As said the greatest battle ever fought is taking place in the human mind. The battle is between the two powers Good and Evil. It is not us (so much) against evil for we ourselves would not stand a chance. If Eve in her perfect condition fell then how should we in our fallen condition prevail? It comes down to who's side we are on, and that way all the glory belongs to God.
The Battle
- Thread starter 2404
- Start date
Here is a well know passage from Scripture
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 (Eph. 6v10-13 ESV),
But continue reading to about verse 18
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 (Eph. 6v10-13 ESV),
But continue reading to about verse 18
Agreed. But can you put on the whole armor yourself? For scripture also says 'it is not he that willeth or runneth' but to whom God shows mercy.
The best we can do is yield to His call and He shall do the work. As scripture says 'be not stiff necked'.
So it is God doing the 'work' in us and if we are led we will put on the armor as He provides..
The best we can do is yield to His call and He shall do the work. As scripture says 'be not stiff necked'.
So it is God doing the 'work' in us and if we are led we will put on the armor as He provides..
Good morning, 2404;
Can we put on the whole armor ourselves? No. What Sola gratia is sharing in Ephesians 6:10-13, the Lord is empowering us to take our step of faith and put on the whole armor God. Step of faith in this book is KEY but ultimately God goes ahead of us and does the rest.
We must also remember verse 18, 18 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, - ESV
Example, I ask God, why is it someone will cross my path out of nowhere, they know my faith and hit me with gotcha questions or statements, or renounce Christ just to trigger my response. The other battle is when I wake up each morning, (my mind as you shared) is imbedded with anger and murderous thoughts of violence. But the Lord is faithful, He receives my prayer and supplication in all circumstances. He sustains me with peace and calm and gets me prayed up to begin whatever comes my way each day.
Ephesians 6 equips and encourages me to take that step and put on the armor of God. When I try to do the rest on my own then I'm not following the teaching of what God promises, the battle is His.
I'm on the side of the Army of God and am blessed many of my brothers and sisters are on the same team.
God bless you, 2404, your family and Merry Christmas.
Bob
The Believer`s Armour in Christ.
`take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…` (Eph. 6: 13 – 18)
The protection of the believer from the enemy is likened to the armour that a soldier wore in Roman times – helmet, belt, breastplate, boots, shield and sword. These are all aspects of the believer`s life in the Spirit under the Head – Christ.
`Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh….` (Gal. 5: 16)
The helmet – Salvation.
`For by one Spirit we were all baptised into one body. ` (1 Cor. 12: 13)
The belt – Truth. The belt holds the armour together as the person moves about.
`speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ…` (Eph. 4: 15)
The breastplate – Righteousness. `Of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God – and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. ` (1 Cor. 1: 30)
The feet shod – Gospel of Peace. `The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ…` (Acts 10: 36)
`How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace..` (Rom. 10: 15)
The shield – Faith.
`This is the victory that has overcome the world (system) - our faith. ` (1 John 5: 4)
The sword – Word of God.
`the word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword…` (Heb. 4: 12)
`take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…` (Eph. 6: 13 – 18)
The protection of the believer from the enemy is likened to the armour that a soldier wore in Roman times – helmet, belt, breastplate, boots, shield and sword. These are all aspects of the believer`s life in the Spirit under the Head – Christ.
`Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh….` (Gal. 5: 16)
The helmet – Salvation.
`For by one Spirit we were all baptised into one body. ` (1 Cor. 12: 13)
The belt – Truth. The belt holds the armour together as the person moves about.
`speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ…` (Eph. 4: 15)
The breastplate – Righteousness. `Of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God – and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. ` (1 Cor. 1: 30)
The feet shod – Gospel of Peace. `The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ…` (Acts 10: 36)
`How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace..` (Rom. 10: 15)
The shield – Faith.
`This is the victory that has overcome the world (system) - our faith. ` (1 John 5: 4)
The sword – Word of God.
`the word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword…` (Heb. 4: 12)
The Believer`s Weapons in Christ.
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Mighty Conqueror. He has overcome sin, death, hell, the devil, and the world system. Now as Head of the Body, He leads us in triumph as He enables us to overcome also.
`Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, …` (2 Cor. 2: 14)
Throughout our journey in life, we face many trials, temptations, and tribulations. But in them all as we look to the Lord, He takes us through.
`In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I (Jesus) have overcome the world (system). ` (John 16: 33)
We are warned to not love the world system or the things of it.
`Do not love the world (system) or the things in the world (system)…..the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life…..And the world (system) is passing away, and the lust of it; …` (1 John 2: 16 7 17)
Then we are encouraged that God has given divine weapons to defeat the enemy and his strategies – the Word of God and the Blood of Jesus.
`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, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,..` (2 Cor. 10: 3 – 5)
The Word of God.
`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.` (Heb. 4: 12)
The Blood of Jesus.
`Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus.` (Heb. 10: 19)
Through the blood of Jesus, we can enter God`s presence receiving forgiveness and protection from the evil one. And the Word of God, the truth overcomes the lies and false teachings of the enemy.
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Mighty Conqueror. He has overcome sin, death, hell, the devil, and the world system. Now as Head of the Body, He leads us in triumph as He enables us to overcome also.
`Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, …` (2 Cor. 2: 14)
Throughout our journey in life, we face many trials, temptations, and tribulations. But in them all as we look to the Lord, He takes us through.
`In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I (Jesus) have overcome the world (system). ` (John 16: 33)
We are warned to not love the world system or the things of it.
`Do not love the world (system) or the things in the world (system)…..the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life…..And the world (system) is passing away, and the lust of it; …` (1 John 2: 16 7 17)
Then we are encouraged that God has given divine weapons to defeat the enemy and his strategies – the Word of God and the Blood of Jesus.
`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, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,..` (2 Cor. 10: 3 – 5)
The Word of God.
`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.` (Heb. 4: 12)
The Blood of Jesus.
`Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus.` (Heb. 10: 19)
Through the blood of Jesus, we can enter God`s presence receiving forgiveness and protection from the evil one. And the Word of God, the truth overcomes the lies and false teachings of the enemy.