Victory in Spiritual Warfare

10) This is the last thing I want to say: Be strong with the Lord’s strength. 11) Put on the things God gives you to fight with. Then you will not fall into the traps of the devil. 12) Our fight is not with people. It is against the leaders and the powers and the spirits of darkness in this world. It is against the demon world that works in the heavens. 13) Because of this, put on all the things God gives you to fight with. Then you will be able to stand in that sinful day. When it is all over, you will still be standing. ~ Eph. 6:10-13 (NLV)


The Bible teaches that Satan has waged war against God and those who follow Him. This means that all Christians are on a spiritual battlefield.

In any conflict, soldiers should be given the right equipment and training in how to use it. Otherwise, it would be foolish to expect success. In a similar way, we should follow God’s directions on how best to utilize the effective spiritual armor He has provided for us.

Let’s explore each component. First, the belt of truth indicates that we should operate according to Scripture, which keeps us in the safety of God’s will. Second, the breastplate of righteousness protects our heart from wrong emotions. Third, we should have feet that are ready to stand firm against the Devil and bring the good news to others (Isa. 52:7). Fourth, the shield of faith stops the Enemy’s flaming missiles. Faith—or trust in Jesus—allows us to fight doubt, fear, and confusion. Fifth, the sword of the Spirit is the actual weapon used to cause damage to our opponent. Specifically, this is the Word of God. Scripture is “sharper than any two-edged sword” (Heb. 4:12), transforming us to be like Jesus, shedding light in a dark world, and enabling the spiritually blind to see. And finally, the helmet of salvation is protection for our thoughts.

Do you truly realize that you have a living Enemy? He continually attempts to draw you away from Jesus. Satan’s path seems comfortable and good, but it leads only to destruction. There is no middle ground; either you are battling the Enemy, or he is deceptively pulling you away from the truth.
 
(via Pastor Charles Stanley)
 
Be Blesed!

Dawn