victory—Christ has already won the battle (Romans 8:31, 37 KJV).
• Stay Alert and Prepared: The enemy prowls like a roaring lion; remain sober and vigilant at all times (1 Peter 5:8 KJV).
• Fight the Good Fight of Faith: Live as a victorious warrior, fully equipped and advancing God's kingdom with spiritual authority (1 Timothy 6:12 KJV; Ephesians 6:10 KJV).