The Bible is very clear that this world is a battleground between the kingdoms of Darkness and Light. In his book ‘The Christian Warfare’ Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones states ‘The teaching of the Bible is that this world in which we live is a battle-ground, is a place in which we literally have to fight for our souls, to fight for our eternal welfare.’
The Bible not only speaks about the reality of spiritual warfare but also thankfully shows us in Ephesians 6:10-18 how we can be victorious. God has given us every spiritual weapon we need to defeat all evil. Are you wearing the full armour of God every day? Here's how you can conquer:
1. The belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14; John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 4:4; John 8:32; Joshua 1:8)
2. The breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14; Romans 3:23)
3. Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15; Isaiah 52:7; Matthew 28:19-20)
4. The shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16; Hebrews 11)
5. The helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17; 2 Corinthians 10:5)
6. The sword of the spirit (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12)
7. Pray continually (Ephesians 6:18; Matthew 6:9-13)
Apply
Do you feel that you are under enemy attack in your family, your finances, health, work, emotions, ministry or any other situation? Today, no matter what battles you are facing, you have every spiritual weapon to overcome all the power of the enemy. You can conquer in every situation as you make sure to always put on the full armour of God:
THE BELT OF TRUTH (v14): The ‘belt of truth’ is revealed in the Word of God: The Bible. With God, there aren’t different versions of the truth: there is only one truth. Jesus said: I am the way, the truth and the life. In contrast, Jesus said Satan is the ‘father of lies’ (John 8:44) who blinds the mind of all unbelievers so they cannot receive the truth (2 Corinthians 4:4). The enemy wants to deceive and confuse every person, but Jesus promises that “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Having the belt of truth buckled around you means you are held secure by the truth of God’s Word, truth which is rooted in your heart and you declare with your mouth (Joshua 1:8).
THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (v14): The word righteousness means ‘right action’ or living right before God and being right with God. The breastplate is like a bulletproof vest. We could never live righteous lives in our own strength (Romans 3:23). Jesus shed His blood on the cross to forgive us, to heal our broken hearts and take our place of judgement. When you accept Jesus as your Saviour, you accept that He took all your sinfulness and gave you His righteousness in exchange. This means the enemy has no power to hold your past sins against you. You can also be healed in your emotions so that the Devil can no longer manipulate your feelings. When you trust in God’s righteousness, not self-righteousness, you can be free from all condemnation and live with confidence and security. Putting on the breastplate of righteousness every day means that you live by the grace of God, protected from every attack on your heart as a child of God.
FEET FITTED WITH THE READINESS THAT COMES FROM THE GOSPEL OF PEACE (v15): The Roman soldier’s sturdy sandals with hobnailed soles gave soldiers stability and maneuverability. When we face a ‘day of evil’, when we are taking our stand against the enemy, we can’t be on the back foot: we must be sure that we are alert and ready to move out to fight spiritual battles. We should also be quick to move out to spread the good news of Jesus who brings peace on earth (Isaiah 52:7 & Matthew 28:19-20).
THE SHIELD OF FAITH (v16): Satan’s forces are constantly shooting fiery arrows at Christians to bring panic and destruction: arrows of doubt, fear and depression. But faith in God will always protect us and enable us to overcome (Hebrews 11). Our faith in God is the most powerful shield of protection around our lives and families. As you believe in God’s unchanging promises and declare your faith, you will see that God is the shield who will protect you and neutralise every enemy attack.
THE HELMET OF SALVATION (v17): The helmet protects our head, shielding us against every attack on our mind. The enemy goes for the head because your thoughts are what determine your actions and reactions. When you know you are saved from sin, you can be confident that you have been freed from the power of Satan’s kingdom. In the moment of attack on your mind, remind yourself of your new identify in Christ. Nothing is more powerful than the blood of Jesus which has redeemed you from all the power of the enemy. You have the authority in Christ to be the head in every situation. Don’t let any wrong thoughts mess with your head (2 Corinthians 10:5).
THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT v17: Of all the armour described, the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God we declare with our mouths) is the only weapon we can use to attack the enemy. Every word spoken by God is loaded with power (Hebrews 4:12). By His Word, Jesus cast out demons, calmed storms, healed the sick, and brought the dead back to life. ‘The word of God in your mouth is the same as the word of God in the mouth of Jesus’ - Reinhard Bonnke.
PRAY CONTINUALLY (v18): Prayer brings us protection and provision. Our model for victory over the enemy is Jesus. Jesus made time to pray. He got up early in the morning and went to a quiet place. He lived a life of prayer. Jesus also taught us how to pray. The Lord’s Prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13 is a powerful weapon we can use every day to see complete victory over the enemy. We all know we should pray. So let’s pray more to conquer more and win our battles on our knees in prayer! You will live a life of victory by praying in the Spirit with all kinds of prayer.
