Preparing for Spiritual War

 Read Psalm 140.

If a person is not aware of their spiritual battle, they have already lost the battle. 

Notice David's spiritual perspective on what he was experiencing.  Much like the time he faced down Goliath, he looked beyond the human factors involved and saw the evil behind them.  We need not cower and back down when confronted by sin and sinful minded people.

1. He prayed for God to deliver him from the battle. (vv.1-5)
This was not his word against theirs.  These men were evil in their thoughts, words, plans and actions.  There is only one source of evil.  Satan, the deceiver of old, the father of lies, wages war by energizing those whose minds are open to him.  Such a battle cannot be won by positive thinking.  There is One greater who is all-powerful.  It is the LORD to whom we turn to guard us in the battle and to deliver us from evil.

2. He prayed for God to protect him in the battle. (vv.6-8)
The battle is inescapable.  Everyone in involved every day, throughout the day, against the enemy of our souls.  Without God and His deliverance there is no protection from evil.  People, then, become pawns of evil.  The LORD provides salvation, or deliverance, both eternally and daily.

3. He prayed for God to give victory over the battle. (vv.9-13)
The spiritual battle is the LORD's.  He has the power to overcome evil.  "Vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord." (Romans 12:19)  And, He has the power to give us personal victory over evil.  God has provided the believer in Jesus all that is needed for victory.  "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."  (Ephesians 6:10-17)

"The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8b)