Spiritual Warfare

A Well Dressed Christian

"The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God!!!" (2 Cor 10:3,4)

Since our battle is not with flesh and blood, but with Satan and all his hosts of demons, we must use spiritual weapons. Paul used the armor worn by a Roman soldier to teach us about militant victory in the Lord. (Read Ephesians 6:11-18.) Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God and prayer become power -- missiles in the heart of the believer.

Actually, the Christian's armor is called the "Armor of God." It is not only the armor that belongs to God, but it is being armed with God Himself! We become "clothed" with God insomuch that, with this Armor totally in place,the enemy won't know whether he faces the believer or God Himself working as a Shield of Armor!

Paul called it the "armor of Light." Romans 13:12 says, "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light." And 1 John 1:5 says, "We know that God is Light and in Him is no darkness at all!"

Paul also called our armor the "Armor of Righteousness" in 2 Cor 6:7. "By the Word of Truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left." And 1 Cor 10:30 says, "And we know that Jesus Christ, alone, is our Righteousness."

Our weapons are defensive and offensive. Let's take a look at some of this awesome armor!

Ephesians 6:11-18 AMP

11 Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.13 Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. 14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the gospel of peace.[Isa. 52:7].16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).

The Belt Of Truth holds the armor in place. All must be done in Truth. Satan is the father of lies. He stands in contrast to our God who cannot lie. (John 8:44, Titus 1:2)

The Breastplate of Righteousness protects our heart and vital organs. It is only as we walk in Christ as our Righteousness and abandon our sins that we can have this protection in battle.

Our feet are fitted with the shoes of the Gospel of Peace. These shoes are not ordinary flipflops. These shoes were studded thickly with heavy nails. This served two purposes -- No.1 - Our feet can stand firm in battle and No. 2 - You can give the devil a good kick in the hiny as he frantically and fearfully runs from the Christian outfitted with these shoes of the Gospel Peace!

The shield of Faith extinguishes all the flaming missiles of the evil one. Faith comes by knowing God, His nature, His character, as is revealed in the Word of God. Faith doesn't look at what it sees with the natural eyes, but what it knows in the inner man! That's why it's such an impenetrable armor! Faith keeps your eyes off circumstances and onto the victory that Jesus has already decreed for the Church!

The helmet of Salvation protects and covers the head and brain, as well as the ears and the eyes. God has made provision in this battle for the attacks against your mind, things that you hear, and even the eyes of your understanding. Confusion is not of God and is a tool of the enemy in time of battle. You can render attacks ineffective by securely covering these areas with the helmet of salvation! Salvation is total deliverance!

Our weapons of offense are the Word Of God and Prayer!

We have a Sword, the Word of God. It is the Spirit's sword! As we use the Word in battle, we are yielding to the Spirit His own chosen, forged instrument so that He can truly fight our battles for us! If you don't open up your mouth and start speaking the Word of God in the midst of your battle, you will remain oppressed, defeated, and bound. Give the Holy Ghost something to powerfully wield against the attacking forces. Your enemies are in the realm of the spirit and the spirit realm responds by commands of the Spirit!

God's Word is spirit! John 6:63 makes that clear when Jesus says, "The words I speak unto you, they are spirit!!! And they are life!!!!" The Word has been given to work in the Spirit realm so victory can be released in the natural realm. The Word of God becomes effective when released by faith. Start speaking His Spirit Words of Life.

Communication With God

Prayer is communication with God, and it is vital in spiritual warfare. Matthew 17:21 says, "This kind [demon] goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." It demonstrates how prayer plays a key role in exercising authority over enemy spirits.

Prayer is vital to victory. God speaks to His people through prayer. Prayer is the vehicle and faith is the fuel. Prayer is vital to our battle plans. Mark 11:24 says, "Whatever you ask for, in prayer, believing, you will receive it."

Strength and strategy come through prayer. God's mind and methods can be communicated in the strategy room of the secret place of prayer. In addition, we have been given the Conquering Name of Jesus, and the overcoming blood of Jesus. The name of Jesus and the blood of Jesus are effective artillery. Remember, Jesus said, "In My name shall they cast out devils...." (Mark 16:17), and Revelation 12:11 says, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb!"