Using Spiritual Weapons
*BE STRONG
* OUR ENEMY
* TRUTH
* RIGHTEOUSNESS
* READINESS/PEACE
* FAITH
* HELMET OF SALVATION
* WORD OF GOD
* PRAYER
* BOLDNESS
* INTRODUCTION
Ephesians 6:10-20 is one of the most practical passages in the Bible. It is worth memorizing and repeating every day. This passage should be applied in every situation.
When we moved from Montreal to a small farm in Nova Scotia I found myself very busy with two small children and a cow to milk. I knew how important it was to read and study the Bible, having fallen away from God a couple times because of neglect of His Word. I decided to memorize the Word and meditate on various passages when I did repetitious chores like milking our cow. Ephesians 6:10-18 was one of the passages I memorized. A fuller understanding came with time and repetition. I had a chance, as everyone does because of various trials, to apply what I was learning.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:10-18
* BE STRONG
“Finally be strong...” We are commanded to be strong.Even a child can be strong spiritually:
“Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4 Little children are naturally humble because they have to depend on others to meet most of their needs:
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” Matthew 19:14 Mark 10:14 Heaven and the kingdom of heaven on earth (where Jesus has authority) belong to the humble and childlike in faith.
Our strength is small if we lose courage in times of trouble:
“If you falter (lose courage, draw back or hesitate)in times of trouble, how small is your strength!” Proverbs 24:10
I was considering quitting my paper route because a dog might bite me. Then I read the following verse:
“The sluggard (lazy, idle, slothful person) says, "There is a lion outside!" or, "I will be murdered in the streets!" Proverbs 22:13 Proverbs 26:13 A sluggard is someone who doesn’t do his work because of a lion, while I didn’t want to do my work because there might be a mean dog! I didn’t want to be a sluggard. God did provide a large gentle dog to walk with me as I had asked.
Jim would let me off because I like to walk while he went up on the mountain to pick people up to give them a ride to church. After he came down from the mountain he would pick me up. I was afraid of dogs, and one Sunday I asked God to help me not be afraid of dogs. Jim didn’t pick me up at the usual time (I found out later the bus had gone off the road), so I had to walk into town. As I was walking by one house a dog, usually on a chain, got away from its owner. He ran to me and nipped the edge of my coat. I just stood there—not afraid. If I had been afraid, he probably would have bitten me. God even helps with our weaknesses. We have no need to be afraid:
“The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1
There is no reason we can’t be strong because we are to be strong “in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Paul says:
“When I am weak, then I am strong...” 2 Corinthians 12:10 When we realize we are weak, we rely on the Lord’s strength. The more we rely on the Lord, the more strength we have. We have to believe that He will give us the strength to do what He asks us to do. The Bible commands us to be strong in the Lord over and over. The Lord told Joshua to be strong and courageous four times just in the first chapter of Joshua:
“Be strong and courageous because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to your forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:6-9
Joshua, as leader of the Israelites, was given everything he needed to win every battle he had to fight in the Promised Land. The Israelites won almost every battle. They did not win the battle of Ai because of sin, and they were tricked by the Gibeonites because they failed to ask God (Joshua 7-9). Like them, even the battles we seemingly don’t win can teach us.
God asks Jeremiah how he can manage in the hard times if he has been worn out by easy trials:
“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?” Jeremiah 12:5
Jeremiah went through so much more than most of us. If God expected him to have courage, He also would expect us to have courage although:
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
God will never give us more than we can bear. We just have to remember that with His help we can bear all things. Paul said:
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
We are given everything we need to win every battle. God will not give us anything that is too hard for us to do. We need to remember to be strong and courageous.
* OUR ENEMY
“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Paul tells us who we are fighting. It is so easy to think a person or people are our enemies. From this passage we can realize that the devil and his demon’s are our enemies. The devil uses people. A good example is when Peter told Jesus He should never go to the cross:
“Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Out of my sight, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you don’t have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.’” Matthew 16:23 Jesus knew it was Satan talking through Peter.
We don’t want to glorify the devil by blaming everything on him as if God were not in control. The devil can only do what we as humans let him do. He can be very persuasive, but he can’t make us do anything:
“...each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:14-15 A pastor we knew said, “I can defeat the world and the devil--it’s my flesh that is the biggest problem.”
The devil is a powerful enemy, and we have to be aware of what he is doing. As Christians, we have more power than the devil, if we rely on God. God gave man dominion over the earth:
“God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Genesis 1:28
“To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, `You must not eat of it,' Cursed is the ground because of you…” Genesis 3:17 Because Adam sinned, the devil legally acquired the dominion of the earth:
“...the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” 1 John 5:19
When Jesus was crucified on the cross, He rose and took the keys to death and Hades:
“...And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” Revelation 1:18 He then gave to the church (Christian believers) the right to have dominion over this earth: “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Luke 10:19 How much of that legal right we actually put into practice is up to us.
