No one is involved in spiritual warfare long before they learn the importance of using the armor of God to have victory (Ephesians 6:10-20). We know God the Father provides the armor for us to fight victoriously. We know God the Son leads and directs us in battle, like Joshua (which means “Jesus” in Hebrew) did with the Jews. But what we often don’t know is what the Holy Spirit does to help us overcome the enemy in our battles. The Holy Spirit quietly works behind the scenes and doesn’t draw attention to Himself, but it is important to understand what He does in us and for us.
For one thing, He motivates and empowers us to have victory over temptation to sin. He battles our sin nature for us (Galatians 5:17). We don’t fight alone. When we sin we are opening a door for demons to come into our lives and have the right to work against us. The Holy Spirit warns us, convicts us and empowers us to resist temptation.
God’s Spirit is our Teacher helping us understand when and how to use God’s armor (Ephesians 6:10-20). Without Him alerting our spirit to the devil’s schemes we would fall captive to him every time (Ephesians 6:11-12). Ask for His help and be sensitive to His speaking to your spirit.
Knowing truth is essential if we are going to have victory over the deceitful tricks and traps of the world, the flesh and Satan’s forces. We need the belt of truth from God (Ephesians 6:11-12) in order to keep from fear, doubt or deception. We must allow God’s Spirit to teach and remind us of God’s truth about the situation we find ourselves in.
The breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14b) provides us with God’s holiness since our own righteousness is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). It is the Holy Spirit that imputes Christ’s righteousness to us and assures us of God’s protection and victory (Titus 3:5; Romans 8:1-4).
The Holy Spirit enables us to share the gospel in a way that is effective (Ephesians 6:15). Ask Go to guide and direct you as you share His truth with others. He will give you the opportunities, courage and wisdom to witness for Him. So as you put on and use your God-provided armor this week, remember the Holy Spirit’s role in using it to bring you victory. You’ll better understand and use these weapons if you do. (to be continued in next blog)
Ephesians 6:10 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.
Spend some time thanking God for all He has provided for you through His Holy Spirit.
Ask Him to help you better use the armor He has given you. Pray specifically for any weak spots you see. What must you do to improve in these areas? Ask God to help you do so starting today.
Jerry Schmoyer
Christian Training Organization
SW.ChristianTrainingOrganization.org