ARE YOU ENLISTED IN GOD'S ARMY?(Lenten 15)
I said yesterday in the blog about being enrolled in God’s academy, that the Bible describes every Believer as a STUDENT and that we must study the Word of God, and let the Holy Spirit TEACH US, how we are to live as Believers.
I also said the Bible describes us as SOLDIERS in God’s army. I did not have to do National Service as a young man, nor have I had to serve in the armed forces of Australia. But there are some things I understand about enlisting in the military.
Firstly, there is BASIC TRAINING, where as the word suggests all the basics and foundations of being a soldier are drilled into the new recruit. As a New Christian, this is what I would call Biblical Discipleship, but sadly, many new Believers are more taught about doctrine and what the church believes, and the “rules” to be a part of that church.
Let me list again what I believe BASIC TRAINING FOR A NEW BELIEVER should be.
- The essential ingredients to daily prayer
- Spending quality time in the Word of God every day
- A Disciplemaker walking with the new Believer until these become a lifestyle
- The Believer’s Inheritance NOW
So many New Believers DO NOT get these basic foundations, and consequently their walk with God is inconsistent and surely frustrating.
During BASIC TRAINING you learn about your ENEMIES and the WEAPONS AND ARMOUR THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU, AND HOW TO USE THEM. Paul describes these in Eph. 6:10-18 NLT THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. PUT on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to STAND FIRM against all strategies of the devil. For we are not FIGHTING against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, PUT on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to RESIST the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be STANDING FIRM. Stand your ground, PUTTING on the belt of truth and the body armor of GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS. For shoes, PUT on the PEACE that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, HOLD UP the Shield of FAITH to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. PUT on salvation as your helmet, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
PRAY IN THE SPIRIT at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Here is the MESSAGE Translation to consider as well.God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
There is so much truth in these verses, that is why I have highlighted some very important aspects of truth.
PAUL LISTS 7 PIECES OF ARMOUR
- The Helmet of Salvation
- The Breastplate of Righteousness
- The Belt or Skirt of truth
- Feet covered with the shoes of Peace
- The Shield of Faith
- The Sword of the Spirit
- Praying in the Spirit
1.Paul tells us we must PUT every piece of the armour on. How do we know which piece we need to put on unless we are Biblically Discipled and trained during basic training.
2. We must be told and understand we are in a fight, and who our enemies are.
3. We must undergo RESISTANCE TRAINING which is also part of Biblical Discipleship and Mentoring. James 4:7 NKJV Therefore submit to God. RESIST the devil and he will flee from you.
ONLY THEN CAN WE LEARN TO STAND FIRM
Paul tells us that these weapons are special in 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,
It is interesting Paul mentions the HELMET, every attack starts in the mind, WE MUST LEARN TO PROTECT OUR MIND, as this is the battlefield of the soul.
Paul then mentions the BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, we have been declared righteous, and must learnt to experientially walk in righteousness.
Paul then mentions the BELT (OR SKIRT) OF TRUTH. Our armour is held together and based completely in the TRUTHS OF THE WORD OF GOD.
Paul then mentions that out feet must have on the shoes of PEACE, The peace of God in our hearts is the umpire, the guide, we must learn to WALK in the will of God, and when we do not have peace, we don’t walk.
Paul then mentions the SHIELD OF FAITH how do we get faith Rom.10:17 NKJV faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the (RHEMA) word of God. We must be men and women of the RHEMA WORD. WHICH IS THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT.
Paul then concludes with the importance of PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT. Speaking is tongues is a weapon of warfare.
SO LET ME LIST MANY OF THE WEAPONS OF WARFARE
- The Name of Jesus
- The Blood of Jesus
- The Word of God
- The Peace of God
- Walking in Righteousness
- Walking in Faith
- Praying in the Spirit
This is a lengthy blog, I trust you will reflect on these Scriptures and meditate on it being essential that we are trained victorious soldiers in the Lord’s army, and all this was procured for us through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
