Mighty Weapons of Warfare
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV)
God has not left us empty-handed in the spiritual battles we face. He has given us His weapons of warfare so that we can stand against any attack by Satan. He has given us weapons that are not carnal, not earthly, but mighty spiritual weapons. Paul talks about these spiritual weapons in Ephesians 6:13-17.
Ephesians 6:13-17 (NIV)
Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
The weapons Paul mentions in this chapter are weapons used by Roman soldiers. He says we are to put on the belt of truth. Roman soldiers used a thick belt to secure their uniform. The belt also held their sword and other weapons they needed for the battle. When we have our belt of truth securely in place, we are ready to face any attack of the enemy. We are ready to counteract Satan’s attack with the truth of the Word that will annihilate Satan’s lies and schemes. The truth is also Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). When Jesus died on the cross and resurrected from the dead, He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He gained the victory over them (Colossians 2:15). This overwhelming victory is also ours in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37).
The breastplate worn by the soldiers protected the heart and other internal organs. Our spiritual breastplate of righteousness offers us the same protection. We are made righteous through the blood of Christ (Romans 5:9). His blood covers and protects us.
Our feet are to be fitted with shoes that declare the peace of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We ought to be ready to declare the gospel wherever we are and wherever He sends us. We have also been given the shield of faith to destroy any arrows aimed at us. Our faith in Jesus as the Son of God gives us the victory over Satan (1 John 5:4-5). The helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, offer protection from Satan’s evil plans and ploys. Protection from negative thoughts that Satan wants to sow in our minds. Protection from fear, anxiety and worry.
Proclaim & Pray:
I put on the whole armour of God so that in these evil days, I will be able to stand my ground. I will stand firm with the belt of truth buckled round my waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with my feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, I take up the shield of faith, with which I can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. I take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Spiritual warfare is what happens when he enlists us in his cause and equips us to join his battle. David Powlison
