Ephesians 6:13 – 17 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:
According to the above scripture, there are six pieces of armor: the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit. What is unique about this armor is pieces can be used for defensive or offensive purposes. For defense, articles can be used to defend or deter attacks; and for offense, articles can be used for invasion and to attack the enemy.
I believe most believers know the spiritual armor and can name them. Some recite them daily as an act of putting them on; however, it has proven just to be a recitation. The actual utilization of the armor is unfortunately neglected.
Here are some simple explanations of how to use each piece of armor:
1. Girdle of truth – covers the loins which are where organs of elimination and reproduction are located. This means throughout the day we are releasing truth; we are speaking, declaring, and confessing the Word to ourselves and to the enemy.
2. Breastplate of righteousness – covers your chest area and mainly protects the heart, which is considered the center of man’s emotion and the organ that pumps blood (life source) throughout the body. Believers are to guard their affections, emotions, and desires, remembering we have right standing with God, and therefore, we are not going to allow negativity to come in and pollute our body. Also, in biblical times, the breastplate did not cover the back, which means don’t turn your back and run from the enemy; stand your ground.
3. Shod your feet with the gospel of peace – means wherever your feet which are used for movement and standing takes you, the good news of the gospel and peace should prevail in that atmosphere. When you come into a place of chaos, your presence should generate calm.
4. Shield of faith – is used to cover the body. Your belief and trust in God and His word keep you protected and can extinguish and subdue the vicious assaults of the enemy.
5. Sword of the spirit — is the Word of God which applied defensively upholds and strengthens believers, and cuts and destroys the enemy when used offensively. (Please read the previous blog on The Word of God for more information).
6. Helmet of salvation – covers and protects your head (mind, and ears) from injury. The enemy wants to infiltrate the mind with doubt and fears concerning the benefits that believers obtained when they accept Christ in their lives. The helmet allows us to reject these insinuations and to boldly confess who we are and what we have obtained through Christ.
Finally, as we wear and wield this powerful armor, we will victoriously stand, and successfully engage in warfare. Remember, you are God’s weapons of war on earth, and He has made provisions for a favorable outcome when you use His prescription.
In Exodus when God was about to execute the last plague on the Egyptians which entailed a visitation on every household in Egypt killing the firstborn child, He also said when He saw the sprinkled blood on the doorpost of the Israelis’ homes, He would pass over them (Exodus 12:12-13, 23). The blood of a lamb protected them from death.
It was after Israel’s departure from Egypt and during their wandering in the wilderness that God gave Moses the laws by which Israel was to govern themselves. This began the Dispensation of the Law. A Dispensation is defined as a period of time in which God interacts with humanity concerning sin and man’s responsibility. There are seven Dispensations: Innocence, Conscience, Human Government, Promise, Law, Grace, and Kingdom. From the first until the present man was given a responsibility which he failed, and his failure yielded a judgment from God.
In the Dispensation of the Law, God gave specific statues and commandments to Moses for which the Israelis were to adhere. When a violation occurred, they were to offer by the priest a blood sacrifice from an animal to make atonement for their sins. These sacrifices were carried out by the priest daily and yearly according to God’s instruction. With the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus (our sacrificial lamb), a new covenant was established. This one time sacrifice of Jesus’s life fulfilled once and for all the blood sacrifice requirements. As believers, we no longer need to bring an animal to be slain for our sins. JESUS PAID THE PRICE FOR THE WHOLE WORLD.
The shedding of His blood was so great it provided us with more than just protection in spiritual warfare (Revelation 12:11). The scriptures reveal many benefits of the shed blood of Jesus, and here are a few:
1. Remission of sins (Matt. 26:28).
2. Propitiation through faith in His blood (Rom. 3:25).
3. Justification (Rom. 5:9).
4. Redemption (Eph. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; Rev. 5:9
5. Forgiveness (Col. 1:14).
6. Peace and reconciliation to God (Col. 1:20).
7. Cleanses and purges (Heb. 9:14; 1 John 1:7).
8. Sanctifies (Heb. 13:12).
9. Grants access (Heb. 10:19).
10. Overcomer (Rev. 12:11).
11. Washes (Rev. 1:5; 7:14).
12. Deliverance (Heb. 2:14; Col. 1:13)
While you are reading this list, I suggest you take a moment and thank God for all of these benefits and continue to thank Him in the days to come.
