Fight or Flight?

Ephesians 6:11-17 NLT 

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

I once read and listen to a sermon about this, and this is very sobering. The war has for sure been won when Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again. But the battle is still raging. The devil is around the corner 24/7 to wage the battle against us (believer or non believer) in spiritual realm. Here is what I read:

Like it or not, the moment you commit your life to Jesus Christ you are engaged in a spiritual battle. The believer may be known by his inward warfare as well as by his inward peace.

This battle is not between flesh and blood, but with a very real opponent called the devil.

We have looked at the various pieces of armor we are to wear as we face our opponent, including the utility belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and, of course, the gospel shoes.

Those are all primarily defensive weapons. In other words, you don’t attack your enemy with your sandal, breastplate, or helmet. You need another weapon for that.

Unsheath your sword!

Paul calls the one piece of offensive weaponry God has given us the sword of the Spirit, or the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

Many believers have all their armor in place, but they never use their sword. They leave it in the sheath. They talk about it, and brag about how sharp it is, but they never actually utilize the sword in spiritual battle.

The devil knows all too well the power and authority of the Bible and he will try to keep you from it at all costs.

Keep this in mind: Whether we know the value of our sword or not, Satan does. He will do everything he can to see that we keep our swords sheathed or that we don’t put them on in the first place.

The power of memorization

The enemy will certainly try to keep you from memorizing the Word of God.

Why? Because the Psalmist says, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). The devil has felt its sting and authority.

It’s good to carry a Bible in your briefcase or purse, but the best place to carry the Word of God is in your heart.

How sharp is your sword?

I ask you now, what shape is your sword in?

Is it polished from daily use as you study the Scripture on a regular basis, and sharpened on the anvil of experience as you have applied and obeyed it’s truth in your life? Or is it rusty from lack of preparation or dulled by disobedience?

It’s been said “A Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.”

If we neglect the study of the Scripture, our spiritual life will ultimately unravel because everything we need to know about God is taught in the Bible. And if it can’t be found in the pages of Scripture, you don’t need it.

You can win in this spiritual battle. Not by running away, but rather by putting on the whole armor of God and unsheathing your sword, which is the Word of God, and using it.

I encourage you to do that today.

Source: writing from Pastor Greg Laurie. Greg Laurie is senior pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, CA. Website: www.harvest.org