WINNING OUR FIGHT WITH SATAN (Armor of God 1)
Ephesians 6:10-18 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Paul included his most complete account of how to win spiritual battles in his letter to the Ephesians (Ephesians 6:10-18). In light of all the warfare going on in Ephesus this is very appropriate. Writing from prison in Rome, chained to a Roman soldier who was guarding him, Paul must have looked for a way to convey what he wanted to say about spiritual warfare in terms the people would understand. While looking at his guard, he applied the pieces of equipment that Roman soldiers used to those that Christian soldiers use.
Paul knew that Roman soldiers didn’t supply their own equipment, it was provided by their commander. Thus, he starts by telling his audience that it is God’s power and strength that gives us victory (Ephesians 6:10; Philippians 4:13; 1 John 4:4). We have the same power that raised Jesus from the grave (Ephesians 1:18-23; Hebrews 2:14-15). Our victory comes from God – He provides the equipment necessary to achieve it.
However just because equipment is provided doesn’t mean Christian soldiers use theirs appropriately, or even use it at all. It is Satan’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11; 2 Corinthians 2:11) that deceive and trap us, like a hunter seeking to trap an animal. Therefore, it is up to us to use the power and equipment God provides – all of it (“full armor”).
LESSON FOR TODAY: Paul says we are in a ‘struggle’ (Ephesians 6:12). This word refers to a fight to the death. Satan assigns demons to destroy each believer, their family and their church. We are in a life and death struggle, but often we don’t realize how serious our enemy is about our destruction.
LESSON FOR TODAY: What makes this an even more difficult battle is that our enemy is not a physical soldier whom we can see and fight in our power, rather it is a spiritual enemy, a demonic power (Ephesians 6:12). “Rulers … authorities … powers … spiritual forces” refer to various groups of demons in Satan’s organization. Demons are organized according to their power like an army: generals, majors, captains, lieutenants, sergeants and privates. The generals and majors oversee large geographical areas or philosophical ideologies. Down it goes to the privates, demons with names like Lust, Greed, Pride, Fear or Self-Destruction. These are the ones we usually deal with in a personal way when we are involved in our spiritual warfare.
2 Corinthians 2:11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Where is your biggest struggle with sin and Satan?
What have you learned about how to have victory?
What armor of God do you most need?
(If I can answer questions or offer personal counsel, or if you would like a free copy of my Spiritual Warfare Handbook, email me at Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org or download it from CTOtraining.org. Click on Spiritual Warfare. My next book, Spiritual Warfare in the Bible, which is a more advanced treatment of spiritual warfare, is also available there for free.)
STAND FIRM FOR VICTORY (Armor of God 2)
Ephesians 6:13-14 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
Before listing the pieces of equipment available to us Paul wants to emphasize the importance of Christian soldiers standing firm against any attack the enemy launches at them. Three times he commands them to “stand” (Ephesians 13-14a).
LESSON FOR TODAY: We are to be alert and ready, not sitting or lying down sleeping. We shouldn’t be caught off guard but must be alert. Nor should we retreat in fear or defeat. Yet the truth is that the stronger we stand the hotter the battle will get for the harder the demons will attack. The battle will never end until our Commander comes and takes us home. Our fight here will be over when we are promoted to heaven at death, or when Jesus returns, but not before.
LESSON FOR TODAY: When a person is demonized there is a ruler (lieutenant or sergeant) who has a group of other demons (privates) under him. They set up their stronghold and each demon present is chosen for the particular focus of the work he does. Under the guidance of the ruler, they work together to accomplish the mission of the group which is always the destruction of the person they are attacking. The ultimate goal is the death of the person, but since they can’t take a life they seek to make life so miserable that only death seems to hold hope of escape. Their goal is to cause the person to take their own life. Until they can get a person to that point they seek to make his witness for Jesus ineffective and his life as painful and empty as possible.
LESSON FOR TODAY: Not all problems and struggles are from Satan. While we want to know what he does so we can defeat him, we don’t want to give him and his demons more credit than is due them. When he is bound man’s sin nature will still lead him into sin without Satan’s help (Revelation 20:1-3). That can assist u in knowing what is from demons and what is from our sin nature. If the source is our sin nature without demonic influence, than confession, submission to God, prayer, Bible reading and memory and good Christian fellowship will bring immediate or progressive victory. If that does not happen then it is good to consider there might be something demonic involved as well.
