Opening Scripture
3 For although we do live in the world, we do not wage war in a worldly, natural way; 4 because the weapons we use to wage war are not natural. On the contrary, they are spiritual and have God’s power for demolishing strongholds. We demolish arguments 5 and every arrogance that raises itself up against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey the Messiah. 6 And when you have become completely obedient, then we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
Message
10 Finally, grow powerful in union with the Lord, in union with his mighty strength! 11 Use all the armor and weaponry that God provides, so that you will be able to stand against the deceptive tactics of the Adversary. 12 For we are not struggling against human beings, but against the rulers, authorities and cosmic powers governing this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm. 13 So take up every piece of war equipment God provides; so that when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist; and when the battle is won, you will still be standing. 14 Therefore, stand! Have the belt of truth buckled around your waist,[b] put on righteousness for a breastplate,[c] 15 and wear on your feet the readiness that comes from the Good News of shalom, peace.[d] 16 Always carry the shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil One. 17 And take the helmet of salvation;[e] along with the sword given by the Spirit, that is, the Word of God; 18 as you pray at all times, with all kinds of prayers and requests, in the Spirit, vigilantly and persistently, for all God’s people.
19 And pray for me, too, that whenever I open my mouth, the words will be given to me to be bold in making known the secret of the Good News, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may speak boldly, the way I should. Ephesians 6:10-20
Remarks
I do not know how to really explain or communicate this message, even though it has been in my mind awhile. Recognize, though, that it is a message the believer should know and understand. The apostle Paul in the book of Ephesians cited above spells out in detail things that must be present in the life of the Christian, the war chest or armory the believer must have to be able to engage and defeat spiritual forces warring against him.
It has been my privilege to meet and interact with a few believers who are afraid of the dark forces of the spiritual world, for example, witchcraft, voodoo, enchantments, magic, etc. The fear is palpable. Some of these Christians, due to this kind of fear, limit themselves from freely enjoying the heritage God has given them, for example, visiting family at home or going to their villages or country homes. As well, they refuse to reach out to the poor and needy among them, especially back home where the need is greatest, for fear gifts they make would be used to harm them- the giver- spiritually. I will state here that if these fear and superstitions were erased, so much of the poverty in the home areas of the "fearful," "ignorant," Christians would be wiped out.
The Christian that Jesus designed and is creating has to be like the believer apostle Paul describes in Ephesians 6, verse (vs) 10 down. His war equipments are: 1. Truth, Righteousness (vs 14), Peace (vs 15), Faith (vs 16), Salvation, the Word of God (vs 17), and Prayer (vs 18). Each of these equipments correspond to a spiritual weapon, where Truth = Belt, Righteousness = Breastplate, Peace = Shoe, Faith = Shield, Salvation = Helmet, and the Word of God = Sword of the Spirit.
To be able to defeat Satan, his tricks, and his forces however they come against you, you must be Truthful, walk in Righteousness, be Peaceful, have Faith in God's Word, be Saved (believe in Jesus Christ), know the Word of God, and stay Prayerful. Always do a self-check: Do I speak the Truth? Yes. Am I walking as God wants me to (being Righteous)? Yes. Am I Peaceful? Yes. Do I Trust God's promises (Faith)? Yes. Do I believe in Jesus' sacrificial death for my sins (Salvation)? Yes. Do I know God's Word (Scriptures, The Bible)? Yes. Am I constantly Praying for myself as well as others? Yes.
Where all these are present in the life of the believer, the fear of the enemy- human or spiritual- will disappear. The Christian will be fearless; he will overcome. He will defeat every, and any, problem and overcome all impediments.
Where all these are present in the life of the believer, the fear of the enemy- human or spiritual- will disappear. The Christian will be fearless; he will overcome. He will defeat every, and any, problem and overcome all impediments.
Closing Scripture
" "On hearing this, they were stung in their hearts; and they said to Peter and the other Apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" Peter answered them, "Turn from sin, return to God, and be each baptized in the name of Jesus into forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost!" " Acts 2: 37 -38
Blessing
The grace of the Lord Jesus the Messiah, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14
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