Weapons

<<armaments>>

These instruments of combat and defence are designed to inflict harm on the enemy and thereby gain the supremacy.

As Christians we are involved in a spiritual battle and must use spiritual weapons. Those available to us include: the Bible – the sword of God (Heb 4:12); the power that is represented by the blood of Jesus and the authority vested in His name (Mt 28:18-20; Mk 16:17,18); the gifts of the Spirit (especially wisdom, knowledge and discernment – 1 Cor 12:8,10); the influence of a godly life, together with the word of our testimony as we agree with God’s view (1 Pet 2:12; Rev 12:11); binding and loosing and the power of heaven invoked through praying in the Holy Spirit (Mt 16:19; Jas 5:16; Jud 1:20); worship from our hearts to God (2 Chr 20:22).

These are all ‘weapons of righteousness’ that have divine power to demolish strongholds as we combat the forces of evil in the unseen yet powerful spirit realm (2 Cor 6:7). Trying to fight spiritual battles with a natural arsenal doesn’t work. Christ will ultimately be the victor so we can maintain a positive stance, taking captive every negative ungodly

Only by using His weapons will we be victorious over evil

thought that is contrary to God’s purposes and staying in close relationship with Him and fellow Christians (2 Cor 10:4,5; Phil 4:8).

The spiritual armour is only effective against the attacks of Satan when ‘put on’ and used, with some items for attack, others for defence and protection (Eph 6:10-18). While the weapons have great power, they must be used skillfully by "accurately handling the Word of truth" (2 Tim 2:15). We should take logical precautions not to be in vulnerable places that leave us open to attack or needless temptation. Responding in the opposite spirit by showing love to those who have expressed hate to us, blessing when we have been insulted, and praying for those who cause us grief is what Jesus did and can neutralize tense situations (Lk 6:27-31; Rom 12:14,17; 1 Cor 4:12; 1 Pet 2:23, 3:9).

Being evil, Satan uses unrighteous weapons against Christians such as deception (through ignorance of knowing our position in Christ), discouragement, division, criticism and the big three areas of temptation – sex, riches, pride. However, Praise God, “No weapon formed against you will prosper” (Isa 54:17). We are more than over-comers through Christ; thus it is vital to remain in close contact with Him, with the Bible declaring, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (Jas 4:7,8).