1 Peter 5:8–9 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
When is it hardest for you to stand against Satan’s attacks?
What advice would you give someone who is having a hard time standing because of the attacks against them?
Pray for them, and any you know who are having a hard time standing firm.
THE HELMET OF SALVATION (Ephesians 6:17) (Armor of God 3)
Ephesians 6:17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
The helmet Roman soldiers wore was made of metal. An enemy would lift his heavy four-foot-long sword over his head with two hands and bring it straight down on the Roman soldier’s head. The helmet was to protect his head from these attacks. Without proper protecting the damage done could be devastating!
LESSON FOR TODAY: Satan attacks our mind and thoughts whenever possible, for the damage done there can be tremendous. Demons seek to put thoughts of doubt, fear, confusion, lust, greed, pride or any other sin in our mind. We must know God’s truth to have protection and victory. Our spiritual battles are won or lost in our minds first of all.
LESSON FOR TODAY: Often the thoughts that defeat us have been with us for many years, even since early childhood. Quite often they are thoughts others in our family struggle with as well – generational sins passed down through our ancestors (Exodus 20:4-5; 34:6-7; Deuteronomy 5:8-9). (For more information see under Old Testament, Moses (Exodus – Deuteronomy.)
LESSON FOR TODAY: The solution to victory over demonic thoughts placed into our minds is to 1) close the door that let them in by confessing as sin any thoughts you entertained that were not godly (1 John 1:9). Know in your mind that they can’t defeat you. Don’t let them put fear or confusion into your mind. God has given us the power and authority to command them to be gone in His name (Luke 9:1; 10:1, 17-19). Then 2) pray and take back any claim they make against you through your family line (2 Corinthians 5:17; John 1:12-13). Finally, 3) whenever they knock on the door and try to return, quote Scripture to keep the truth of God’s Word in your mind (Psalm 119:9-11) and to defeat them. Knowing and using God’s Word, the sword of the Spirit, is key for victory (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 77:12; I Chronicles 28:9; Matthew 22:37-38; I Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 4:8). That’s how Jesus defeated Satan (Matthew 4:1-11). Satan tries to plant doubts about God’s word in man’s mind. This is how he got Eve to sin. She misquoted God’s Word to Satan and when he added to what God said (making God seem like He was keeping something good from her) she didn’t recognize the error. Satan was undermining God’s Word, and he won! We must be skillful in the use of our sword to win.
When Jesus was tempted He quoted Scripture to have victory over Satan’s temptations. Paul says our only offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Psalm 119:9,11 tell us that it’s through God’s Word that we have victory. When you have these thoughts and attacks use Scripture to have victory. Ask God to give you some verses that will help against these things, write them down and memorize them. Say them over and over when these thoughts attack you. That is the only way to victory, and God guarantees it will work!
Romans 12:1–2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
What ungodly thoughts give you the most trouble?
When are you most likely to have them?
What does the blog say you should do to have victory over them? Do you do it?
BREASTPLATE of RIGHTEOUSNESS (Ephesians 6:14) (Armor of God 4)
Ephesians 6:14 Stand firm then, … with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
The breastplate was made of small pieces of metal or leather fastened together so they would move and bend but so no arrow, spear or sword could go through them. It was important for it covered the heart and other vital organs. If an enemy soldier could inflict a serious wound to the upper body he would be victorious. In hand to hand combat the enemy would grab the Roman soldier’s arm to pull him close and with his sword in try to stab him in the chest or stomach.
LESSON FOR TODAY: Suppose a soldier didn’t bother putting on his breastplate some morning? Maybe it was too hot or too heavy, or maybe he was in a hurry or just lazy. What would happen? That’s what happens to us when we don’t put on our breastplate. Paul calls it the “breastplate of righteousness” because it refers to our holiness. We are holy because Jesus paid for our sins on the cross, but then we must strive to live a life free from personal sin as well. If we allow sin in our life our breastplate will have openings through which our enemy can attack and destroy us.
