The Weapons of Our Warfare: How to Protect Ourselves Against the Devil

Someone once said, “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was to convince the world he does not exist.” It is a sad day when so many in the church are either convinced of this lie themselves, or at the very least, simply do not live as though he is real.

Church, listen to me,

We are at war!

This is what the Bible says:

Ephesians 6:12 KJV 1900

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.

We’re fighting:

Against Satan and his angels

The fallen angels are divided by rank

Principalities – leading ones

Powers – some demons have powers by which they can perform “miraculous” works

Rulers of the darkness of this world – evil spirits behind world rulers

Spiritual wickedness in high places – literally wicked spirits in the heavenlies

The warfare we are engaged in is invisible! If I said that out in public, someone would think I’m crazy!

Vice President Mike Pence was once ridiculed on national TV (The View) because he had mentioned in an interview that he spent time each day praying to God…see the connection? We say that our enemy is invisible and we would be torn to shreds!

That doesn’t mean it is not true!

Our enemies are spirit beings, having no physical body

We can’t see them but their existence and their power is evident and manifested in may ways

EX. Genesis 3 and Daniel 10

We are at war! Now, let’s examine...

The weapons at our disposal

•Not carnal 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

2 Corinthians 10:3–5 KJV 1900

3 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;

•We cannot fight a spiritual battle like a conventional war, we must use:

Spiritual weapons

1 Timothy 6:11–12 KJV 1900

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

1 Timothy 4:7 KJV 1900

7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

2 Corinthians 10:3–4 KJV 1900

3 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;)

•This type of battle MUST be fought in the strength and power of God, no our own

Ephesians 6:10 KJV 1900

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

•We must make used of those weapons God has provided for our protection and our power and our victory (Eph. 6:11, 13)

How do we defeat the devil?

Be alert (1 Peter 5:8 “8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” Ephesians 6:18 “18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

Must have spiritual strength (Ep. 6:10)

We must have on the COMPLETE armor of God (Eph. 6:11-18)

Remember that Paul wrote Ephesians but the Holy Ghost inspired him, that is why it is important we know what He said regarding spiritual warfare. Next time we meet we will look at the Whole Armor of God,