(Ephesians 6:10-12) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
If our battle is spiritual - then our weapons need to be spiritual...
(Ephesians 6:13-20) Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
From this we see:
- the evil one tries to attack us viciously (Eph.6:16)
- we are in a spiritual battle, so we must be strong in the Lord (Eph.6:10-12)
- we are in a spiritual battle, so we need spiritual weapons (Eph.6:13)
- truth is a spiritual weapon against Satan (Eph.6:14)
- righteousness is a spiritual weapon against Satan (Eph.6:14)
- the gospel of peace is a spiritual weapon against Satan (Eph.6:15)
- faith is a spiritual weapon against Satan (Eph.6:16)
- salvation is a spiritual weapon against Satan (Eph.6:17)
- the word of God (the Bible) is a spiritual weapon against Satan (Eph.6:17)
- prayer for ourselves and each other is a spiritual weapon against Satan (Eph.6:18-19)
Personal experience: I remember meeting a young man who had recently become a Christian. He definitely had zeal and fire for the Lord, but it was a little misdirected.
He spoke rather proudly of a yelling-match he had with his brother as he tried to witness to him. When his brother finally told him to "go to hell", the young man responded by yelling, "I CAN'T." Although it's both true and kind of funny, this is no way to witness to anyone.
This same young man wanted so much to be a warrior for God, that he would go to conventions for the paranormal and witches, etc. with the main intention of "fighting the spirits." Although our battle is spiritual, no where does the Bible tell us to actually - literally - go out and fight the demons.
Today's takeaway: here is another example which will better explain how we should "flight".
I personally knew these missionaries in France, who gave their testimony about an experience they went through.
They were about to hold a big outreach event in their area, but in the days leading up to this, there was a very heavy cloud of oppression covering the entire city. So they spent a lot of time in prayer - praying for the evil presence to leave. But it did not happen - - - UNTIL - - - they started to pray that the people in the city would be open to hearing the gospel message!!! They asked that God's light would shine into their hearts!!! They asked God to give them confidence and boldness in proclaiming God's truth!!!...
As Jesus suggested in the Lord's prayer, we are to ask for God to deliver us from evil. But regarding our actions, God's spiritual weapons are not to be used to FIGHT AGAINST the demons! The "weapons" are to be used to replace evil with God's love and goodness.
Our focus should not be "against Satan" or trying to thwart his will - - - our focus should be "on God" and doing God's will...
(Ephesians 6:23-24) Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.
(Romans 12:1-2) Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
(Proverbs 3:1-8) My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; 2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good repute
In the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.
In the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.
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