We are at war!

Like it or not when we come to know the Lord we step into the arena and the enemy's attacks intensify. People who are promised everything will be smooth sailing when they come to salvation often have a rude awakening! The more we do for the kingdom, the greater the battle. Words relating to our 'battlefield' abound in scripture. The Lord Himself is called a man of war. "The Lord is a Man of War; the Lord is His name. (Exo 15:3 AMP)

One of the hardest things I think, for us to remember is that our battle is not against people, but against the forces of darkness that deceive and lead them into error. (Eph. 6:12) When we rail against people then we are putting ourselves on a level playing field with the enemy and giving him victory. Paul tells the Corinthians that 'the god of this world' blinds people's minds to the truth of the Gospel. (2 Cor. 4:4)

In Ephesians we are told that we are seated with Christ and that is where we battle from. We have exceedingly great promises declaring our victory, Jesus defeated him and made a spectacle of him on the cross. So why is there still such conflict? Because the enemy has been sentenced, but not incarcerated yet and we as the church must walk in the victory and defeat the enemy's schemes.

But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord. (lsa 54:17AMP)

We take up our inheritance, put on our armour, take the sword and demolish strongholds. Our weapons are not angry words, written or spoken "For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds," (2Co 10:4 AMP) Paul uses the armour worn by the Roman soldier to teach us how we need to dress for battle. (Eph. 6:11-18) In Romans Paul tells us to put on the armour of light to clothe ourselves in Christ. He also says that he fought with 'weapons of righteousness' (2 Cor. 6:7). Jesus Christ alone is our righteousness.

So, if we are going to see victory we need to think with the 'mind of Christ' we need to bring 'every thought into captivity into the obedience of Christ' we need to have the 'thoughts, intents and purposes' of His heart. Wearing the armour effectively requires that we examine ourselves in the light of the word. Are we girded with truth? Truth holds everything together, truth counteracts the schemes of the 'father of lies'. Is that where we take our stand: on the Word of Truth? Remembering that if we are 'imitators' of Christ we cannot lie. (John 8:44)

Are we walking in righteousness having dealt with our sins? The breastplate guards the heart. Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our hearts for out of it are the issues of life.

Shoes of the Gospel of Peace give a firm footed stand on which the enemy has no ground. The shield of faith extinguishes the 'fiery darts' of the enemy; they fall to the ground. Faith means standing on the promises of God no matter what the circumstances look like.

The helmet of salvation protects the mind, the enemy's greatest battle ground. We need to bring 'every thought into captivity' and think God's way. Cast down all imaginations (2Cor. 10:5) that are against the knowledge we have of His purpose and plan.

The Sword is our offensive weapon it is the rhema word of God; a specific word for a specific situation. When we speak forth the Word, the angelic forces have something to work with. The word says that angels go forth at His word. Jesus said that the words He gives are spirit and life. John 6:63. These are not carnal weapons, but spiritual.

We need to examine our armour for 'chinks' and as we look at each piece we need to ask ourselves the question: Am I walking in this (faith, righteousness, truth etc.)?

Our mental attitude determines our altitude: we need to remember we are seated with Christ; we are more than conquerors in Him (Rom. 8:37). Gird up the loins of your mind (1 Pet. 1:13) and not allow negative thoughts to have a place. We need to renew our minds and see victory in the face of defeat. (Rom. 12:2)

Jesus said the 'gates of hell' will not prevail against us. Gates represent authority. Luke 10:19 He gave us authority over all the power of the enemy.

We need to remember the words of the Lord to Joshua who faced the 'ites' in the land. Be strong and of good courage for I the Lord am with you wherever you go. We have the weapon of prayer to use when faced with adversity. It will take us through whatever is ahead.

Remember: "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? " (Rom 8:31 MKJV)

Jane Jones
National Prayer Coordinator

Jane Jones is an elder at St Peter's Okotoks, Alberta and the National Prayer Coordinator of ARM.

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This page was posted on August 15, 2005.