Spiritual Warfare--A Lifestyle

In the modern day we are living, it is imperative that we learn that spiritual warfare is a "lifestyle" and not just an every now and then event of rebuking the enemy. The believer must be prepared spiritually at all times, ready to combat the enemy. The Bible tells us that our enemy is continually on the prowl seeking whom he may devour. The believer must be ever vigilant, maintaining a "warrior's awareness" of the unseen battle that continually rages around him. This understanding must become a natural part of the believer's life.
The spiritual warrior must be on guard, watching over his own mind and heart, as well as the world and the devil. It is not only a battle against the enemy, but also against our own sinful nature, which will desire what is contrary to God. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Cor. 10:4-5:
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ".
The believer can not claim he is free from the "battle" with his sinful nature, just because he might not struggle with the "bigger" sins. We must bring every thought into captivity. There are many of us who continue to possess mind-sets which we know are not pleasing to God. Attitudes that prevent us from living as we should. These mind-sets and attitudes will allow the devil to get a foothold in our lives, and suddenly we are no longer where we should be spiritually. If at all possible, the devil will find ways to encourage and provoke the "sinful nature" in our lives. The enemy's goal is to have the believer consumed by sinful desires day and night. The book of Galatians, 5:19-21--list some of the acts that result from the "sinful nature":
"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."
The Word tells us that Adam and Eve were the first humans whom God created. In the beginning, their spiritual nature was completely and totally yielded unto God. It was their spirit which dominated and directed their soul and body, causing them to think and act in ways that were pleasing to God. However, Adam and Eve rejected God's Word and His authority, instead following Satan and his words. The result was spiritual death, and they became corrupt (sinful) and so then sin entered the world. With their souls and bodies no longer directed by the Spirit of God, Adam and Eve became dominated by the sinful nature and its desires and passions. The same is true of all people today, if they have not been born again.
In this age we live, Satan is well aware of people's weaknesses, and he continually tries to get them to disobey God, indulging in every kind of sin. We must be on guard against the enemy's attempts to lead us into sin. Spiritual warfare is needed to win not only the battles against the devil and the world, but against our own sinful nature. We are to be spiritually minded, occupied with what the Holy Spirit desires and not allow ourselves to be under the influence of the sinful nature. The final outcome for a spiritual warrior is "Victory", over the enemy and the sinful nature.