We all struggle with our thought life, but do you find yourself increasingly agitated around your spouse?
There are forces of darkness that are permeating your home and influencing your mate in a negative way. TV, movies, video games, the internet and other social media are gateways for negative spiritual advances.
As a child of the Living God - we will have times when evil spirits infiltrate our spaces and create a "tug of war" between God's Kingdom and the kingdom of darkness. We must be aware of this fact in order to battle it effectively using God's weapons of warfare.
As believers - we are commanded to take up our spiritual armor and stand for righteousness!
The Bible is replete with examples of taking up arms against the forces of evil. Oftentimes the children of the Most High fought battle after battle as the underdogs - but they dutifully donned the right battle gear for the fight.
In biblical days the Israelites primarily had two types of armor they wore depending upon the battle at hand: Light armor consisted of a sling, bow and quiver. Heavy armor included a large shield, helmet and spear (or sword).
Our spiritual armor for today's battles are both offensive and defensive in nature. It should be noted that there is no formal protection from a rear attack, confirming the assertion that we never retreat with the Lord. Isaiah 52:12 states, “For the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.”
“The whole armor of God” conveys the message of a heavily-armed soldier. Paul describes in Ephesians 6:10-17 the various pieces of spiritual armor the believer should wear. He states in verse 10 and 11, “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Paul most likely thought of the heavily armored Roman guards as he penned his description of our battle gear. Of course, his concern was the spiritual battle the followers of Christ would encounter as they were persecuted for their faith. He understood the importance of praying and relying on God’s strength in times of trail. He knew that Satan desired the destruction of the early church. Peter also wrote about evil and spiritual battles. I Peter 5:8 tells us to, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
The breastplate covered the life-giving organs including the heart and lungs. The righteousness of Christ must be our covering. Our heart is the center of our emotions. We are to be strong and courageous, which involves the will. A soldier can be well armed, and yet venerable to destruction if he is timid or faint of heart. No physical covering can protect him from spiritual harm unless he is stout of heart and resolute. I Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
The sandals (greaves) covered the feet & shins, and prevented injury from sharp sticks and gall-traps. Spiritually speaking, the shoes carry the good news of the gospel and take us steadily on our way to the cross. Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news…who proclaims salvation.” We should step mindfully towards the world with the gospel of Christ in our journey with God.
The shield is invaluable as a defensive weapon. Ephesians verse 16 tells us that “above all take up the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” It is the most important piece of armor we possess in order to combat the enemy effectively. King David equates God Himself to a shield, as he found solace in His Presence. Psalm 18:2 tells us, “My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” And again in Psalm 91:4, “His truth shall be your shield and buckler.”
Our shield of faith enables us to stand firmly without fear or worry concerning our destiny. We have but one thing to do, and that is to stand, therefore, and observe God’s sovereign action on our behalf. This is one piece of armor that needs to be “well worn” – pitted and dented from scores of lethal arrows repeatedly assaulting our person. The enemy of God’s children never ceases to war against us, and so we must keep our shield up, strong and steady.
The helmet was worn to protect the head from physical harm. We must wear our spiritual helmet and have “the mind of Christ” as we clash with the enemy. The mind is the battlefield where we must “cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:5). I Thessalonians 5:8 declares we should, “put on…as a helmet the hope of salvation." As believers our salvation assures us of the hope we have in Him.
The sword is the first weapon mentioned in the Bible. Genesis 3:24 describes, “a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” Revelation 1:16 states, “He [Jesus] had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining it its strength.”
In Hebrews 4:12, the Apostle Paul tells us, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
The sword in our arsenal of weapons is razor-sharp and makes a clean, swift cut. God’s Word penetrates and stabs at the evil intended for our harm. It disarms the enemy with one quick blow, severing its demonic head. Our Lord Jesus always used the Word when speaking to Satan. The gospels record the dialog in Matthew, Mark and Luke as Jesus repeated the phrase, “It is written…” Be sure to use your sword often and with deadly precision.
In II Corinthians 10:3-4 Paul writes, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” God’s arsenal of weapons is powerful and decisive. James says to, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
Remember, it is God who goes before you in battle. “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me, says the Lord” (Isaiah 54:17).
Be sure your armor is effective:
Inspect it often.
Adjust it properly.
Wear it always.
Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.
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