Demonizing happens because there is a sin that opens the door for demons to enter. The most common avenue to demonic entrance is through a family line. One person opens themselves to demonic influence and the demons claim them and all they have, including children. Then the same traits and influences pass on to the children and their children (for more information see Old Testament, 3. Moses (Exodus – Deuteronomy). Occult and Satanic involvement in demonic activities, drugs, acid rock music, Ouija boards, etc. is another opening. Cult involvement will also open the door for them. Involvement of a family member in a ‘secret society’ such as the Masons is an open invitation to demonizing. The Bible says that when two people have sex the two become one flesh and that allows demons to claim the other person. Abuse of any kind or any form of trauma, especially when young, open one to the demonic. Strong soul ties with someone who is demonized can cause an opening. Being unwanted when in the womb or young is a definite opening. These are some of the main avenues demons use to gain entrance and attack people.
LESSON FOR TODAY: If you have any of these openings in your life pray to have them removed. It’s like opening a door and allowing someone to enter a room, then realize you shouldn’t have done that. You need to close the door so no one else enters, but you also need to command those who already have entered to leave. Confessing the sin and taking back the access closes the door. Rebuking and commanding them to be gone cleans the room. The solution for sin openings is to 1) ask God to show you any sin in your life (Psalm 139:23-24), then 2) confess the sin and close the door that let the demon(s) in (1 John 1:9). You must also 3) command any demons working against you or your family to be gone, using the authority we have in Jesus’ name and power ((John 14:12; Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 9:1; 10:1, 17-19; Acts 1:8).
Then when you notice any kind of spiritual attack you defeat it by quoting scripture. When Jesus was tempted He quoted Scripture to have victory over Satan’s temptations. Paul says our only offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Psalm 119:9,11 tell us that it’s through God’s Word that we have victory. When you have these thoughts and attacks, use Scripture to have victory. Ask God to give you some verses that will help against these thing. Write them down and memorize them. Say them over and over when these thoughts attack you. That is the only way to victory, and God guarantees it will work!
1 Peter 1:15–16 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Why is it so important for us to be holy or righteous?
Who comes to mind when you think of a righteous Christian?
What can you do to be more like them? Start today!
BELT of TRUTH (Ephesians 6:14) (Armor of God 5)
Ephesians 6:14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,
The belt a Roman soldier wore was an important piece of equipment for it held the weapons and equipment which he carried with him. It also held his clothing out of the way so he wouldn’t stumble and fall when moving or fighting. In cool weather a heavy cloak was worn and it was easy to get tangled up in it if there wasn’t a belt to hold it out of the way.
LESSON FOR TODAY: Paul equates this with knowing God’s truth which keeps us from stumbling and falling spiritually. Satan would do anything he can to trip us up with his lies and deceptions (John 8:44). His demons put thoughts in our mind that we’ll never have victory but will always be defeated, that God doesn’t care about us because our sin is so great, that what we are going through is our own fault and we deserve to suffer, that Jesus isn’t God, that we are inferior to others and a failure, or any lie that can trip us up. Whenever we get a thought that doesn’t line up with God’s truth as revealed in His Word, a thought that Jesus wouldn’t have entertained, make sure you reject it as well.
LESSON FOR TODAY: The way to have victory over Satan’s lies and deceptions is by knowing God’s truth. 1) Ask God to show you any lies you believe, then 2) confess them as sin and replace them with the truth of God’s Word. Find Scripture passages and write them down to carry with you and use them when attacked. Make sure 3) you take back any access any demons have claimed through these lies. Also 4) spend time each day reading and learning God’s Word, including marking and memorizing passages which speak to you.
LESSON FOR TODAY: God’s truth is the basis for all we are and have. We are God’s people under His care and protection. Nothing can harm us. Not even curses that are knowingly or unknowingly placed against us.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 8:32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
What are some of the most common and most dangerous lies in the world today?
On a scale of 1 to 10, how well do you know God’s truth? What must you do to know it better?
What lies of Satan are you most tempted to believe? What is God’s truth that counters them?
Pray for someone you know who is believing a lie?