We have as much power as Jesus did when He was on earth. If we do exactly what God tells us to do, as Jesus did, we can do the things that He did:
“By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.” John 5:30
“But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me.” John 8:16 Jesus made it very clear that He was sent from God the Father to do His will:
“For I did not speak on my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it.” John 12:49 Jesus “…being in very nature God…” Philippians 2:6 never sinned, doing and saying ALL God commanded Him; He obedyed perfectly.
Jesus was limited while on earth. He was confined to one place at a time. and He only spent about three years doing public ministry:
“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12
Because of the power and weapons He gave us, we can demolish strongholds:
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 By our obedience to God we will win the victory. The best way to “demolish strongholds” in our own lives especially is to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13 That implies that their will be times when the devil will especially attack us. But with God’s weapons we can stand. This passage also implies that sometimes just by standing, we have won the victory.
Christ was placed “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” Ephesians 1:21 He is above everything—whether good or evil.
“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,” Ephesians 3:10 We (the church—believers) will win because Jesus will win. God commands us to be strong. We are to do this by using his powerful weapons. They will never fail; they will defeat the devil every time.
* TRUTH
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist...” Jesus is truth:
“Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 Everything centers around Jesus.He created everything and everything has its being in Him: “`For in him we live and move and have our being.'…” Acts 15:28
Everything good comes from God:
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…He chose to give us birth through the word of truth…” James 1:17-18 We can know truth by hearing and understanding the Bible. The Bible has the answer to every question. The Bible may give us only the general principle, but by applying that principle to the experiences of life we gain wisdom.
“…Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." John 18:37 The main weapon the devil uses against us and against people groups is deceit. If we know what he is doing, and we can know what he is doing by fully trusting and obeying God, we can defeat the devil in every instance. It may take time, but truth always wins in the end.
“Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech.” Proverbs 1:20-21 God is talking to us through all of life’s situations.
Another way to use the weapon of truth is to pray for truth to be made known. I often read the news and pray that people will hear and understand the truth about specific situations. We are to be the light of the world:
“You are the light of the world...” Matthew 5:14 Imagine who shape the world would be in if the Christians weren’t praying and doing the will of God!
Believing a lie keeps people in bondage. For instance, a man might think that because he has been with lots of women, he is a he-man (macho). If he could understand what God thinks of that he would change his mind and consequently his behavior:
“With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk; All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deep stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.” Proverbs 7:21-23
The world (those that follow a godless belief system) might look up to the “macho man”, but God would say he is a fool who will suffer serious consequences. AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases can be a consequence. Emotional problems are brought on (often affecting a person’s whole life) by getting involved with someone sexually when forbidden by God. A person can lose their reputation:
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1 Most importantly, a person can lose his soul:
“What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26, Mark 8:36-37
Sometimes, people remain in a sin, thinking they cannot change. That is the devil’s lie. Understanding truth can set us free:
“Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’" John 8:31-32 We should be “…speaking the truth in love…” Ephesians 4:15 in all situations. Knowing truth, speaking truth and living truth is a powerful weapon against evil.
* RIGHTEOUSNESS
“...with the breastplate of righteousness is place...” Jeremiah says that Jesus will be called “...The Lord Our Righteousness.” Jeremiah 23:6 How can we apply the righteousness of God? By obeying Him. By doing what it says in His Word or following His explicit instructions:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 Sometimes we don’t understand what God tells us to do, but we need to do it anyway.
In the book Murdered Heiress, Dr. Petti Wagner tells how she was kidnapped, tortured and murdered. But she came back to life and through carefully following God’s leading, she escaped from where she was being held captive. We can escape from any of the devil’s prisons in our lives by carefully following the instructions of the Holy Spirit. If we are carefully following God’s orders, the process will work for our good, the good of others and for God’s glory.
God commands us to:
"Be holy, because I am holy." Leviticus 11:44 1 Peter 1:16 How can we be holy? First of all, by following Jesus as an example:
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. “ John 13:15 Peter also tells us to follow Jesus’ example:
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21
We should be able to say as Paul did:
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 In everything he did Paul showed himself to be an example:
“For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.” 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9
Paul even worked hard when he didn’t need to, so he could be an example to the Thessalonians. Paul said to them:
“We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. “ 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 He not only told them the truth—he showed them how they should act.
Paul also encourages Timothy and Titus (and we who read their letters) to be an example:
“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” Titus 2:7 In all his letters he explains how Christians are to act.
James tells us to follow the example of the prophets who were patient when they suffered:
“Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.” James 5:10
The book of Hebrews tells us how not to act:
“Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.” Hebrews 4:11 Those Israelites who disobeyed because of unbelief after the time of the exodus from Egypt were not allowed into the Promised Land.
