Spiritual Warfare, Part 3

Chuckle: "Why are buildings called buildings when they are finished? Shouldn't they be called builts?"

Quote: "The winds of God are always blowing, but you must set the sails." --Unknown Source

SPIRITUAL WEAPONS FROM GOD

"We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10:4 NLT).

We have seen how sin in your life can be exploited by the evil one to neutralize you as a Christian. Today, let's look on the positive side and seek to better understand the spiritual weapons at our disposal. Here are five primary weapons God has given us:

God's Word. Satan tries to convince us that God's Word really doesn't mean what it says about sin -- it cannot be trusted to guide us -- it is not relevant in today's world. He will try to make us believe that certain "little" sins will make our lives happier and more fulfilled. But Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) tells us: "For the Word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires." Like a skilled spiritual surgeon, God's Word reveals who we are and and are not. It penetrates the very core of our moral and spiritual being. It requires a response each time we are exposed to its wisdom and power.

The Name of Jesus. "Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name" (Luke 10:17 NLT). Jesus is Prophet, Priest, King, Savior, Creator -- all that God is. "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus (Prophet) Christ (Priest) is Lord (King), to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11 NIV). The very name of Jesus is a powerful force against evil.

The blood of Jesus. "They overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus)" (Revelation 12:11 NIV). The shed blood of Jesus represents what he has done for us. Jesus' death on the cross and subsequent resurrection from the dead defeated Satan once and for all. When you feel Satan establishing a stronghold in your life because of some sin, just remember and reflect on the miraculous provision God has made to forgive your sins and bring you into a love relationship with Himself. This will give you strength to overcome any sin in your life.

The indwelling Holy Spirit. "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I (Jesus) have said to you" (John 14:26 NIV). If you are a Christian, God's Spirit will convict you of your sin, interpret and teach you the truths of God's Word, and give you strength to overcome even the most persistent strongholds Satan has on your life.

Finally, Your Testimony. If you know Christ as Savior, you have a powerful testimony that his Spirit can use to restore your joy and to touch the lives of others who need to experience God's love through Christ. God would have us show his presence in our lives by speaking out about his love, living a holy life, and praying in faith as evidence of our new life in Him. Reflecting on your testimony will help give you strength to overcome Satan's strongholds. "So humble yourselves before God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you" (James 4:7 NLT).

Love, Jerry & Dotse