SANDALS of PEACE 1 (Ephesians 6:15) (Armor of God 6)
Ephesians 6:15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
The Romans needed sturdy sandals on their feet for marching and fighting. They would walk in sand, on sharp rocks, and through streams of slippery stones. They could be attacked at any moment so they needed something that would help them stand firm no matter where they found themselves. Their enemy would pick a location to fight that was advantageous for them but not for the Romans. They would do anything to gain an unfair advantage!
LESSON FOR TODAY: Our enemy still does the same thing to us today. He does anything he can to gain even the slightest advantage over the Christian. He tries to choose the footing that will give him victory and take away our peace. When he gets us on his ground he presses the attack. We can be on his ground when something that happened at that place in the past opened the door to demonic control.
Some event may have happened on the land or in the home or room where you live. It could be a violent act, an occult activity, a curse, a dedicating of the property to the powers of darkness or similar acts. Sometimes when we go into a certain neighborhood or home there is a ‘sense’ of evil, a discomfort in our spirit. In a store that sells New Age materials you may ‘feel’ different in your spirit, a discomfort. This is the explanation for supernatural apparitions that happen in ‘haunted’ homes – demonic activity may be present. Some countries and even continents are in extra darkness and bondage and it can be sensed by believers. The message we get is from God’s Holy Spirit Who is warning us against the evil around us.
LESSON FOR TODAY: Our solution is 1) to pray, taking back any access the enemy may claim to the property and asserting our right as children of God to claim and use it. Put any other claims under the blood of Jesus and dedicate it to Him for His honor and glory. Then 2) claim the place for Jesus and dedicate it to Him alone. A sign, picture or cross on the wall can be a good visual reminder to all of the ownership of the property by the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pray, even anoint your house and property, inside and out. Walk around your boundaries praying out loud, claiming your property for God and forbidding any demons to have any access to it. Dedicate it to God and invite His presence through all of it. Take back any access any demons may claim to the property and put that access under the blood of Jesus. Break it in Jesus’ name. Ask God to put an angelic hedge of protection around it. Do the same in all the rooms of the house, especially the basement (if you have one). Anoint each room with oil by dipping your finger in the oil and putting a cross on the door, walls, etc. Pray as you did when you walked around the property. If there is one particular part of the house that seems to have demonic presence in a specially strong way, put a night light there so there is always light in to room. You could do that to all the rooms. Demons hate light, and they hate hearing Jesus praised, so you can play praise music in various places 24 hours a day. It can be really soft – they will hear it!
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 16:33 ~ I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 ~ Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
John 14:27 ~ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Is your home a place of peace? Why or why not?
What can you do for your part to make it more peaceful?
Walk around and through your house now, asking for God’s peace to fill it and remove anything else that might be there.
Pray and thank God for His peace – if you don’t have peace ask Him to show you why and deal with it.
SANDALS of PEACE 2 (Ephesians 6:15) (Armor of God 7)
Ephesians 6:15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
In the last blog we saw that the Romans needed sturdy sandals on their feet for marching and fighting. We talked about how that applies to the place where we live or worship. It must be free from demonic control. Let’s apply that same truth in another way in this blog.
LESSON FOR TODAY: Another way we can find ourselves having poor footing and a harder time standing against Satan, is when we have something in our possession that gives demons access to the place where we are. When the Jews took possession of Canaan under Joshua they were told to not keep any of the objects they captured. Even animals and children were to be destroyed. They had been dedicated to Satan and were claimed by him. Those who used these things would be opening themselves up to the demonic powers to whom they had been dedicated. That’s why Paul had the people in Ephesus burn all their occult books (Acts 19:17-20). Today we must watch for things like literature from other cults and religions, Ouija boards and other occult paraphernalia, pagan objects from primitive cultures, objects from Masonic or other secret societies, some Native American artifacts or the like. Pornography, drug or alcoholic supplies, music with a black or evil dimension and similar items can also be used as points of entry by demons.
LESSON FOR TODAY: The solution is 1) to remove and destroy such objects as God convicts you as being openings for demonic access. Ask for forgiveness for having them, cleanse the room from their presence, 2) take back any access the enemy may claim and dedicate the space as well as yourself to Jesus. Ask Him to reveal to you anything else that may need to be dealt with.