Jude also gives us an example of what happens to those who live in disobedience:
“…Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.” Jude 1:7
Our goal should be to live close to the Lord. He will help us to be holy:
“And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.” 1 John 2:28
Jesus expects us to be holy:
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48, but is very patience with us as He was with Paul: “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” 1Timothy 1:16 Nothing is more harmful to the Kingdom of God than a hypocrite; nothing is more helpful than an example of righteousness. Being holy is a powerful weapon against evil.
* READINESS/PEACE
“...and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” This weapon could be thought of being ready to proclaim this gospel of peace on every occasion with love and wisdom:
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6 We can ask for His wisdom at any time.
“Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.” Ephesians 5:15-17 We know that God doesn’t want anyone to perish: “…He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 We should stay close to God so we can do His will is each situation.
Another way to look at this weapon is “readiness” to show love, especially to believers:
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10
It is the "readiness” to show Christ in us:
“the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:26-28
It is Christ’s Spirit living through the believer:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…” Galatians 5:22-23
Jesus says, through David:
“How good and pleasant it is when bothers love together in unity!” Psalm 133:1 And through Paul, “”then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” Philippians 2:2.
And through Peter:
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
Since it is God’s very heart, when Christians are united much can be accomplished for the kingdom of God. How do we apply this weapon? The best description of how to apply God’s love is:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 How much more effective our lives would be if we put that into practice.
We should find the peaceful solution when possible:
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 It is up to us to “…seek peace and pursue it.” Proverbs 34:14
When we were living in Montreal, a friend told us the following is story He accidentally ran into a man’s car. The man got out of his car very angry, red in the face. Our friend said to him that he was so sorry. He realized it was all his fault and he was willing to pay what was necessary. The man went away calm and didn’t charge our friend anything. In a sense, he had used the weapon of love. Our friend’s purpose was not to get away without paying anything, but to treat someone else fairly, the way he would have been wanted to be treated:
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 Showing love will work out for our good and God’s glory.
Paul was able to ask the Thessalonians to follow him because he had shown them that he loved them: “but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you." 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9
Paul genuinely loved the Thessalonians because he had God’s heart:
"You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12
Jesus stressed unconditional love, giving as an example what He would do:
“My command is this: "Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12-13
Putting readiness and love together is shown in the following verse:
“…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience…” 1 Peter 3:15-16 In all situations we can be ready to present the gospel of peace.
Perhaps the greatest act of love we can show is telling someone about Jesus or showing them Jesus in some way, even if it means sacrifice on our part. They, too, can have this:
“…peace of God, which transcends all understanding…” Philippians 4:7:
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” Romans 5:1 This is truly the gospel of peace.
* FAITH
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Faith is believing what God says and acting on it no matter what circumstances appear to be, no matter what the opinion of others. The Bible defines faith:
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 Hebrews 11 goes on to tell how Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab,the prophets and others accomplished what they did because of faith. “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” Hebrews 11:39-40 We are to be made perfect--the goal of our faith is the salvation of our souls:
“…you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:9
We are to live by what God tells us to do—by faith:
“…the righteous will live by his faith—“ Habakkuk 2:4 and our obedience to God will be credited to us as righteousness: “…to ttemphe man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.” Romans 2:5
God considers our faith in Him of greater worth than gold:
“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:6-7 Overcoming trials through faith in God is giving us a relationship with God, which is worth more than anything else.
I have been so in turmoil at times in my life that I could not even concentrate on the word of God. At those times I remembered that we had to have is faith in God to “extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” It helps to have faith when we realize that God is directing our lives and allowing various circumstances:
“A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?” Proverbs 20:24, (See also Proverbs 16:1; 16:9 Jeremiah 10:23)
It’s especially encouraging to know that Jesus will make our steps firm if we trust in Him:
“If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm” Psalm 37:23 (See also Isaiah 26:7) When we realize how God directs our lives we can see Him in charge of every detail. The devil is involved, but God uses the devil. We can know that: “…in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 Often we do not see the reason and results of God directing our lives—we just need to trust, obey and rejoice: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
It helps us to have faith if we have God’s perspective on trials:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” James 1:2-8 We just have to ask and believe, and God will deliver us—in His own way and in His own time.