Finally, in our churches, the expression “plead the blood” is often used. For believers to plead, it is a legal term and means to stand on the rights that are ours “legally” through the shed blood of Jesus. Since we are born in sin, we are all guilty, and our plea is the blood that covers us. When we “plead the blood,” we are appropriating, applying, declaring, proclaiming, and placing our confidence in the finished work of Jesus. “Pleading the blood” provides total coverage for every need: protection, healing (physical, emotional, mental), financial, relationships, deliverance, etc. Since Jesus paid the price to provide us this great benefit that in the past, you may have neglected to use; change your habit and begin to utilize it from today forward.
In this world, there is nothing on which we can count or rely. The arms of flesh will fail us; it is only God and His Word that can sustain us. Matthew 24:35 tell us, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” And Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Thus, our truth is: God’s Word is eternal and stable.
Also, the Bible says the Word is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction (2 Timothy 3:16). We must diligently and actively search the scriptures to find the truths written in it and to apply it to our lives. We cannot be lazy or haphazard with the Word. Our carelessness leads to our defeat and the defeat of our posterity. God informs us of this when He speaks to the Israelites in Hosea 4:6 and delivers this devastating blow. He says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” When we reject the Word and the knowledge that it provides, our actions bring consequences to our children and us. No wonder Moses before his death continually reiterated in his last speeches to Israel to learn and teach the Word to their children.
It is the Word of God, which is also called a sword of the Spirit that upholds and instructs us in our warfare. In the mention of the spiritual armor in Ephesians 6, the sword is the only combat item that can be used to attack. It is proven when sharpened, its dual edges and the tapered point which can penetrate the enemies’ metal armor inflicts lethal results. Paul, in Hebrews 4:12, share the effect of the Word. He says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” When applied correctly, the Word works beyond what we can imagine, and the ministry of the Word penetrates, where our human thoughts and words could not go.
As pertaining to the Word in warfare, I have found in my own personal study of the books of Joshua thru Psalms warfare strategies laid out for me to follow. As I studied the different battles fought by Israel I discovered these battles had spiritual relevance, and they gave strategic steps that were applicable. With study, prayer, and revelation, the Word spoke to every aspect of my life and gave me insight into dealing with Satan and his host. My battle is to REMEMBER the Word holds the strategies, and to go to the Word, find them and use them.
Lastly, I urge you to use the example of Jesus when Satan confronted him. His reply to Satan was, “IT IS WRITTEN.” Try it; for the Word works for those who work it
The believers’ number one spiritual weapon is prayer, and our number one fight is against the spirit of prayerlessness.
The greatest privilege and weapon a believer possesses is prayer. Prayer allows a believer to communion with God, who is their commander-in-chief. Prayer should be a two-way communication, and if it is not, someone does not hear a response. Prayer allows believers to share their thoughts, concerns, receive instructions on pending danger, and how to handle these situations.
Prayer is the weapon that God uses to defeat our enemy. Believers need to understand prayer is God’s plan, it accomplishes His purpose, it gives Him pleasure, it delivers His promises, and it brings the manifestation of His power.
Prayer requires time, discipline, persistence, sensitivity, sacrifice, separation, obedience, faithfulness, and fearlessness. Since prayer involves periods of waiting and listening, be prepared with a Bible, pen, and paper, and due to your preparedness you can record what you hear God speaking to your spirit; it may be the solution to future victories.
Prayer should not be a dreaded chore. I have found we have made it so with our traditions. Have you ever stopped and listened to a person praying? Does it sound like they are talking to a friend? God hears simple conversations. He is not concerned with our eloquent communication. I believe if we learned how to speak to Him as if we were talking to our best friend, we would pray more.
I admonish you that as stated in 2 Corinthians 2:11,”Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” One of the devices or tools Satan uses is prayerlessness. Prayerlessness causes believers to be powerless, ineffective, and it is a stronghold that needs to be broken. Also, prayerlessness is rooted in the spirit of pride. That spirit makes people believe they can make it without praying. That spirit caused the downfall of Satan, and that spirit wants to bring about the downfall of believers.
So, let us remember, as long as we are living, we are in warfare. We will not be victorious on our strength or ingenuity. We need direction from the One that knows everything, and we need to pray without ceasing. PRAYER IS OUR NUMBER ONE SPIRITUAL WEAPON.
One of the primary weapons believers have in warfare is the name of Jesus. The name of Jesus gives us power in our battle. On our own strength we are complete failures; however, when we go in the authority (exorisia) and power (dunamis) that we have received from God through His son Jesus we have victory in our Christian walk, struggles and warfare.