When a room or object is under the control of an evil spirit for whatever reason they claim, painting crosses by dipping a finger in oil and making them on a wall claims the place for Jesus. Playing Christian music and leaving a small light on also are offensive to the forces of darkness. Of course, praying and quoting scripture while making the crosses is important, too. I know I, as a Christian, have great power in blessing people, especially my own family and other Christians. ‘God bless you’ is more than a slang or shallow comment. There’s real power in it when one means it that way. It’s a privilege I use and repeat often to people. Distance doesn’t seem to affect it at all. Of course, there is something even more special about touching a person when I pray or ask God to bless them, but when far away from them God still answers the prayer. The power is in God who is everywhere (omnipresent). Satan and demons are limited to one place at a time so they are at a distinct disadvantage in this, too.
Acts 19:18–19 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.
Is there anything in your house you would hide if the pastor came t visit? What about Jesus Himself?
If there is anything that would not be pleasing to Jesus please get rid of it immediately, no matter what it is.
Ask God to show you if there is anything that shouldn’t be in a Christian home, or in your home even if it might be OK for others?
Walk through your house and around your property again, dedicating it to God (even if you are just renting).
SHIELD of FAITH (Ephesians 6:16) (Armor of God 8)
Ephesians 6:16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
The equipment mentioned so far (helmet, breastplate, belt, sandals) form an inner wall of defense. There is an outer wall of defense as well – a large shield every Roman soldier carried. He would hold this in front of him for outer protection. Other soldiers would stand or walk alongside him as they all held up their shields forming a wall in front of them, sometimes above them as well. When enemies would throw balls of burning tar at the Romans this outer wall of defense would provide much-needed protection for they would be severely wounded or killed if the hot tar hit them. At least they would be out of the battle for quite some time.
LESSON FOR TODAY: Paul says this is like our faith – our outer wall of protection. Having faith in God’s sovereign control no matter what is happening is key to our spiritual health. The greater your faith the larger your shield, the smaller your faith the smaller your shield People with little faith get hit by whatever Satan throws at them: fear, guilt, greed, pride, anger, lust.
LESSON FOR TODAY: Satan attacks us through his demons even if don’t open the door through sin. He attacks everyone in God’s army, especially leaders like pastors and missionaries. They don’t have to have done anything to open a door – just standing with Jesus will draw attacks because Satan is committed to opposing God’s kingdom in any and every way he can. Satan can’t attack Jesus directly so he takes his hate and anger out on God’s children. That’s why the Jews have experienced such persecution through the years. While we were in Satan’s army, or even when we were neutral and ineffective for God, demons didn’t need to waste time and effort on us. But when we become committed to serving Jesus and building His Kingdom we find we have spiritual enemies sworn to do anything they can to destroy us. Sometimes these attacks are direct, other times they take a more indirect approach. Our marriage, finances, children or health may be attacked to discourage us and cause us to cease to actively participate in the cause of Christ. This is what happened to Job. These attacks can also take the form of opposition from other people. There may be a person who does what he can to make life difficult for you. Satan attacked Job because he was effective in his faith and Satan wanted to stop that. That seems to be the cause of Paul’s demonic ‘thorn in the flesh’ attack as well (2 Corinthians 12).
LESSON FOR TODAY: How can we tell what is a normal problem of the flesh or life in a fallen world from what is an attack of the enemy? If it brings a long, ongoing battle, and especially if you are having trouble having victory over it, you should seek for deeper causes. Or if it is a very new, very sudden attack that threatens to overwhelm and defeat you that can be a sign of demonic attack. If it is something large that comes from nowhere, like a gigantic wave that threatens to wash you away, then suspect spiritual causes as well.
LESSON FOR TODAY: Pray for a hedge of protection around yourself, your property and your family, as Job did (Job 1:45, 10-11). Turn to God’s Word for guidance: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you” James 4:6-8. “All things work together for the good of those who love God” Romans 8:28. “There is no testing taken you but such as is common to man. God will not allow you to be tested beyond what you can bear, but with the testing will make a way of escape so you can bear it” I Corinthians 10:13).
