by Rod Thomas | The Messianic Torah Observer

Episode Overview

We are living in a time of global upheaval, moral inversion, and spiritual confusion. Scripture warned us that such days would come—but it also prepared us for them.
In Part 1 of our Spiritual Warfare Series, we lay the foundation by answering a critical question:
What is spiritual warfare—from a biblical, Messianic, Torah‑rooted perspective?
This episode introduces the reality of an unseen cosmic conflict between the Kingdom of Light and the Kingdom of Darkness, a war that has been raging since the dawn of creation and one in which every believer is already involved—whether they realize it or not.
Contrary to popular Christian culture, spiritual warfare is not emotionalism, not fear‑based obsession, and not optional. It is covenantal, scriptural, and central to our calling as the redeemed of YHWH in these last days.

What This Episode Covers

1️⃣ Why Spiritual Warfare Matters Now

  • Global instability, deception, lawlessness, and moral reversal
  • Wars, rumors of wars, and “birth pangs” foretold by Messiah
  • The increasing pressure on faith, families, and covenant identity
    Key Scriptures:
    Matthew 24:3–8; Isaiah 5:20; 2 Timothy 3:1–5; Ecclesiastes 12:13–14

2️⃣ Defining Spiritual Warfare Biblically

  • Why the phrase “spiritual warfare” does not appear in Scripture—yet the reality permeates it
  • Warfare as a multi‑layered conflict in the unseen realm
  • The difference between the visible, temporal world and the invisible, eternal realm
    Key Scriptures:
    2 Corinthians 4:18; Job 32:8; Ecclesiastes 3:21

3️⃣ The Unseen Realm and the Real Enemy

  • Why our struggle is not against flesh and blood
  • Thrones, dominions, rulers, and powers created by Elohim—some now in rebellion
  • How worldly systems, temptation, deception, and hasatan himself work together
    Key Scriptures:
    Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Corinthians 10:3–5

4️⃣ Spiritual Warfare Throughout the Tanakh and Apostolic Writings

A survey of foundational biblical passages that reveal warfare without using the modern term:
  • Genesis 3:15 – The Protoevangelium: hostility between the seed of the woman and the serpent
  • Exodus 14:14 – YHWH fights for His people
  • Deuteronomy 20:3–4 – Fearlessness because YHWH goes with us
  • 1 Samuel 17:45–47 – David vs. Goliath: the battle belongs to YHWH
  • 2 Kings 6:16–17 – Elisha and the unseen angelic host
  • Daniel 10:12–13, 20 – Warfare in the heavens affects events on earth
  • Psalm 91 – Protection, refuge, and angelic guardianship
  • Zechariah 4:6 – Victory by YHWH’s Spirit, not human strength

5️⃣ Weapons and Principles of Spiritual Warfare

  • Authority given to the people of YHWH
  • Torah (the Word of Elohim) as a primary weapon
  • Prayer, fasting, unity, praise, obedience, and righteousness
  • Assurance: no weapon formed against YHWH’s people will ultimately prevail
    Key Scriptures:
    Matthew 4:1–11; Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 54:17; Romans 12:21; Ephesians 6:10–20

6️⃣ Why This Series Exists

This series is not about fear—it is about:
  • Clarity instead of confusion
  • Identity instead of deception
  • Preparation instead of passivity
We are not spectators in a cosmic conflict. We are called to stand, resist, and overcome—not in our own strength, but in the might of YHWH.

📖 Scripture References Cited in This Episode

Torah & Writings
  • Genesis 3:15
  • Exodus 14:14
  • Deuteronomy 20:3–4
  • Job 32:8
  • Psalm 44:5
  • Psalm 91
  • Psalm 144:1–2
  • Ecclesiastes 3:21; 12:13–14
  • Isaiah 5:20; 41:10–13; 54:17
  • Zechariah 4:6
Prophets
  • Daniel 10:12–13, 20
Apostolic Writings
  • Matthew 4:1–11; 5:14; 24:3–8
  • Luke 17:20–24; 18:3–8
  • John 9:4; 10:10
  • Romans 12:21; 13:12
  • 2 Corinthians 4:18; 10:3–5
  • Ephesians 6:10–20
  • Colossians 1:16
  • Hebrews 4:12
  • 1 Peter 5:8
  • 2 Timothy 2:3; 3:1–5

📚 Extra‑Biblical Sources Referenced

  • Jonathan Welton, How to See Heaven: Accessing Divine Secrets, Destiny Image, 2013
  • Judith Allen Shelly et al., Called to Care: A Christian Vision for Nursing, IVP Academic, 2021

🔜 What’s Coming Next

  • Part 2: Messianic vs. Denominational views of spiritual warfare
  • Part 3: Laying the groundwork for Ephesians
  • Part 4 and beyond: A verse‑by‑verse exposition of Ephesians 6:10–20 – The Whole Armor of Elohim

The Red Heifer–Parashah 39–Hukkat–Numbers 19

by | Jun 23, 2018

I pray that you had a meaningful Sabbath Rest. This week's Torah Portion was yet again an amazing journey into the Things and Ways of YHVH that defy anything that humanity could ever imagine. This 39th Portion addresses the "Mystery of the Red Heifer," which is a...

read more

Messianic Lessons From The Revolt of Korah

by | Jun 16, 2018

The Players of this Torah Portion The players of this passage are: Moshe, Aharon (Cohen Gadol); Korah (a Levite of which he and his family and lineage served with the Aaronic Levitical Priesthood--he was not a priest but a most blessed assistant and servant to YHVH);...

read more

Messianics Dedicated to Service

by | Jun 2, 2018

This Week's Torah Portion-Beha'Alotekha-The Menorah On this Shabbat, I was blessed to read and reflect upon this week's beautiful Torah Portion entitled Beha'Alotekha-The Menorah. The portion was contained in Numbers, chapters 8 through 12, And I don't know if it's me...

read more