Scripture is clear that we have three enemies, the world, the devil, and our flesh (sinful nature). It is imperative that we discern between them because the “weapons” required will be different.

We battle the world and the enemy of our soul using God’s mighty weapons and with His authority. But Romans 8:13 tells us that we battle our sinful nature differently. That battle involves putting it to death through the power of God’s Holy Spirit. “For if you live by its dictates [the sinful nature], you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.” [NLT]

Our “old nature” is a traitor within us. It refuses to acknowledge that it no longer has power to rule us. And you cannot command your sinful nature to die “in the name of Jesus.” I guarantee it will not obey.

But you can starve its desires and choke out its commands until it acknowledges that it is dead. “…that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” [Ephesians 4:22-24 NKJV]

One last thing about warfare and enemies and weapons and such. The greatest dangers are when we focus too much or too little on these things. We cannot ignore spiritual battles, but we cannot dwell on them constantly. We need to trust the Indwelling Holy Spirit that He will warn us when we need to face our enemies, and He will provide everything we need to do so.