A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day (May 29, 2017)
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
We recently published a devotional on the High-Way versus the Low-Way. There is a big difference in the spiritual (High-Way) from the natural (Low-Way). You can read the Word of God and see natural meanings but can you see and hear what the Spirit of God is saying? I don’t personally think you and I can really understand what God is trying to tell us through His Word without the assistance of the Holy Spirit.
The “Armor of God” scriptures in Ephesians 6 are a great example. In our society today, we have too many Christian casualties. It could be that a prime reason for this is that we don’t see and hear clearly what God is trying to show us about the armor that He wants us to put on. And by the way, you have to put it on (Eph. 6:11)! It doesn’t just automatically jump onto your body. So, let’s take a brief look at the pieces of armor that are available to us and why we need them.
Loins girt about with truth – If you look at pictures of Roman armor you will see that this is a heavy-duty girdle type belt that is built to protect your private parts which house your reproductive organs. You and I are made by God to reproduce naturally and spiritually. The enemy does not want you to reproduce. He has always tried to kill and limit new birth (naturally and spiritually).
Breastplate of righteousness – If you are a born-again Christian you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). To know who you are “In Christ” is very dangerous to the enemy so he will always try to attack your heart for God and convince you that you are not worthy. The enemy will throw at you every rotten thing you ever did to cause you to doubt your right-standing with God.
Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace – You and I are called to go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel. The enemy’s job is to knock your feet out from under you and hinder you from going. The peace of God that surpasses all understanding equips you to go places you never would have gone in the natural. (Philippians 4:7).
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! (Isaiah 5:7)
Shield of faith – It is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6). The fiery darts that the enemy launches at you are darts of fear, doubt, and unbelief. He knows that faith can move mountains so he will always try to cripple you with fear, doubt, and unbelief.
Helmet of salvation – The word used for salvation in the New Testament means more than just salvation. It means to be made whole, set free, healed, and made to do well. Our minds are the spiritual battlefield. Satan is the “Salesman of Lies” but those lies have no power unless you believe them. The helmet of salvation is made to protect your mind.
Sword of the Spirit – The Word of God is your sword. Jesus gave you the best example when He spoke to Satan in the desert and told him “It is written.” You and I have to use that same sword.
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit – This is the inter-continental ballistic missile of your weaponry that some theologians totally miss. This is your direct connection to God. This is your personal link to Central Command!
In summary, there are five defensive pieces of armor that protect you and two offensive weapons that complete the Armor of God. There is no protective armor for your back and there is a good reason for that. We are always to be moving forward and never backwards. We are to stay ready, in-season and out, to share the Gospel. We never retreat or run away. When we have done all, we stand. We stand firm on the truth. We stand firm in that we know who we are “In Christ”. We stand firm and cast down every thought that exalts itself above the knowledge of God. We stand firm and walk by faith and not by sight, praying always in the Spirit.