We should be joyful in trials because they teach on to rely on God:
“Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” 2 Corinthian 1:9-11
Jesus often commented on faith: He commended some for their faith and He rebuked some (mostly His disciples) for their lack of faith. This should speak to us because we who believe in Him are His disciples:
“…Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” John 8:31
Jesus did not do many miracles in His home town because of their lack of faith: “And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.” Matthew 13:58
He said that we only need a little faith to do miracles:
“He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, `Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. " Matthew 17:20
We can do great things if we have faith:
‘Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, `Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."’ Matthew 21:21-22
We can do what Jesus did and more:
“And these signs will accompany those who believe. In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Mark 16:17-18
Both the person asking for healing and the elders show their faith when they follow James’ (God’s) command:
“Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well…” James 5:14-15
We can win every battle against the enemy by trusting God:
“…This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4
* HELMET OF SALVATION
“Take the helmet of salvation...” This weapon can be interpreted as taking control of our mind to be obedient to Jesus and accepting the wisdom He gives. A helmet is what is needed to protect our heads and therefore our minds. When we receive salvation we receive the mind of Christ:
“…we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16 We have the ability, because the Holy Spirit lives in us, to:
“...take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 In fact, 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 implies we can demolish strongholds, arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and punishing every act of disobedience by taking captive every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23 We must be careful about what we allow in our minds through T.V. music or magazines or a poor choice of friends. We are not guilty for every thought the devil puts in our mind, but we are responsible for what we let stay there. We can ask God’s help in fighting against the devil in this area.
Several passages show us that God desires to gives us wisdom:
“Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.” Psalm 51:6 He will teach us to make wise use of our time so we will be wise: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 He is the source of all wisdom:
“For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6 Wisdom is the worth sacrificing everything for: “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 if we have God’s wisdom, we have everything.
We get wisdom and knowledge from God. We can ask for wisdom and know we will receive it no matter how we have fallen short of God’s plan for our lives:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
Wisdom is a powerful weapon:
“A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength…” Proverbs 24:5 Joseph rose from prison to palace in one day because of wisdom and governed Egypt with wisdom. He listened well to God.
“...and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Probably this weapon is a word from the Bible which we can use in a specific situation. Jesus used the word of God as a weapon when the devil tempted Him. For instance, He said:
“Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 when the devil told Him to prove He was the Son of God by turning stones into bread. He was quoting from Deuteronomy 8:3
When Jim and I lived in Nova Scotia, we were talking to a young lady who had all sorts of problems. Suddenly Jim said to her:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 That was what she needed to hear from the word of God at that moment. It was a weapon against the anxiety she was feeling.
“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11 This passage exalts the worth of the Word of God
The longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, is completely about greatness of the Word of God. The more of it we can learn and apply the better.
* PRAYER
The last weapon is prayer:
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Volumes of books have been written on prayer. They can give us insights, but the best way to learn about prayer is to do it. Prayer is simply talking to God. It can be commanding the devil to leave, also, but that is a relatively small part of prayer. God is right here, waiting for us to request what is His will. The sooner we can break through all the hindrances to asking His will in a certain situation, the sooner the answer will come. He has promised to always give us what we ask for when we ask His will:
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1 John 5:14-15
It may take a long time (in our way of thinking) for something to be done which we know is His will, but His will will be done at the right time in the right way if we ask:
“Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” Romans 11:33
We must remember that we do not always know God’s will. For instance we can say, “Since we know it is His will that everyone be saved, why isn’t everyone saved?” Because it is not His will to go against the will of man. He will not violate anyone’s free choice. However, when we seriously seek to bring someone to salvation, God will give us the prayers to pray and the actions to do that will most likely lead them to Himself. The more we pray the more of a chance that person has of coming to Christ, no matter how unlikely it seems. What a small but important part we play in a person’s salvation! Maybe we don’t be realize what it is. Sometimes when we pray for someone we have contact with them. For example, one day I prayed for two people I seldom see and seldom pray for. That very day when we were taking our daughter Jill to the airport I saw both those people. Probably God had laid it on my heart to pray for them.
Why is it such a struggle then to pray? Because the devil knows how important it is and tries to hinder it in every way. I need to be constantly reminded of the importance of prayer. Reading the Bible and memorizing Bible verses and being exposed to the situations needing prayer helps me the most in keeping my up communication with God. Even remembering and finding the time to memorize Scripture is a battle. We can ask God to help us.
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." The same is idea is expressed in the two words: “pray continually” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 "With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." A similar idea is expressed “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:7-8
* BOLDNESS
Paul’s request for prayer at the end of the Ephesians passage on spiritual warfare has begun to hold more meaning for me:
“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” Ephesians 6:19-20 I used to think (at least subconsciously) that this passage applied mostly to Paul. Now I realize that this is a prayer I would like for myself. We all need to proclaim the gospel with wisdom and boldness.
We should not be afraid: “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Psalm 118:6
It is God we should fear: “But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” Luke 12:5
With God’s help we can be bold: “The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1
These, then, are the weapons of God: knowing truth and speaking truth, putting on His righteousness by obeying Him, being ready to proclaim His gospel and to show love and forgiveness, faith in Jesus, controlling our minds and seeking the wisdom of God, and by learning and correctly using the Word of God and prayer to God in Jesus’ Name. If we apply those weapons and keep applying them, we will win every time: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
©2008 Jerrilyn Forsyth
Freely Available For Personal Or Group Use
