Tags
2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 2 Corinthians 15:21, Acts 4:12, Armor of God, Confidence IN God, Dependence On God, Ephesians 6:10, Ephesians 6:11-12, Fighting With God's Weapons, Hebrews 4:12-14, Hebrews 4:15-16, Hebrews 7:25, John 14:6, John 15:5, John 1:1, Philippians 3:9, Philippians 4:7, Romans 11:33-36, Romans 5:1, Spiritual Warfare, Stand Fast, Who Are You Fighting?
Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 09 Who Are You Fighting With???
As we all wrestle with the circumstances surrounding us, we often find ourselves wrestling, even fighting, with others. No, not usually fisticuffs, but sword-fighting with our words, our emotions, and our fleshly wits. Let’s take just a few minutes today to remind ourselves of the resources we have, IN Jesus, to overcome our own wrestlings—no matter our “perceived” adversaries!
“Finally, my brethren,
be strong
in the Lord,
and in the power
of his might.” Ephesians 6:10
Even as Jesus told us so clearly in John 15, our strength, power, wisdom, and ability to follow HIM comes from HIM! It’s what Paul was reminding the Ephesian Christians of; our strength is IN “the Lord” and IN “the power of his might”! Just as we talked earlier about the battle being The Lord’s—our strength is from HIM—always!
“I am the vine,
ye are the branches:
He that abideth in me,
and I in him,
the same bringeth forth much fruit:
for without me
ye can do nothing.” John 15:5
“O the depth of the riches
both of the wisdom
and knowledge
of God!
how unsearchable
are his judgments,
and his ways
past finding out!
34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord?
or who hath been his counsellor?
35 Or who hath first given to him,
and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
36 For of him,
and through him,
and to him,
are all things:
to whom be glory
for ever. Amen.” Romans 11:33-36
Paul also continued to tell the Ephesian believers:
“Put on the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil.
12 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.” Ephesians 6:11-12
And because we are in a battle with unseen forces, Paul tells us that this battle requires heavenly weapons, just as he told the believers at Corinth to be aware and prepared, so must we.
“For though we walk in the flesh,
we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare
are not carnal,
but mighty through God
to the pulling down
of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations,
and every high thing
that exalteth itself
against the knowledge of God,
and bringing into captivity
every thought
to the obedience
of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
So, as you take on that armor of God, just a quick guide to what that armor represents in our life every day!
Truth:
“Jesus saith unto him,
I am the way,
the truth,
and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father,
but by me.” John 14:6
Righteousness:
“For he hath made him to be sin
for us,
who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness
of God
in him.” 2 Corinthians 15:21
Peace:
“Therefore being justified by faith,
we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ:” Romans 5:1
“And the peace of God,
which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts
and minds
through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
Faith:
“And be found in him,
not having mine own righteousness,
which is of the law,
but that which is through the faith
of Christ,
the righteousness
which is of God
by faith:” Philippians 3:9
Salvation:
“Neither is there salvation
in any other:
for there is none other name
under heaven.” Acts 4:12
The Word of God:
The Living Word:
“In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.” John 1:1
The written Word:
“For the word of God is
quick,
and powerful,
and sharper than any
twoedged 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.
13 Neither is there any creature
that is not manifest in his sight:
but all things are naked
and opened
unto the eyes of him
with whom we have to do.
14 Seeing then that we have
a great high priest,
that is passed into the heavens,
Jesus the Son of God,
let us hold fast our profession.” Hebrews 4:12-14
Prayer:
“For we have not an high priest
which cannot be touched
with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points
tempted like as we are,
yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly
unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help
in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16
(Remember prayer is not “dictation” to God, but rather the “pursuit” of HIM, HIS will, HIS way, and HIS purposes for me!)
So, dear brothers and sisters—hold fast to the one who loves you, gave His life for our salvation, and ever lives to intercede for us. May you draw near to Him and overcome those battles—no matter who the adversary is!
“Wherefore he is able also
to save them
to the uttermost
that come unto God
by him,
seeing he ever liveth
to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25
Amen and Amen!!!