LESSON FOR TODAY: Our defense against these attacks of Satan when sin isn’t involved is for us to 1) keep our faith strong, keep our eyes on Jesus only (Matthew 14:28-31). Also, 2) pray for His protection for you, your family and your church (Job 1:4-5).
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, 9 not by works, so that no one can boast”.
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see”.
Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”.
2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we live by faith, not by sight”.
What is your favorite Bible passage about faith?
Who is your favorite Bible person who shows faith? Why?
Who do you know that you would call a man or woman of faith? Why?
Pray and ask God to help you be a person others see as a good example of faith.
SWORD of the SPIRIT – WORD OF GOD 1 (Ephesians 6:17) (Armor of God 9)
Ephesians 6:17 Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
So far all the equipment Paul has mentioned has been defensive. Its purpose is to protect the soldier from enemy attack. However, none of it will bring victory, none will defeat an enemy. There is no defensive equipment to protect their backs so retreat was not possible. They could only move forward. They needed an offensive weapon to do that. For the Romans that was their short sword. It is with skillful use of it that the Romans conquered their world.
LESSON FOR TODAY: Paul saw this piece of equipment as so important that he makes sure we know what it stands for – he clearly identifies it as the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). God’s Word is our only way to defeat Satan. Jesus quoted the Bible when attacked (Matthew 4:1-11). The Word is God’s sword for us: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12-13) Make sure you know the Bible and memorize verses so you can quote them when you need them. Quoting Scripture resets our mind to the truth, lets our mind explain reality to our emotions and is God’s authority to Satan and demons for it is much more powerful than our words! It is the truth that brings freedom (John 8:32).
Knowing and using God’s Word, the sword of the Spirit, is key for victory in our daily struggles (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 77:12; I Chronicles 28:9; Matthew 22:37-38; I Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 4:8). That’s how Jesus defeated Satan (Matthew 4:1-11). Satan tries to plant doubts about God’s word in man’s mind. That is how he got to Eve. She misquoted God’s Word to Satan and when he added to God’s Word (making God seem like He was keeping something good from her) she didn’t pick it up. Satan was undermining God’s Word, and he won! We must be skillful in the use of our sword for Satan can deceitfully twist and misquote God’s truth so as to use it for his benefit.
Psalm 119:9–11 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Why does the Bible place so much emphasis on memorizing Scripture?
What is your favorite Bible verse? Why?
If your life depended on you quoting Bible verses, how many could you accurately quote right now?
Ask God to put a special voice on your heart for you to start memorizing today. Then memorize it!
SWORD of the SPIRIT – WORD OF GOD 2 (Ephesians 6:17) (Armor of God 10)
Ephesians 6: 17 Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
We’ve been talking about the importance of using God’s Word, the Sword of the Spirit, for victory in our Christian life. Here are some good verses to memorize to help you through life and especially in your spiritual battles.
THE BIBLE, GOD’S WORD The Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
GOD’S TRUTH FREES “If you hold to my teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
SUBMIT TO GOD, RESIST SATAN God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. James 4:6-8
GOD IS GREATER THAN SATAN The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. I John 4:4
GOD WILL MEET ALL OUR NEEDS My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
RENEW YOUR MIND WITH CHRIST Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
POWER OF PRAYER The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16
AUTHORITY OVER DEMONS Jesus replied: “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Luke 10:18-19
RESISTING SATAN Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” Matthew 16:23
SIN AS OPENINGS TO DEMONIZING Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24
CURSES Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Galatians 3:13
ANCESTRAL & CHILDHOOD OPENINGS Therefore if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! II Corinthians 5:17
OCCULT OPENINGS Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:31
NEW AGE OPENINGS Such men (who preach a Jesus other than the Jesus I preached) are false prophets, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. II Corinthians 11:13-15
DELIVERANCE FROM DEMONIZING Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God … This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. I John 4:1-2
(If I can answer questions or offer personal counsel, or if you would like a free copy of my Spiritual Warfare Handbook, email me at Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org or download it from CTOtraining.org. Click on Spiritual Warfare.. My next book, Spiritual Warfare in the Bible, which is a more advanced treatment of spiritual warfare, is also available there for free.)
