Spiritual Warfare
Break the Chains of Slavery
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. NASB Ephesians 6:12
the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. NASB 1 John 3:8
What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? NASB James 4:1
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. NASB James 3:14-15
So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. NLT James 4:7-8
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. "You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also. NASB Matthew 23:25-26
the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. NASB 1 John 3:8
What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? NASB James 4:1
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. NASB James 3:14-15
So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. NLT James 4:7-8
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. "You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also. NASB Matthew 23:25-26
Know that the battle you are facing in life has already been beaten by our Lord. You just have to walk it out till victory comes, and it will come.
The Full Armor of God
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” NLT John 8:31-32
Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him. NASB Daniel 6:4 |
Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, NASB Ephesians 6:13-18
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, [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), AMP 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
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, [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), AMP 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
Put on the Armor of God
The Helmet of Salvation
Knowing who you are "in Christ"; your idenity in Christ. This is one that we the church need break through in. We need to know the authority Jesus has given us. You are a member of the royal family of God. Jesus said He had all authority and He then gave it to the church. We all need to learn what that authority is.
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The Belt of Truth
The belt for the soldier kept the rest of the armor in place. Without the belt the soldier would be unable to run when needed and his armor would not protect him as well in battle.
Truth does the same for a believer. If you are unsure that God and His word are true you will not be able to move forward when you need to and the armor of God will not protect you like it should. You must learn to stand firm in the truth. |
The Sword of the Spirit
The living (rehma) word of God and the gifts of the Spirit. Read the bible. The Holy Spirit will cause parts of it to come to life to you. Those parts will have the power to change your life. They are promises from God, this way you will know that God has given you power to overcome the struggles you are going through. When the living word or gifts change your life or the life of others, you are using the sword of the Spirit.
Breastplate of Righteousness
The breastplate protects the heart of the warrior. Righteousness does the same. This has two parts, the righteousness Christ gives us and living right. Christ gave us His righteousness so that we are not guilty or full of shame before God the Father. When God looks at you He sees His perfect child through Christ (Salvation.) God also calls us to live right and if we do, it will protect our hearts in our relationships with others. This is the right living that God has called us to, just like Daniel (ref. Daniel 6:4).
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Shoes of Peace
The preparation of the Gospel of "Peace" - Giving grace and mercy to others. Mercy is withholding punishment that someone deserves. Grace is giving a loving favor to someone who has not earned it. To offer this to others you need to see that God has given it to you. Then ask God to show you others through His eyes instead of your own when they come against you.
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Shield of Faith
Pray in the Spirit
With "Prayer" - Communicating with God. Don't just talk to Him. Listen for and to Him.
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Heavenly Rank
It is important to realize our position in the spiritual battle. So here is the ranking order.
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
The Church - children of God
The Angels of Heaven
Satan
Demons / Fallen Angels
The Lost - children of disobediance
As you can see their is a big differance between the lost and the church position.
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
The Church - children of God
The Angels of Heaven
Satan
Demons / Fallen Angels
The Lost - children of disobediance
As you can see their is a big differance between the lost and the church position.