EPISODE 491 – THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 4

THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 4

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”

Ephesians 6:17 (KJV)

The weapons used in spiritual warfare, are not physical materials.

Spiritual warfare requires spiritual weapons.

“For although we live in the natural realm, we don’t wage a military campaign employing human weapons, using manipulation to achieve our aims. Instead, our spiritual weapons are energized with divine power to effectively dismantle the defenses behind which people hide. We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One. Since we are armed with such dynamic weaponry, we stand ready to punish any trace of rebellion, as soon as you choose complete obedience.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (TPT)

The devil’s weaponry is mainly deployed through thoughts. Thoughts are a set of inward impressions, ideas or presumptions which are conceptualized in the heart of man.

Deception which is the adversary’s greatest weapon against the people of God, is conveyed through thoughts.

The armor of God given us are not the physical items we put on. They are not carnal gears but spiritual. These dynamic armor pieces we have looked at function as spiritual realities and virtues in the hearts of the saints.

The realm of the heart (the innerward parts of man, which includes: the spirit, the mind, the will, the emotions and the conscience of man) serves as the arena of spiritual warfare.

For the adversary to succeed with his deceptive weapon, he must project his arrows as thoughts and impressions into the heart of man through his mind and emotions. When these deceptive thoughts overwhelm the mind, the emotions and the conscience of the man, they then become the governing setpiece of the will. When these thoughts finally get to be set over the will, they determine the choices and decisions of the man.

A man’s ability and choice or decision to act and remain resolute in faith or fear is influenced by the truth or the deception which has overtaken his or her will.

Sickness, diseases, afflictions of the soul, depression, and discouragement, are effects of such projectiles of the devil.

However, when you put on the whole armor of God, you are ready to withstand the devil no matter the angle or area he attempts to deploy his deceptive and evil projectiles.

Just as in a battle, the enemy will be looking for areas and means to attack the opponent.

When the adversary attempts to make you doubt the reality of who Jesus is, and what the word says, the belt of truth, which is your conviction of the word (logos) of God will keep you secured.

If he is looking for means to make you feel condemned and guilty, you have the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation.

With your feet shod with the good news of Jesus, you multiply your impact. As you take up the shield of faith, you are able to encourage one another through the testudo shield formation. You are also able to walk daily in the confidence of who God is to quench every flaming arrow of the devil.

And having the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God in your mouth, you subdue every deceptive and evil imagination of darkness.

The battle between David and Goliath was first fought and completed spiritually by words before the physical manifestation. When Goliath saw David, he first attacked him with words, invoking the spiritual forces of the Philistines. But David, having spiritual understanding, did not keep quiet. He deployed the confidence or faith he had in the ability and power of the name of the Lord and established the victory of the Lord. (See I Samuel 17)

The boldness of David increased even more when he spoke the words of faith and unleashed rhēma.

As Goliath was aroused and made a move forward, David did not run backwards. He knew he had stirred up the Heavens. He was not there to fight alone. He took off from the frontline and charged forward, running towards Goliath.

David did have faith, however, the was the need for him to vocalize his faith and confidence in God unto victory.

Beloved, don’t be quiet.

Speak the word of God. Declare your victory in Christ at all times.

Hallelujah!