Spiritual Weapons

“The weapons we fight are not weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and ever pretention that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought, to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NIV)

“The work of the ministry is a warfare, not after the flesh indeed, for it is a spiritual warfare, with spiritual enemies and for spiritual purposes. And though ministers walk in the flesh, or live in the body, and in the common affairs of life act as other men, yet in their work and warfare they must not go by the maxims of the flesh, nor should they design to please the flesh: this must be crucified with its affections and lusts; it must be mortified and kept under. (2.) The doctrines of the gospel and discipline of the church are the weapons of this warfare; and these are not carnal: outward force, therefore, is not the method of the gospel, but strong persuasions, by the power of truth and the meekness of wisdom. A good argument this is against persecution for conscience’ sake: conscience is accountable to God only; and people must be persuaded to God and their duty, not driven by force of arms. And so the weapons of our warfare are mighty, or very powerful; the evidence of truth is convincing and cogent. This indeed is through God, or owing to him, because they are his institutions, and accompanied with his blessing, which makes all opposition to fall before his victorious gospel.” (Matthew Henry Commentary)

So I am really loving the Common English Bible translation. It sets into motion a modern outlook on the Word of God in ways we can apply today. Ephesians 6:10-18 says, “Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and his powerful strength. Put on God's armor so that you can make a stand against the tricks of the devil. We aren't fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens. Therefore, pick up the full armor of God so that you can stand your ground on the evil day and after you have done everything possible to still stand. So stand with the belt of truth around your waist, justice as your breastplate, and put shoes on your feet so that you are ready to spread the good news of peace. Above all, carry the shield of faith so that you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is God's word. Offer prayers and petitions in the Spirit all the time. Stay alert by hanging in there and praying for all believers.”

All I can say is Amen, and Amen! Lately I have felt attacked, spiritually, emotionally and even physically ever since I came back to school. I’ve talk to mentors about it and they have been praying for me and encouraging me. One mentor in particular has encouraged me to daily pray this scripture out loud and put on my armor. Every day, it has been a challenge but I want to make it into a routine because it helps so much. You can walk out your door knowing that your armor is on already and anything the enemy may throw at you that day is blocked. Maybe not completely but his arrows won’t kill you. Today was one of those days that this morning was a whirlwind and I didn’t get the chance too, the enemy took that opportunity and I got hit with an arrow because I was unprotected. I instantly prayed God’s protection over me and it was hard to feel better. Nobody feels better after being shot by an arrow, it’s painful, uncomfortable and it takes you down. Especially when it’s unexpected. Which is why claiming and praying the armor over your days and life is so important.

“Above all carry the shield of faith so that you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the SWORD of the spirit, which is God’s Word.” The entire armor is important for us to have, but these two are most important. You carry the shield to protect yourself and then the Sword that is God’s word to combat the enemy. God’s Word is your sword, it’s the most powerful thing we can use against the enemy. Jesus even used God’s word against Satan when he was tempted in the desert. 

Then the Spirit led Jesus up into the wilderness so that the devil might tempt him. After Jesus had fasted for forty days and forty nights, he was starving. The tempter came to him and said, "Since you are God's Son, command these stones to become bread." Jesus replied, "It's written, People won't live only by bread, but by every word spoken by God." After that the devil brought him into the holy city and stood him at the highest point of the temple. He said to him, "Since you are God's Son, throw yourself down; for it is written, I will command my angels concerning you, and they will take you up in their hands so that you won't hit your foot on a stone." Jesus replied, "Again it's written, don’t test the Lord your God." Then the devil brought him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. He said, "I'll give you all these if you bow down and worship me." Jesus responded, "Go away, Satan, because it's written, you will worship the Lord your God and serve only him." The devil left him, and angels came and took care of him.” Matthew 4:1-11

Notice Jesus responded with “IT IS WRITTEN, IT IS WRITTEN, IT IS WRITTEN” Jesus knew that the devil couldn’t argue and win against the powerful, inherent Word of God. Nobody can. The battles we face are spiritual, and the Bible, our SWORD is what defeats the enemy when he comes at us. Which is why it is SO important for us to be in our Word constantly because it gives us the weapons we need to defeat the enemy when he comes at us, and he WILL come at us. He will never stop. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us, “Be clearheaded. Keep alert. Your accuser, the devil, is on the prowl like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Be on guard, clearheaded and alert. The devil is swift and cunning, he knows your weaknesses, and he lies in wait for you to be at your weakest like a lion. If you’re not ready, he will devour you, so always have your shield and sword ready because you never know when he will attack. But you have victory in the Lord, and the weapons He has anointed to give to us.