Believers are recipients of the benefits of God’s ultimate sacrifice of His Son. God’s plan of salvation, which required Jesus’ death on the cross resulted in our redemption and His conquest over sin, death, Satan, and his host. Knowing His pending absence from the earth realm, Jesus gave His followers the authority to be His agents on earth. With His stamp of approval, we are to use His name and carry on His ministry.
After completing His earthly assignment and prior to leaving His disciples Jesus instructed them as recorded in Mark 16: 17- 18, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Also, Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 28:18 He had been given all power in heaven and earth. In Philippians 2: 9-10 Paul reminds us that God highly exalted Jesus, gave him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow of things in heaven, earth, under the earth and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God. Thus, the use of Jesus’ name gives authority and power over demonic spirits not only on earth but in the heavens and under the earth.
If we suffer defeat, it is on us for not utilizing His name appropriately. The use of the name of Jesus should not be taken for granted, and its utilization is to be done by those that have a relationship with Him. To use His name without the legal rights can lead to defeat as seen with the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19 who attempted to cast out an evil spirit out of a man using the name of Jesus. This one man leaped on the seven men, overpowered and attacked them violently causing them to run away naked and battered.
Finally, Paul in Colossians 3:17 states, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” All through our day, we can thank God for His provisions, our victories, strength, life, trials, family, foes, and the use of the name of Jesus. Warfare is serious, and since we will be engaged in it while we are living on this earth, let’s heed the Word and utilize the weaponry.
1 JOHN 2:15 – 17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
John, in his writing, has given three classifications under which sins or works of the flesh can be placed. Below are definitions of these classifications:
1. Works of the flesh = are, acts, or deeds that are not divinely sanctioned. They are ungodly, worldly acts that do not glorify God. They are called SINS.
2. Lust of the flesh = an unhealthy desire, craving, or appetite for things that gratify the flesh.
3. Lust of the eyes = is an unhealthy desire, craving, or appetite for things that look pleasing, satisfying, or delightful to the eyes.
4. Pride of life = the need for recognition and elevation due to grandiose desires or expectations for oneself. This usually results from who you think you are, what you think you have, what you think you look like, or what you think you know.
Throughout the Bible, we can see these three classifications at work. Some examples of the failures and consequences that resulted from these can be seen in the life of Eve, David, Samson, Absalom, and Simon, the sorcerer in Acts 8. When these individuals were confronted with situations that appeared gratifying and gave them what they wanted, they fell for the bait. A good example of how to handle these is found in Matthew 4 in Jesus’ encounter with the devil. When the devil tempted Jesus in these areas, Jesus’ responses were “IT IS WRITTEN…..” Jesus’ concern was not about elevation or flesh gratification but pleasing God. He is the example believers must strive to emulate.
Within these three classifications, all the sins that are found in the world can be categorized. I have found believers know and can name what I call “common sins” such as fornication, idolatry, stealing, murder, and adultery. However, works of the flesh such as slothfulness, inhospitableness, unruliness, murmuring, and lawlessness are overlooked and rarely mentioned. Years ago, I did a study on all the works of the flesh that were named in the New Testament from Acts to Revelation. Surprisingly, I found one hundred and ten. I recommend that you do this study and look up the definitions of the words you find. It will surprise you to know the things that we do that are not pleasing to God.
Also, as I further studied the works of the flesh, I found more categories within this classification. They were:
1. Sins of lust or sensuality
2. Sins of religion or unlawful things in the spiritual realm
3. Sins of brotherly love or forms of discord
4. Sins of intemperance or excesses
Commentators believe that the world that John is talking about in 1 John 2: 15-17 is the invisible demonic spiritual world system and all it represents. In this system, we will find all that is evil and opposes and displeases God. Believers must be sober, must be alert, must be knowledgeable of Satan’s devices and must be armed for continual warfare. No matter the classifications or the work of the flesh/sin, we may be warring against, our goal should be to please God. For one day, this world and all of its evil will pass away, but the true believer will reign with Jesus.
In my last blog, I shared information on demonic infiltration strategy and the ruling demonic spirits. In this blog, I will be sharing requirements for maintaining deliverance.
As I previously stated, deliverance is a process. It is a daily walk because you never know when the enemy is coming back to seek re-entry in your life. Maintaining your deliverance must be a conscious decision. Don’t permit yourself to become complacent because until we are raptured, we will be in warfare.
