HAVE YOU GOT YOUR ARMOUR ON ?
Last week, two of my blogs (Reconciliation & That certain something) were taken from 2 Corinthians. I had spent the week reading and meditating on this Letter of Paul’s. Today is taken from 2 Cor. 10.4-5
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exults itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
There is so much truth in these two verses, I trust i can un-package all that Paul has to say here The Message Bible says<
The tools of our trade are not for marketing or manipulation, but they are for the demolishing that entire massive corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.
Paul reminds believers we have been given a complete set of armour Eph. 6 1-18
Helmet to protect the mind
Breastplate of Righteousness to protect the heart
The belt or Skirt of Truth to protect our emotions and drives
The peace of God on our feet to guide us in our walking
The Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God
The Shield of faith
Prayer
Paul says, we must know
1. That we have been given this armour when we were born again
2. We must recognise what piece we need
3.Put it on
4. Use it
Paul says here, that our weapons are not carnal, so often Christians use natural/carnal weapons to fight the immorality and unrighteousness in our world, and even try and use “mind over matter” in relation to their own struggles. You will never ever read in these blogs criticism or condemnation of politicians, or against any wickedness in our world, I seek always to use spiritual weapons, that touch the throne of God.
God’s weapons are MIGHTY.
We must pull down these strongholds. Even fifty to sixty years ago, there was a God consciousness in our community, with the majority of children attending Sunday School. The church did not adapt to Sunday sport and other things, and started to let go of using these spiritual weapons as well.
Now we know there are evil strongholds in our nation. Individual believers before they came to Christ may also have let strongholds develop in their mind (these can even become demonic). This is where Biblical Discipleship is essential, even teaching a new Christian to pray is not enough, they must learn to (Cast down,destroy, demolish those controls over our mind.Sometimes the Discipler may have to work with you to break that stronghold. Of course, it is a daily walk of seeking to protect our mind.
Paul makes it very clear that it is a battle of the mind, and every battle is won or lost in the mind.
In verse 5 Paul says we must cast down, (demolish, destroy) those thoughts, How do we do it ??
This is 8 ways that I am aware from the Scriptures that we can do this. You may need me to clarify some in the says ahead.
1. Claiming the protection of the Blood of Christ over our mind. (remember the Children of Israel in Egypt.
2. Using our authority to use The Name of Jesus against them
3. Using the Word of God as a Sword against the thoughts.
4. Using your Prayer Language as a weapon of Warfare.
5. Using Praise as a weapon of warfare (remember Paul & Silas in prison).
6. Make a Covenant (promise) with your eyes to God Job 31.1
7. Live in the light of Christ’s soon return 1 John 3 :2-3
You should not have to use all these keys, but use the one’s that you really understand. When you have done that those sinful thoughts MUST GO. But then your mind is empty, YOU NOW NEED TO FIILL THE SPACE.
8. Phil.4.8 Meditate (think about certain things).Here are some suggestions.
1. Did you see the Passion of Christ ? Meditate on Christ’s suffering on your behalf.
2. Think about the Lord seated at the right hand of the Father ever living to make intercession for you.
3. I sometimes just visualise Christ’s feet, and bow down low before him.
4. Or take a Scripture verse and mediate upon it,
If you don’t fill the space, the enemy will seek to return to captivate your mind.
What an awesome salvation we have purchased for us through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Not only are our sins forgiven, but by His grace and weapons He gives us, we can live in victory and purity and power.
Again, there is much repeating of teaching I have given before, but we must never relax, and need to be reminded over and over again regarding these things.
I do trust this has been a blessing to you, please feel free to communicate if you need any clarification.
