UNDERSTANDING AND USING THE WEAPONS GOD HAS GIVEN US.
I wonder if Peter fully understood or appreciated what Jesus said to him in Like 22:31-32 NKJV And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” There is a very real sense that Satan wants every Christian to renounce his faith, and it is so good to know what Hebrews 7:25NKJV says Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
As well as Jesus continually praying for us, we need to realise the fact as Peter tells us in 2 Peter 1:3 NKJV His divine power has GIVEN US ALL THINGS THAT PERTAIN TO LIFE AND GODLINESS, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
This is where Biblical Discipleship is essential, that SOMEONE WALK WITH THE NEW BELIEVER FOR AS LONG AS IT TAKES UNTIL BEING A CHRISTIAN IS A LIFESTYLE.
I have said all the above to spotlight a particular verse this morning. Do you know and understand 2 Cor. 10:4-5 NKJV For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
Do you know you have an enemy his name is satan ?
Do you know he wants to sift you as wheat, and draw you away from Jesus?
Did you know you have been given a full set of armour to protect yourself?
Do you know what weapons you have at your disposal?
Do you know how to use them?
Could you have a stronghold in your mind that needs to be broken?
What does it mean to “cast down??
Do you know you can walk in purity and victory 24/7?
My heart is continually burdened for young Christians who are so aware of the battle, but do not know how to deal with it, especially because no one is walking with them (and teaching them) into victory.
In Eph. 6:10-18 NKJV we have the teaching on the armour God has provided for us. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.
I have written on these before and I am sure I will again. This literal set of armour would completely protect a Roman soldier (except for his back,but he was not to retreat).
All our attacks and battles start in our minds, and I want to give you 8 things (weapons) that God has given us, the first 7 are “casting down” the attack, the 8th is replacing the sinful thoughts. I will simply list them, and I am hoping there will be many questions that flow from this blog.
- Claiming the Blood of Christ over our minds, I sincerely believe it is for protection (as God’s people were when the angel of death went over Egypt) as well as for cleansing us from sin.
2. Taking the Sword of the Spirit which is the Rhema Word of God and confessing it against the thoughts.
3. Using the NAME OF JESUS against the thoughts, we have been delegated the right to use His Name.
4. Praying and singing in unknown tongues is a weapon of warfare against the thoughts.
5. Praising God is also a weapon of warfare.
6. Making a Covenant with our eyes Job 31:1 NKJV & MESSAGE.
7. Living in the light of Christ’s soon return, 1 John 3:2-3 NKJV
These 7 weapons can all be used against the enemy, and will cast down any and every sinful thought. You are then let an empty space in your mind which you need to fill, we do this by following Phil.4:8 NKJV Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—THINK, MEDITATE on these things. this is no.8.
On the authority of God’s Word, if you will lay hold of these weapons and continue to surrender to the Lord you will experience James’s words James 4:7 NKJV Therefore SUBMIT to God. RESIST the devil and HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU. I GUARANTEE IT.
I have said nothing new in this blog today, but we need to be reminded over and over again, may this blog bless and encourage you.
