Spiritual warfare – Part 1

Ephesians 6: 10-18 describes the best strategy for dealing with life challenges. It says: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

THE first point is to be strong in the Lord and not in one’s strength or power. Also, to be strong in the power of His might. You can only be strong in Him, if you know Him. To deal with the powers that be, what is required is the whole armour of God, which is based on one’s dealing with Him.

From verse 14a, emphasis was drawn on the qualities of a Christian life that make up the armour. First, guard your loins with truth, which can only be established in His Word. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life” John 14:16. And in John 17: 17, Jesus said, “… Thy word is truth.” 

Being filled with the Word of God makes you a custodian of His mysteries. God’s Word is a missile, a weapon and an instrument of warfare. It deals with every force of darkness. Paul said to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” A careful study and meditation of His Word, allowing it to become life in you exonerates you from the spirit of shame. It is what you have loaded in yourself that you can bring out. It is your spiritual capacity that tells your spiritual performance. You cannot perform beyond your spiritual weight. 

Secondly, put on a breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14b), which means the ability to be identified by your right living. You cannot be a carrier of God and be living in sin. Sin incapacitates one. It makes one a victim and a prey. Paul said in Romans 6:1: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” Grace does not abound over sin; it is not possible. Many believers most times hide under this phrase: “It is a mistake.” Mistakes should not be habitual. If it is a continuous event, it is no longer a mistake, but sin. Iron many times gets dull and may need sharpening. Sin reduces one’s sharpness. If hell must bow before you, you must not compromise on right living