Psalm 119:9–11 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
What is your favorite spiritual warfare Bible verse?
Which of the above verses would be good for you to memorize? Write 3 of them on cards and start memorizing them.
Now pray them to God, asking Him to apply them to your heart and life.
SWORD of the SPIRIT – WORD OF GOD 3 (Ephesians 6:17) (Armor of God 11)
Ephesians 6: 17 Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Below are some more verses you can use to have victory in life. Victory comes from the Word of God so learn it and use it.
Our Adversaries Will Be Defeated: Deuteronomy 32:43; Philippians 1:28; Deuteronomy 33:27
Victory is Promised: I Corinthians l5:57; I Chronicles 29:11; Proverbs 21:31; I John 5:4, 18; Rev. 12:11; 15:2; Romans 8:37; II Corinthians 2:14; John 16:33
God Promises To Fight For Us: I Samuel 14:47; Jeremiah 1:8
No Weapon Formed Against The Believer Can Prosper: Isaiah 54:17
Jesus Is Constantly Praying & Interceding On Our Behalf: I John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25
God Is Always With Us: Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 18:20; John 14:16, 21; Revelation 3:20
Confession Means Cleansing & Forgiveness: I John 1:8-9; Thessalonians 5:23-24; I Timothy 4:5; Luke 11:13; II Timothy 2:21; Jude 1; Romans 8:33-39; Titus 3:4-5
God Hears & Answers Prayer: Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9; Jeremiah 33:3
We will never Be Separated From God: Romans 8:35-39; John 10:27-29; 3:36; 5:24
God Will Meet All Your Needs: Philippians 4:19: Psalm 84:11; Romans 8:32; I Samuel 12:24
There Is No Need To Worry: Matthew 6:25,34; I Peter 5:7; Isaiah 40:11; Matthew 5:38-39; Psalm 37:1-9; Jude 24
God Promises His Care & Protection: Deuteronomy 33:27; Genesis 17:1; Jeremiah 23:24; 32:7
Everything Will Work Out Right In the End: Romans 8:28
You Won’t Ever Face Anything You Can’t Handle With God’s Help: I Corinthians 10:13
Peace Is Available No Matter What: John 14:27; Romans 5:1; Colossians 1:20; Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 11:28-30; II Timothy 1:7
Trials Are Allowed To Bring Spiritual Growth: Psalm 119:67,71,75; 94:12; Isa. 48:10; Rom. 5:3
The Believer Has Nothing To Fear: Proverbs 3:25; Isaiah 14:3; Psalm 34:4; Joshua 1:9; 10:8; 23:9-11; Leviticus 26:8; Exodus 14:13; I Samuel 17:45-47; II Samuel 22:33-35,40-41
We Are Assured Of Eventual Triumph Over Our Adversaries: Acts 2:39
Victory Is Guaranteed Us: I Corinthians 15:57; Romans 8:37; I Chronicles 29:11; I John 5:4, 18; II Chronicles 32:8; Revelation 3:5; 2l:7
God Will Help Us Carry Our Burdens: Nehemiah 4:10; Matthew 11:30; Psalm 55:22
God Promises Comfort: Psalm 23:4; Lamentations 3:22-23; Matthew 5:4; 11:28-30; John 14:16, 18; John 14:16, 18; Romans 15:4; II Corinthians 1:3-4; II Thessalonians 2:16-17
God Will Give Us Courage: Proverbs 38:1; I Corinthians 16:13; II Timothy 1:7
Guidance Is Promised: Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 30:21; 58:11; Luke 1:79; John 15:13
God Will Help In Your Sorrow: Proverbs 10:22; Isaiah 53:4; John 16:22; II Corinthians 6:10; I Thessalonians 4:13; Revelation 21:4
Wisdom Is Promised Those Who Ask: James 1:5; 3:15-17; Luke 16:8; 21:15; I Cor. 2:5; 3:19
Rejecting Wrong Thoughts: II Corinthians 10:5; Psalm 139:23-24; 141:3-4; Isaiah 26:3-4; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:22-24; Philippians 3:18-21
Power of the Word of God: Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 55:11; 59:21; Psalm 119:81, 105, 11-112; Proverbs 30:5; Lamentations 2:17; 3:37; Matthew 24:35; John 5:24; 8:51;15:7; Rom. 10:17
God’s Promise of Angelic Intervention: II Kings 6:17; Psalm 34:6-7; 91:11; Daniel 6:22; 10:5-14; Acts 12:15
Psalm 119:9–11 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
There should be Bible verses you have been memorizing the last few weeks. Pray them to God now.
