Today, we continue with our series on Transformation, considering how children of God can transform their minds to being victorious all the time. This is what the apostle Paul said to the church in Corinth, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). He makes it very clear that the Christian life is one synonymous with battle, we are at war and there is no use pretending otherwise. And it is important to note that we do not use carnal weapons in this battle, but we have been given spiritual arsenal to fight against our enemy. Jesus warned His followers, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33) – making it clear that we do not get our peace from money, people, marriages, or jobs – but that our peace comes directly from Him, because while we are still here, we WILL face tribulation.
Reading from Ephesians 6, apostle Paul now lists out how we are to stand in victory during times of testing. He said, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11). He is referring to God’s own armour, that He Himself wears, to the effect that when we step into battle, our opponent sees God the Father! Also important to note, that the apostle refers to the ‘full’ armour, showing that there are many devices at our disposal in God that work together for our full protection, we are not called to specialise in one area over the other, because that will then create loops and gaps in our protection. In the same manner the enemy has ‘wiles’ – plural – it is not just one attempt or one strategy, there are many. He continues, “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” (v.12), making it clear that it is not against bosses and spouses that we fight; the same knowledge that Jesus had when Peter gave Him ill counsel, He immediately identified Satan and was able to call him out adequately (Matthew 16:22-24). You see, what you do not know, you cannot identify, it will continue to elude you time and time again.
He went on, “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…” (v.14-17). He begins to list that the armour of God covers our waist with truth; wherein the belly represents the dwelling of the life of the Spirit (John 7:38). So truth protects this life, the Word of God, which is the final authority and is not subject to change. Facts are subject to amendment and change, but truth remains forever (Isaiah 40:8). The apostle then moves on to the breastplate of righteousness; which covers our heart and ensures it remains in right standing (Proverbs 4:23). It is God’s own righteousness and not ours that will count for us on this day of battle (2 Corinthians 5:21).
He moves on to say our feet should be shod with the gospel of peace. Thinking of the Roman soldiers and their armour, they wore spikes that allowed them to move quicker– so we are to move quickly to spread the news of the gospel, which is also a part of the full armour of God. The next element listed in the armour of God is the shield of faith. Important to note, all these elements have been defensive thus far, because all God wants us to do is to just resist the devil, for he will then flee (James 4:7). Regarding the shield of faith, it is good to know that in the Roman empire time, the soldiers would always drench their shields in water, which would then ensure that any fiery darts sent their way are quenched and that the shield itself is protected from catching fire. The next elements listed are the helmet of salvation, that protects our mind in all Jesus has accomplished for us, and the only listed offensive weapon, the Word of God – which is the sword of the Spirit. We speak the Word, stand on the Word, and meditate on the Word; doing this sends offensive shots towards the enemy, it is ammunition he cannot resist! This is how Jesus defeated Satan, we do not have to reinvent the wheel here! Lastly, the apostle calls us to, “pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” (v.18). Prayer is an important factor in our battle against Satan, it is a tool given to men to allow the intervention of God where necessary and where we are lacking.
Apostle Peter also wrote, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9). He makes known that in the battle against the enemy, we ought to remain sober and with a strong handle on our emotions, so that he cannot find loopholes to engage against us. We simply ought to stand in confidence and resist him, for he will certainly flee!
Prayer
Father, we thank You for Your word, that has cleansed and continues to clean us as we
renew our mind to Your law. We thank You for all the provisions You have made available
for our benefit, and we pray that the eyes of our understanding be opened, that the weapons we use in battle daily may be sharpened according to Your will, that we may see Your fullness in our everyday lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
