BASIC MILITARY TRAINING FOR THE BELIEVER (14)
Before the Apostle Paul begins his awesome teaching on THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD, he clearly states we are in a “state of war” against an evil enemy, we read in Eph. 6:12.
AMP. N.T. For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
N.K.J.V. 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.
PASSION Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms. For they are a powerful class of demon-gods and evil spirits that hold this dark world in bondage
MESSAGE 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.
This is not just your “garden variety” demons, but spiritual forces, that contending against God’s people, as the MESSAGE says it is A LIFE-DEATH FIGHT, and without God’s help it is impossible to win this fight.
Paul uses the illustration of 6 pieces of a Roman soldier’s armour to describe various aspects of spiritual armour that God has made available to us.
I believe these six pieces of armour and the 7th piece we will discuss next MUST be taught the New Believer, and can I remind you of my definition of Biblical Discipleship, it is A DISCIPLE-MAKER WALKING WITH THE NEW BLEIEVER FOR AS LONG AS IT TAKES UNTIL LIVING AS A CHRISTIAN HAS BECOME A LIFESTYLE.
Using the picture described in the title of this series of blogs BASIC MILITARY TRAINING, there is no way that a military recruit learns to how to use his weapons in one lesson, but this goes on for several months, and followed by regular “refresher courses” as well.
Paul concludes this series of teaching by changing the metaphor, and says in Eph.6:18
AMP.N.T. Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).
N.K.J.V praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.
PASSION take the mighty razor-sharp Spirit-sword of the spoken Word of God. Pray passionately in the Spirit, as you constantly intercede with every form of prayer at all times. Pray the blessings of God upon all his believers.
MESSAGE 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.
Much as the battle is hard for every one of us as individuals, we must NEVER forget our brothers and sisters who are also contending against these evil spirits.
As I have written preciously, my heart aches for Believers who have never been taught to pray, even the Disciples of Jesus asked Him to teach them how to pray. This is why Biblical Discipleship is essential and should start as soon as possible after a person has repented. The late Billy Graham declared the 48 hours was such an important time following a person’s conversion.
We will commence our teaching on PRAYER in blog 15.
