Spiritual Warfare: Be Alert And Sober Mind...
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1Peter 5:8)
Devour: to consume destructively, recklessly, or wanton. To swallow or eat up hungrily, voraciously, or ravenously. To use up or destroy if by eating. (Merriam-Webster dictionary). These Word's of our Lord should wake us all up as to the reality of the demonic intent on each believer. His greatest and most successful attacks are not always as we would expect them to be...direct and obvious. They are more subtle, whispering in our ears and causing us to question there validity. The enemy knows our weaknesses and will attack a believer in many ways, including doubt, fear, pride, false teaching, the breakdown of family, hidden and unrepented sin, self-reliance and self-dependence, ungodly justifications of our actions and thoughts, anxiety, stress, depression, distractions and hopelessness. An intent to interfere or end the believers prayers for others, and themselves, and giving praise, glory, and thanksgiving to God Himself. The enemy wants us to turn our eyes to ourselves and the world for the answers and help...not God! But his greatest attack is on the very Word of God. Deception, lies, and doubt as to the true meaning of God's Word. Convincing us to interpret the truths of His word for personal justifications and desires.This is why we must rely on at all times the guidance and instruction of the Holy Spirit. "These are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit teaches all things, even the deep things of God." (1 Corinthians 2:10). The enemy's attacks will have the intent to accomplish the same thing in the believer. For the believer to take their eyes off of God and focus on the attacks themselves producing a lack of faith and trust in the Lord, thereby denying praise and glory to God in His purpose and Will. Although the enemy cannot take our salvation from us, he will try to interfere or end the believer's service to God. This is what the enemy wants; to nullify the believer's walk. To make the believer's service to God void by focusing on fear, hopelessness, pride, etc. To being comfortable in our sins believing that since they are forgiven we can continue in our desires. To understand the battle, we must begin with the acknowledgement that we are in a real, and continuing war, with a choice to fight or be in denial. A few of the deceptions of the enemy is that he is leaving us alone, or there is nothing we can do about it. That we haven't enough faith to fight and win. That because we have sinned, God no longer accepts us, so why even try! It is God's faithfulness to us in His Word that the victory lies. "The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
So what then, do we hide our heads in he sand? Do we give up and run? Do we ignore these attacks, or do we dismiss them as our imagination? More importantly, do we focus on these attacks and let them cripple us! That is exactly what the enemy wants. In order to fight the enemy we first must realize that Jesus Christ already has the victory. "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57). Then Jesus said, "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." (Matthew 28:18). He has given us all authority over the enemy, in His name, without which we can do nothing. "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." (Luke 10:19). His Words are not just written words, they are alive and living, just as Jesus Christ Himself is alive and living. The enemy cannot stand against the living Christ Jesus. So how then does the Lord instruct us to stand and fight? "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:10-12). "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is the world." (1 John 4:4). "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In MY name they (you) will DRIVE out demons..." (Mark 16:17). "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the same works I have done, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to be with the Father." (John 14:12). In these, our Lord's living Words, is His power and glory.
Jesus spent one-third of His ministry dealing with demons and teaching His disciples the prevalence of the enemy and how to effectively deal with them. If it was that important to Jesus, should we think it is any less important for each of us today?
We are all aware of the armor of God, but do we understand what it is and what it is for?
THE BELT OF TRUTH
"Sanctify them by the Truth; Your Word is truth." (John 17:17)
"God is Spirit and His worshipers must worship in the spirit and truth." (John 4:24)
"...They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved." (2 Thessalonians 2:10)
We must seek and hold to the truths of God's Word, not the worlds interpretation of it. Believing that all that God says is the truth and no lie.
THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
"God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
"...Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but the one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith." (Philippians 3:9)
Our righteousness is of the Lord...His righteousness poured out upon us. We have no righteousness of ourselves.
STANDING ON THE GOSPEL OF PEACE
"...Your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." (Ephesians 6:15)
"...as well as the shoes of good news of peace - a firm foundation for your feet." (Ephesians 6:15)
We are firmly planted and unmovable in the truths of His Word.
THE HELMET OF SALVATION
"But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet." (1 Thessalonians 5:8)
"O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle." (Psalm 140:7)
Knowing that we have salvation and it is of the Lord. And that His salvation for us can not be removed by anyone or anything.
THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
"For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts
and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
"He has made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of His hand He has concealed me; and He has also made me a select arrow, He has hidden me in His quiver." (Isaiah 49:2)
"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." (Ephesians 6:17)
Understanding and unconditionally believing the the Word of God is alive just as He is. The enemy cannot stand against the living Word of God.
THE SHIELD OF FAITH
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)
"...take the shield of faith, on which you will be able to quench all the flaming darts of the wicked one." (Ephesians 6:16)
Believing without hesitation all that the Lord has said to us.
"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like a feet of a deer; He enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me Your shield of victory, and Your right hand sustains me; You stoop down to make me great." (Psalm 18:32-35)
The enemy's most terrible attack is to attribute to God the works of the devil. "Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven." (Matthew 12:31) When in doubt, search his Word. There we will find His truth in all things. This is how the devil divides and conquers.
Today we can all see an attack of the enemy, that has become all too popular. There is an increased attention to the paranormal. You will see it in television, movies, books, and commentaries. Paranormal specialist would have us believe that we are at times, being visited by those who are deceased, including friends and loved ones. They say that they have a gift of God. And we must ask, is this a gift of God, or demonic deception? They will say that these individuals are just lost, confused, angry, or have unfinished business here, and need guidance into the "light". This is saying that God does not have control and His Word is a lie. How do we know where humans go to when we die? It is in God's Word. "Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we are present with the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:8). " And Jesus said to him, I tell you a truth, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43). The believer, when he dies, goes directly before the Lord. He doesn't need our help to guide him there. But what if they are not believers? Read the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31. Verse 23 says where the unsaved rich man was taken at death; "In Hades, where he was tormented..." So who does that leave? The enemy of God! Yes, Satan can pose as anyone or anything to get our eyes, trust, and faith off of God. "And no wonder, for Satan himself disguises as an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:14). This attack of Satan has been very successful because our eyes are on the world and not on God. Pray that you are not deceived.
Finally, we must always meditate on God's Word. We must have faith and trust in Him, so that we might stand firm in the battles of life. We are never alone in these things as God goes before us at all times. "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Your comments are always welcomed and encouraged.
Psalm 34:3 "O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together." (KJV)
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1Peter 5:8)
Devour: to consume destructively, recklessly, or wanton. To swallow or eat up hungrily, voraciously, or ravenously. To use up or destroy if by eating. (Merriam-Webster dictionary). These Word's of our Lord should wake us all up as to the reality of the demonic intent on each believer. His greatest and most successful attacks are not always as we would expect them to be...direct and obvious. They are more subtle, whispering in our ears and causing us to question there validity. The enemy knows our weaknesses and will attack a believer in many ways, including doubt, fear, pride, false teaching, the breakdown of family, hidden and unrepented sin, self-reliance and self-dependence, ungodly justifications of our actions and thoughts, anxiety, stress, depression, distractions and hopelessness. An intent to interfere or end the believers prayers for others, and themselves, and giving praise, glory, and thanksgiving to God Himself. The enemy wants us to turn our eyes to ourselves and the world for the answers and help...not God! But his greatest attack is on the very Word of God. Deception, lies, and doubt as to the true meaning of God's Word. Convincing us to interpret the truths of His word for personal justifications and desires.This is why we must rely on at all times the guidance and instruction of the Holy Spirit. "These are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit teaches all things, even the deep things of God." (1 Corinthians 2:10). The enemy's attacks will have the intent to accomplish the same thing in the believer. For the believer to take their eyes off of God and focus on the attacks themselves producing a lack of faith and trust in the Lord, thereby denying praise and glory to God in His purpose and Will. Although the enemy cannot take our salvation from us, he will try to interfere or end the believer's service to God. This is what the enemy wants; to nullify the believer's walk. To make the believer's service to God void by focusing on fear, hopelessness, pride, etc. To being comfortable in our sins believing that since they are forgiven we can continue in our desires. To understand the battle, we must begin with the acknowledgement that we are in a real, and continuing war, with a choice to fight or be in denial. A few of the deceptions of the enemy is that he is leaving us alone, or there is nothing we can do about it. That we haven't enough faith to fight and win. That because we have sinned, God no longer accepts us, so why even try! It is God's faithfulness to us in His Word that the victory lies. "The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
So what then, do we hide our heads in he sand? Do we give up and run? Do we ignore these attacks, or do we dismiss them as our imagination? More importantly, do we focus on these attacks and let them cripple us! That is exactly what the enemy wants. In order to fight the enemy we first must realize that Jesus Christ already has the victory. "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57). Then Jesus said, "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." (Matthew 28:18). He has given us all authority over the enemy, in His name, without which we can do nothing. "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." (Luke 10:19). His Words are not just written words, they are alive and living, just as Jesus Christ Himself is alive and living. The enemy cannot stand against the living Christ Jesus. So how then does the Lord instruct us to stand and fight? "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:10-12). "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is the world." (1 John 4:4). "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In MY name they (you) will DRIVE out demons..." (Mark 16:17). "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the same works I have done, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to be with the Father." (John 14:12). In these, our Lord's living Words, is His power and glory.
