“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 ...
“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, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. 2Cor. 3-6
Our fight is not with flesh and blood, with people, but with the host of demons that work to defile, destroy, harass, tempt and enslave mankind. Part of the good news in Christ is that now, not only can we resist the devil’s influence in our own lives, but we can destroy his influence in the lives of others. God has given us mighty weapons to counter satanic influence and activity. But in order to be effective in our warfare, we must know what these weapons are, and how to use them effectively.
Praise is the 1st weapon against Satan. Praise from a pure heart releases the presence of God in a way that Satan cannot resist and silences the enemy (Psa. 8:2). If we would praise God more, we would have far less interference from demonic powers in our lives. The Word of God is the 2nd weapon we can wield. Jesus whilst in the wilderness, overcame the temptation of the devil using the weapon of the Word of God. Rather than arguing directly with Satan’s suggestions, as many Christians try to do, Jesus simply quoted the Word of God as it applied to the suggestion. The 3rd weapon in our armoury is the Blood of Jesus. The Blood of
Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. “If we confess our sins, He is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.” (1Jn.1:9). We can be restored by this Blood to a place of acceptance with God and peace with ourselves. “They overcame him [the devil] by the blood of the lamb…” (Rev. 12:13)
The fourth weapon is Prayer. Prayer is not preparation for the battle. Prayer is the battle. We are commanded to pray without ceasing. When we prevail in prayer, Satan is defeated, miracles happen and people turn from the power of Satan to the power of God, their eyes having been opened. The 5th weapon is the Power of your Testimony. Tell other
people what Christ has done for you. The 6th weapon is the Power of the Holy Spirit. A person who is “filled with the Spirit” and has learned to be “led by the Spirit” can also receive and use the “gifts of the Holy Spirit”. These specialised weapons of the gifts of the Holy Spirit all work along with the other weapons of God to build up God’s people, win people for Christ and to destroy the works of the devil. They all
operate through faith. The 7th is the Name of Jesus. The Name of Jesus is the Authority we have as we submit to Jesus Christ. When we fully submit to Jesus Christ and obey the Holy Spirit, God will back us up. The final and 8th weapon is FASTING. Fasting not only detoxifies the body – it also humbles the soul, humbles the flesh, and when done for God brings us into line with God’s will.
Apostle Paul doesn’t state what the weapons of our warfare are, but he does state what they do. They pull down strongholds. They cast down arguments (imaginations) which come from Satan. They cast down
every proud and high thing that seeks to stop us and others from
knowing God. They bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. They also give us power to punish disobedience when we are obeying God. Remain blessed.
E. O. Medaiyese, Snr. Pastor.
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