Below are some requirements for maintaining your deliverance, and if you utilize them, you will be successful. Also, I have given scripture references to support these requirements.
1. It’s all about Jesus and your relationship with Him. Make Him central in our life, yield every area of your life to Him and seek to obey Him in every area of your life. If you fail in any area, make your confession to Him for He is faithful to forgive. Matthew 22:37-38; 2 Chronicles 30:8; Romans 6:13,16; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 59:2.
2. Adhere to and confess the Word of God over your life and situations. Matthew 4:4; Proverbs 4:20-22, 6:2, 12:14.
3. Don’t allow your spirit to become empty. Be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 4:31; Ephesians 5:18.
4. Pray in the Spirit to edify yourself. Romans 8:26;1 Corinthians 14:2, 4, 14-15; Jude 1:20.
5. Practice praising, thanking, singing, and making melody in your heart to God. Hebrews 13:15; Psalms 22:3, 34:1; Ephesians 5:19.
6. Put on the whole armor of God. Don’t recite the armor pieces but actually permit the function of the armor to be manifested in your life. Ephesians 6:11,13,17.
7. Utilize spiritual weapons. (Blood of Jesus. Name of Jesus, Binding and Loosing, Fasting.) Luke 10:17; Colossians 3:7; Ephesians 1:7; 1 John1:7; Matthew 16:19; Mark 3:27.
8. Cultivate and promote a renewed mind. Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:1-2.
9. Develop a tenacious dynamic faith. Romans 10:17, 2:20; Hebrews 10:38.
10. Learn to crucify the flesh and resist the devil. Matthew 16:24; 1 Corinthians 9:27; James 4:6-7.
11. Nurture beneficial relationships and shun people who may be a bad influence on your life. Romans 12:9; 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; James 4;:4; Ephesians 5:11.
12. Keep gates closed to the enemy. (Refer to the previous blog titled “DID YOU LEAVE YOUR GATE OPEN”).
Finally, remember you can do this because God has given you authority and power.
Deliverance,which is defined as recovery or preservation from loss or danger is a process. Process is defined as a particular course of action intended to achieve a result. The result of deliverance is freedom from demonic forces which held you in captivity or bondage. As believers, our task is not only to receive deliverance but to maintain it.
In Mark 16:17, Jesus tells his followers that miraculous signs will accompany those who believe and one of those signs is the casting out of demons. Many people think someone else is supposed to cast out their demons. However, that person is not going home with you and truth be told; we do not want others to know the spirits that are besieging us. So, we need to utilize the authority and power God has given us and do it for ourselves. A confirmation of this can be seen in II Corinthians 7:1 when Apostle Paul tells us to cleanse ourselves from all things that defile our body and spirit.
In Matthew 12:43 – 45, Jesus used this text to share information with the scribes and Pharisees concerning how demons operate. He said, “When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”
Here are some things that can be concluded from that text:
1. Spirits come and go. Demons can leave you; however, they will come back.
2. Spirits seek a place of habitation. Demons want a place in which they can manifest themselves.
3. Spirits think they are in ownership of the place in which they formerly resided. Your behavior helps them to come to that conclusion.
4. If found empty, spirits will seek re-entry and bring other spirits with them. You must fill yourself with the Holy Spirit and things that will edify your spirit.
Our enemies are relentless, and they do not accept defeat readily. When one tactic does not work, they strategize and come back with another. The Bible also confirms this practice of the enemy returning in the life of Jesus. It says that after Jesus was tempted three times by the devil in the wilderness, he left him planning to return to Jesus at a more opportune time.(Luke 4:1–13). Satan tempted Jesus with three different strategies which Jesus resisted. Now people, if Satan did that with Jesus, you can only imagine his plans for us. Satan sends his demons and angels to assault us, and they do not tire or abort their assignment. They will return with another plan if the first does not work, and they will bring other demons to assist in your downfall.
As believers, our responsibility is to be sensitive to demonic activity in our lives. We must be truthful and acknowledge demonic activity, cast out spirits that are attempting to gain control of our lives, and maintain that deliverance. Remember you cannot be delivered from that which you will not acknowledge or that which you deny existing in your life.