Jesus spent one-third of His ministry dealing with demons and teaching His disciples the prevalence of the enemy and how to effectively deal with them. If it was that important to Jesus, should we think it is any less important for each of us today?
We are all aware of the armor of God, but do we understand what it is and what it is for?
THE BELT OF TRUTH
"Sanctify them by the Truth; Your Word is truth." (John 17:17)
"God is Spirit and His worshipers must worship in the spirit and truth." (John 4:24)
"...They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved." (2 Thessalonians 2:10)
We must seek and hold to the truths of God's Word, not the worlds interpretation of it. Believing that all that God says is the truth and no lie.
THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
"God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
"...Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but the one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith." (Philippians 3:9)
Our righteousness is of the Lord...His righteousness poured out upon us. We have no righteousness of ourselves.
STANDING ON THE GOSPEL OF PEACE
"...Your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." (Ephesians 6:15)
"...as well as the shoes of good news of peace - a firm foundation for your feet." (Ephesians 6:15)
We are firmly planted and unmovable in the truths of His Word.
THE HELMET OF SALVATION
"But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet." (1 Thessalonians 5:8)
"O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle." (Psalm 140:7)
Knowing that we have salvation and it is of the Lord. And that His salvation for us can not be removed by anyone or anything.
THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
"For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts
and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
"He has made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of His hand He has concealed me; and He has also made me a select arrow, He has hidden me in His quiver." (Isaiah 49:2)
"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." (Ephesians 6:17)
Understanding and unconditionally believing the the Word of God is alive just as He is. The enemy cannot stand against the living Word of God.
THE SHIELD OF FAITH
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)
"...take the shield of faith, on which you will be able to quench all the flaming darts of the wicked one." (Ephesians 6:16)
Believing without hesitation all that the Lord has said to us.
"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like a feet of a deer; He enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me Your shield of victory, and Your right hand sustains me; You stoop down to make me great." (Psalm 18:32-35)
The enemy's most terrible attack is to attribute to God the works of the devil. "Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven." (Matthew 12:31) When in doubt, search his Word. There we will find His truth in all things. This is how the devil divides and conquers.
Today we can all see an attack of the enemy, that has become all too popular. There is an increased attention to the paranormal. You will see it in television, movies, books, and commentaries. Paranormal specialist would have us believe that we are at times, being visited by those who are deceased, including friends and loved ones. They say that they have a gift of God. And we must ask, is this a gift of God, or demonic deception? They will say that these individuals are just lost, confused, angry, or have unfinished business here, and need guidance into the "light". This is saying that God does not have control and His Word is a lie. How do we know where humans go to when we die? It is in God's Word. "Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we are present with the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:8). " And Jesus said to him, I tell you a truth, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43). The believer, when he dies, goes directly before the Lord. He doesn't need our help to guide him there. But what if they are not believers? Read the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31. Verse 23 says where the unsaved rich man was taken at death; "In Hades, where he was tormented..." So who does that leave? The enemy of God! Yes, Satan can pose as anyone or anything to get our eyes, trust, and faith off of God. "And no wonder, for Satan himself disguises as an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:14). This attack of Satan has been very successful because our eyes are on the world and not on God. Pray that you are not deceived.
Finally, we must always meditate on God's Word. We must have faith and trust in Him, so that we might stand firm in the battles of life. We are never alone in these things as God goes before us at all times. "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Your comments are always welcomed and encouraged.
Psalm 34:3 "O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together." (KJV)
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