Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Weapons of Spiritual Warfare


For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ… 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
In the passage above, Paul assures us that we are in a battle, a spiritual battle that requires spiritual weapons.  This fight is not with flesh and blood, but with Satan and his host of demons that work to defile, destroy, harass, tempt and bring the downfall of mankind.  The good news is that with Christ we can not only resist the devil’s sway in our own lives, but we can help destroy his influence in the lives of others.
First Weapon – PRAISE: Without a doubt, PRAISE is a major weapon against Satan. Satan and his demons just HATE hearing people praise God; especially when they do so from a pure heart. Praise releases the presence of God in a way that Satan cannot resist.  When we confess the greatness and mighty power of God, it makes Satan and all his helpers silent!  With praises from children and from tiny infants, you have built a fortress. It makes your enemies silent, and all who turn against you are left speechless. Psalm 8:2  
Second Weapon - THE WORD OF GOD: Through much study and meditation on the Word of God, that Word comes to live in us, consume our thoughts and make us strong in the Lord.  Jesus promised that if we abide in Him, and His Word abides in us, we will ask what we desire and it will be done for us (John 15:7). This will include victory over Satan.  The bible is full of God’s promises for us to claim and proclaim.  The Word of God, spoken in the power of The Holy Spirit, will bring victory over Satan to the believer who is following after God. 
Third Weapon – PRAYER: Prayer is not preparation for the battle. Prayer is the battle. We are commanded to pray without ceasing. The enemy is waiting to attack our weakness with temptation whenever we let our guard down and fail to keep the lines of communication open with God.  God has made many promises regarding prayer and we need to fill our hearts and minds with these promises. 
It’s especially important to draw on your close relationship with God when engaged in spiritual warfare.  You should begin from the baseline of an active prayer life.  A prayer life filled with regular prayers of praise, thanksgiving, confession, supplication, and meditation are what nurtures and grows that close relationship.  Do not pray from a position of fear.  Understand and take to heart the truth that you have eternal life with Jesus.  He is your strength.  With him, there is nothing to fear.
Fourth Weapon – TRUTH:  Satan is a liar by nature.  In fact, the Bible says he is the father of lies.  He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44b He is both self-deceived and a deceiver (Revelation 12:9). The best way to defeat a lie is with the truth.  Christ is the truth; He is the way, the truth and the life… and Satan cannot stand against the truth.  If we take away his ability to deceive, he cannot use his devices against us.  Truth is one of the most powerful weapons we possess in our spiritual arsenal.  Satan is out to deceive us, trick us, and make us believe his lies are the “new truth”.  He seeks to keep us from the truth and the truth from us.  It is in standing for and knowing the whole truth about God, about salvation and our personal relationship with God that a Christian will win. 
God has given us mighty weapons to counter evil influence and activity, but in order to be effective in our warfare, we must know what these weapons are, and be willing to use them.
Scripture to Claim: Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

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