I was asked by fellow brother Dave Lucas, to start to put together some ways in which we can defend ourselves and others against the attacks of the devil along with waging spiritual warfare. This will not be all inclusive and sticks to the biblical teachings that the devil is in fact real and not some fictional character the Bible made up to scare you. Spiritual warfare is a subject, like others, that is open to much interpretation; the vast majority of us can hopefully agree however, that we have the same enemy, and that enemy has cowered, cowers and will continue to cower, when commanded in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
A great quote from the late Edmund Burke states “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil, is when good men do nothing”.
Let us begin…
Some of us have studied spiritual warfare, for others, this could be a newer subject. I will start with the ‘go to’ (so to speak) verses of the book of Ephesians, that deals with spiritual warfare and the basics in arming yourself against the enemy BEFORE engaging him; make no mistake, “be alert and of a sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour” 1 Peter 5:8; be prepared and let that not be you!
Ephesians 6:10-20:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
· Belt of truth – truth keeps us from giving in to the world’s beliefs and actions to the truth of the Word of God;
· Breastplate of righteousness – righteousness is being honest, good, humble and fair to others. It means standing up for weaker people;
· Gospel of peace – being right with God and being contented in troubled times. Jesus said peacemakers were blessed;
· Shield of faith – faith is being sure that God will keep His promises. Faith in God protects you when you are tempted to doubt;
· Helmet of salvation – putting it on is believing that Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose again
· Sword of the spirit – this is the word of God. God’s word is our offensive weapon. When we tell others what the Bible says, the Holy Spirit helps people see their bad thoughts and actions and makes them want to be forgiven; --- taken from http://www.scripturetruth.com/images/Armor of God.jpg
Remember the devil and his little minions know exactly who Jesus is “When he came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two men who were demon-possessed met Him as they were coming out of the tombs. They were so extremely violent that no one could pass that way. And they cried out, saying, “what business do we have with each other, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” Matthew 8:28-29. Jesus then cast legion into the swine. Demons can and must yield to the Son of God. We are given authority, by God’s Grace, to tread on serpents and scorpions, and to cast out demons/devils (Mark 16:17, Luke 10:17, Acts 16:18).
This is just a snippet of how to arm yourself in preparation for spiritual warfare. There are other ways to prepare (fasting, prayer, confessions of sins – humility before God, etc) which I can go into, depending on how this subject is discussed.
God bless you all and I look forward to our discussion, personal stories and feedback. If I am blatantly wrong or misleading on aspects of this subject. I always encourage constructive criticism.
A great quote from the late Edmund Burke states “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil, is when good men do nothing”.
Let us begin…
Some of us have studied spiritual warfare, for others, this could be a newer subject. I will start with the ‘go to’ (so to speak) verses of the book of Ephesians, that deals with spiritual warfare and the basics in arming yourself against the enemy BEFORE engaging him; make no mistake, “be alert and of a sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour” 1 Peter 5:8; be prepared and let that not be you!
Ephesians 6:10-20:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
· Belt of truth – truth keeps us from giving in to the world’s beliefs and actions to the truth of the Word of God;
· Breastplate of righteousness – righteousness is being honest, good, humble and fair to others. It means standing up for weaker people;
· Gospel of peace – being right with God and being contented in troubled times. Jesus said peacemakers were blessed;
· Shield of faith – faith is being sure that God will keep His promises. Faith in God protects you when you are tempted to doubt;
· Helmet of salvation – putting it on is believing that Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose again
· Sword of the spirit – this is the word of God. God’s word is our offensive weapon. When we tell others what the Bible says, the Holy Spirit helps people see their bad thoughts and actions and makes them want to be forgiven; --- taken from http://www.scripturetruth.com/images/Armor of God.jpg
Remember the devil and his little minions know exactly who Jesus is “When he came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two men who were demon-possessed met Him as they were coming out of the tombs. They were so extremely violent that no one could pass that way. And they cried out, saying, “what business do we have with each other, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” Matthew 8:28-29. Jesus then cast legion into the swine. Demons can and must yield to the Son of God. We are given authority, by God’s Grace, to tread on serpents and scorpions, and to cast out demons/devils (Mark 16:17, Luke 10:17, Acts 16:18).
This is just a snippet of how to arm yourself in preparation for spiritual warfare. There are other ways to prepare (fasting, prayer, confessions of sins – humility before God, etc) which I can go into, depending on how this subject is discussed.
God bless you all and I look forward to our discussion, personal stories and feedback. If I am blatantly wrong or misleading on aspects of this subject. I always encourage constructive criticism.
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