Throughout the Bible there are mentions of some ruling spirits. Often you may hear them called “strongman.” The Bible reveals these ruling spirits as:
Spirit of Jealousy (Numbers 5:14; Proverbs 6:34)
Spirit of Lying (2 Chronicles 18:22; Jeremiah 23:14)
Spirit of Familiarity (1 Samuel 28:7; Deuteronomy 18:10-12)
Spirit of Perversion (Isaiah 19:14; Proverbs 14:2; Proverbs 23:33; Acts 13:10)
Spirit of Heaviness (Isaiah 61:3)
Spirit of Whoredom (Hosea 4:12; Ezekiel 16:28-39)
Spirit of Infirmity (Luke 13:11)
Spirit of the Deaf and Dumb (Mark 9:17-25)
Spirit of Fear (2 Timothy 1:7; Job 4:14)
Spirit of Bondage (Romans 8:15; Exodus 6:9)
Spirit of Antichrist (1 John 4:3)
Spirit of Disobedience (Ephesians 2:2)
Spirit of Slumber (Romans 11:8)
Spirit of the World (1 Corinthians 2:12)
Spirit of Divination (Acts 16:16)
Spirit of Error (1 John 4:6)
Spirit of the Devil (Revelation 16:4)
Spirit of Seduction (1 Timothy 4:1)
Spirit of Sorrow (1 Samuel 1:15)
Evil Spirit (Judges 9:23)
Unclean Spirit (Zechariah 13:2)
Broken Spirit (Proverbs 17:2)
Blind Spirit (Matthew 12:22)
Spirit of Pride or Haughtiness (Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 13:10)
Lesser demonic spirits are found to accompany the above ruling spirits, and they are probably the ones that are brought back by the returning evicted demon who is seeking to re-enter our lives. Thus, when seeking deliverance casting out the ruling spirit is essential to uprooting the underlings
Two old books published with great information on deliverance are “Pigs in the Parlor” by Frank Hammond and “Deliverance for Children and Teens” by Bill Banks. I highly recommend these books for anyone seeking deliverance.
In my next blog, I will present part two of this subject, and I will share information on those things that must be done to maintain our deliverance.
Since believers are filled with the Holy Spirit, they cannot be possessed with demons which are disembodied spirits that seek to inhabit a body and manifest themselves in misbehavior. Believers, however, are guilty of allowing demons to hoover in their atmosphere and giving them access thru open gates. We, believers, are also guilty of being carnal and not spiritual. We allow weights and sins to beset us EASILY. We prefer to be babies and not grow up. We think God accepts our faults. Therefore, we are negligent in warfare and in leaving gates available thru which demonic forces can enter.
The dictionary defines a gate as an opening permitting passage through an enclosure. To better understand this concept, let me share some gates and examples of access.
1. Gates of the senses: eye, ear, touch, taste, smell
Example: Unwholesome things you watch on television, ungodly music to which you
listen, human flesh that you should not touch, reefer smoke that you should not be
smelling, the food the doctor told you not to eat, and using foul language
2. Gate of the mind
Example: Allowing the mind to think thoughts that are not edifying.
3. Gate of hereditary
Example: Known family generational curses that we accept in our lives.
4. Gate of sibling rivalry
Example: Practicing favoritism among siblings which breeds ill- will.
5. Gate of childhood trauma
Example: Events in your childhood years that have negatively impacted and
stagnated you from which you have not been delivered.
6. Gates of abuse: physical, mental, sexual
Example: Beatings, bullying, harassment, rape, molestation, incest, and bestiality
7. Gate of rejection/abandonment
Example: Divorce, adoptions, and deaths.
8. Gate of marital discord
Example: Continual strife in the home without seeking peaceful godly resolution.
9. Gate of sin
Example: Practicing the works of the flesh without repentance
10. Occult Gates:
Example: Horoscopes, palm reading, Ouija boards, fortune telling,
witchcraft, séances, levitation, etc.
Gates are not limited to the ones I have above described. Each one of us knows the gates that are in our lives. What is important is the realization that when we engage in any of the example behaviors, I identified we are opening the gate thru which demons can infiltrate our lives.
How can we keep these gates close?
1. Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
2. Learn to be sensitive to the spirit. Know that though we live in this world, we are not
of this world. Ask God to make you aware of the spiritual realm.
3. Take authority over your atmosphere and resist demonic infiltration.
4. Seek deliverance if you are experiencing continual demonic activity in the same
areas of your life.
I pray this blog has given insight and motivation in your spiritual warfare. My next blog will continue in this vein as I discuss, “How to keep your deliverance.”
The Teacher's Pick 