Weapons for the battle
One of the images that the Bible uses to describe the life that we live is that of a battle.
This battle goes way back. After the fall of the first man and woman into sin, God decreed that there would be enmity between those who follow Him and those who follow the serpent (Gen..3:15).
Even for those who trust in the Lord, the battle remains. The world, the flesh, and the devil present constant perils, and in the face of it God calls us to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim.6:12).
Unfortunately, today, many aren’t faring very well in this battle. They are weary and defeated. Instead of advancing in the way that they know God desires, they are immobilized by regret and sin’s dominion over them.
Because of this, it’s a good time to recall that though we are in a battle, God has not left us defenseless. Just as He ordained that we would have to endure a life of struggle, so did He appoint means that would equip us to emerge victorious in the struggle.
The most complete description of this provision is that of the armor of God (Eph.6:10-20). Here the Bible shows us that we are to take up the implements of truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the word of God, and prayer in the midst of the battle that rages.
These weapons may not appear to be all that effective, but they are divinely powerful for the destruction of the fortresses (2 Cor.10:5). This is possible because the real battle we face is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of wickedness.
Once we realize this, we are able to fare much better in the battle we all face.
Take, for example, the truth that God has given us. It is the truth that keeps you from deception that leads astray. It is the truth that sets you free. The foundation of this truth is that if you confess your sin, God is faithful to forgive you (1 Jn.1:9), and remake you so that you would no longer walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit (Rom.8:4)
Or, consider the weapon of God’s Word (also known as “the sword of the Spirit”). This weapon you are to conceal in your heart so you would not sin against the Lord (Ps.119:11). And as you allow it to dwell within in you, not only will it guide you (Pr.6:22), but it will also make you wiser than your enemies and give you more insight than all your teachers (Ps.119:97ff.).
Remarkably, these powerfully effective weapons lie unused by so many at a time when the need for them is great. Even in church, the hearing of the Word and the practice of prayer is often kept to a minimum.
Could this be why we have become so weak as a people? We’re in the thick of a battle, but we have neglected the weapons that God has given to equip us!
Let us arise and put to use the weapons that God has given for victory. And as we do, let us push back the darkness and hopelessness, and let us walk in the light of life (Jn.8:12).
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