If you need to work on some of them, do so now. If you know them pretty well, pick some verses from above to continue learning more. Remember, it’s one of the very few things you can take with you when you leave this world!
PRAYER (Ephesians 6:18) (Armor of God 12)
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
After having described the equipment God provides for His people, Paul talks about prayer. Any soldier must be in direct communication with those he serves in order to be of use to them. Paul connects the section about our armor with the section on prayer by the use of “and” showing they go together (Ephesians 6:18).
LESSON FOR TODAY: The importance of a good, solid prayer life cannot be overemphasized (Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9; Jeremiah 33:3). Fasting can be an important part of prayer as well when God directs it.
LESSON FOR TODAY: God does promise ultimate victory for His people, not always immediately in this life but enough for now and the rest in the future (1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 2:14; 1 John 5:5).
LESSON FOR TODAY: Did the Ephesians use their armor and have victory in their spiritual warfare? Yes and no. Yes, for they didn’t fall back into the sins that opened them to demonizing in the past. But also no, for Satan changed his tactics and attacked from within the church instead and this was much more successful. Deceptions and lies from false teachers brought confusion and often disunity among the believers. Satan still attacks from without and within today. It is the subtle attacks within we must be aware of for they often take us by surprise. That makes them more dangerous and deadly. We must know God’s Word thoroughly and apply it to all things in life to avoid being deceived.
Jesus is a wonderful example of how to pray in all situations. He tells Peter, James, and John to pray so they will not fall into temptation while He prays to the Father. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) Prayer is a critical part of our way to victory. Our culture is so goal oriented and results focused that we don’t value prayer as we should. We want to see ‘results’ so we put our time and energy into something with tangible outcomes. Oswald Chambers correctly said, “Prayer isn’t preliminary to the battle, prayer is the battle.” So, if we are defeated in prayer how can we expect to have victory for ourself or others? Start and end each day praying for your family, loved ones, yourself and anyone God puts on your heart.
The last session I have with pastors in India is about spiritual warfare. I always close with this prayer, which I have used about 200 times. I use it to pray for them and to teach them how to pray for themselves and others. They stand and often raise their hands. I pray: “Dear Jesus, we thank You for the salvation we have in Jesus. We know You are greater than Satan and his demons. We know You have power over them and have given us that power in Jesus’ name. In Jesus name I forbid any demons to work against me or my family or my church. If I have committed any sin that they use to work against me I put it under the blood of Jesus. In Jesus’ name I break any claim that comes down through my family line. In Jesus’ name I dedicate the land where my home and church are to God. In Jesus’ name I break any curse any one has made against me, my family, or my church. In Jesus’ name I forbid any demons to work against me or my family or my church for any reason. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Surround me with Your angels. Use me for Your glory.”
Then I will pray for the people present in the conference: “Father, I pray for each one here that You would surround them with Your Presence, You would fill them with Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name I come against any of Satan’s forces that would try any work against them or their family or their church. We put that all under the blood of Jesus. Their sin we put under the blood of Jesus. Anything in their family line, any curses on them, anything on the property where they live we cover all that with Jesus’ blood. We command that these spirits be gone immediately and permanently in Jesus’ name. I pray you show these men anything else they need to learn or do and that they find the total freedom that you give that you have. I pray that you give them the courage and the wisdom to use these things as they minister to bring freedom to others that need them. Father, we thank you for this time and this conference and all these things today. We pray you encourage them and remind them of these things to be the men, the pastors that you would have them to be. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!” The exact words aren’t important, but perhaps this example can help you in some way. No matter how you pray, just PRAY!
Matthew 12:43–45 “When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”
How does your prayer life now compared with it a year ago? 10 years ago?
Where is the greatest improvement?
Where is more improvement needed?
Take some time now to pray.