In spiritual conflict I’ve been thinking the sword of the spirit is the only offensive weapon I have. It’s indeed an awesome piece, but is it my only option?
Evidently, I’ve another awesome weapon in the armory that’s intrinsic to me, one that makes me fierce in combat. “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin.” (1Pe 4:1) Willingness to suffer for Christ makes me truly formidable in the spirit; it positions me to take out the enemy … it’s a whole new level of holiness.
Fearof suffering, that I won’t be faithful, that I will dishonor God, may keep me from trusting that God is good, that He’s faithful, and rob me of faith and joy. In this state I’m easily intimidated in battle, not much threat to the evil one, even with sword in hand.
The reality is that it’s an honor and a privilege to suffer for God. (Php 1:29) “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (2Co 4:17) If He allows it, He will have a glorious purpose in it. Getting hold of this equips us to fearlessness.
God arm me with a willingness to suffer for You; help me trust that You will work in me to glorify Your name through any suffering You allow. (1Pe 1:7) Teach me how to take up this weapon in the right way, and to wield it skilfully for Your name’s sake.
I think so far so good! What else were you thinking about arming yourself?? What other ways? Reading memorizing scripture? Prayer?…. What about arming with fruits of the spirit.. The best defense is offense in that seeking fruits of the spirit instead of focusing on evil? But what are we guiding ourselves against? Evil? Evil thoughts? Confusion?
Great thoughts! Here’s more of mine.
Memorizing and meditation on scripture is like sword practice; it’s preparing for battle. When Jesus responded to satanic attack He showed that He had prepared for war this way. I think this is our main spiritual weapon: being able to use the Word of God to know the will of God in any circumstance we face.
From the armor listed in Eph 6 I think the fruit of the Spirit is more like armor than arms: it is more defensive and protecting than offensive.
Prayer is how we know how and when to use our weapons, but I don’t see prayer itself classified as a weapon.
Through prayer the weapons of our warfare are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)” (2Co 10:4)
I think the real battle is in our obedience, where the enemy wants us to dishonor God by disobeying Him. Our weapons, of the Word of God and our willingness to suffer for Him, helps us to obey God even when we’re in very confusing circumstances or under threat of suffering if we obey.
You have further thoughts? Love the discussion!!
Great Word, Brother! I agree with you and greatly appreciate your Prayer at the end! HalleluYah!
Thanks! Let’s pray for each other here.