Equipped For Battle

If you’ve ever felt like you were under attack by an evil force bigger than yourself, it is likely the enemy doing everything in his power to destroy your life, to destroy your future, to destroy your dreams. The devil is a deceiver and will use any tactic he can use to get you off track, off focus on the things of God, and get you to renounce Jesus is Lord. The enemy wants to steal your faith by tempting you, discouraging you, making you doubt God’s goodness, doubt God’s promises, distracting you and separating you. He uses various strategies to attack your faith and your assurance in God. However, God always helps us survive these attacks with our faith strengthened rather than destroyed. Each day, we are strengthened with God’s might by His spirit in our inner man.

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man (Eph. 3:16 KJV)

1. Equipped for Battle
   1. 2   Put on the Whole Armor of God
   2.  3  Be Sober and Be Vigilant
   3. 4 The Christian Battle Strategy
   4. 5   Learn the Lessons from the Lions
   5.  6  Equip Yourself with Each Piece of the Armor of God
   6.  7  Daily Prayer for Putting on the Armor of God
   7. 8   Keep Your Eyes Focused on God
   8. 9   Pray Without Ceasing
   9.  10  Stand Firm in Your Faith
   10. 11 Do Not Believe the Devil’s Lies
   11. 12 Fight Back
   12. 13   Let Go of Doubt
   13. 14  Remember the Power of God

God has given us His Word. And that Word is living on the inside of you. The Bible says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” … It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12, ESV:

The Word is a mysterious and powerful force. It refers to the will of God (Galatians 1:4), they word is truth (John 17:17), the Word of the Lord, endures forever (1 Peter 1:25), the decrees of God (Jeremiah 22:29), the Holy Scriptures (Matthew 15:6), the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). The Word is eternal. God is alive and active, so his Word is alive and active. The enemy cannot stand it when you are full of the Word of God, and it is flowing out of your mouth like a two-edge sword. Backed up with faith. He cannot WIN!

Put on the Whole Armor of God

  When you dress yourself in the armor of God? You put the devil to run. The Bible tells us, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11). When we wear weakened armor, it is easy for the enemy to work his way in and sabotage us. However, if we are intentional about it and trust in God’s power, we can defeat the devil.

God has supplied us with every spiritual weapon we need for battle. To defect the enemy. Since we are in a spiritual battle, we need spiritual weapons. That is exactly what God has supplied us with—“weapons … mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.” Weapons mighty in God! We just must tap into that which is already available to us.

We have an enemy, “Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10. Jesus want us to have and enjoy life to the full to the overflow. Jesus wants us to enjoy a full life. The enemy wants us to live a defeated life. He comes to wreak havoc on everything that belongs to you: your life, your dreams, your relationships, your destiny. The enemy plans are to catch you unaware and unarmed. The Enemy always fails miserably when he meets a woman dressed for battle. Always dress for the occasion. 

Be Sober and be Vigilant.

One such warning is found in 1 Peter 5:8: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

Notice the meanings of the following words:

• “Sober” implies mentally alert and self-controlled.
• “Vigilant” means watchful, awake and alert.

Even though we understand that God is all-powerful and cares for His children, we cannot afford to relax our guard spiritually. It is vital that we recognize that Satan is relentless and wants to destroy us. We must be faithful in doing our part.

• “Devil” means false accuser, slanderer, and was used not only of those who bring a false charge against one, but also of those who disseminate the truth concerning a man and do so maliciously, insidiously, with hostility.”
• “Walks about” conveys the idea of Satan’s constant state of activity.

Notice verse 9: “Resist him, steadfast in the faith.”

• “Steadfast.” This is translated from a Greek military term signifying standing firm without moving even under an attack from the enemy. For true Christians, we stand fast “in the faith,” because we have faith and confidence in the One who is “greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). God is vastly more powerful than anything He created, including Lucifer (who became Satan).
• The Greek word for “faith” here is pistis, which means persuasion, conviction, as well as a reliance on Christ. When used as “the faith,” it can also describe a belief system and having a strong conviction about God’s words, as Colossians 1:23 points out.

With every attack from our adversary, we are strengthening our spiritual resolve to remain steadfast. What is more, our Heavenly Father cares for us and is watching over us even during our spiritual battles and severe trials. In similar manner, God is refining and strengthening true Believers. Trials are a part of the Christian experience and should not cause our faith to waver or weaken. With every attack from our adversary, we are strengthening our spiritual resolve to remain steadfast. What is more, our Heavenly Father cares for us and is watching over us even during our spiritual battles and severe trials (1 Peter 5:7).

The Christian Battle Strategy

We oppose Satan’s attacks by standing up to him. We cannot panic or take flight, but rather should offer firm resistance. We must not allow him to get the better of us, no matter what the consequences may be (Revelation 12:10-11).

Another gem of biblical advice is in Ephesians 6:10-11: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles [schemes] of the devil.” We must arm ourselves “to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

 Learn the Lessons from Lions

Peter compared Satan to a lion, so what can we learn from this analogy? Rangers who have studied them in the wild will tell you never to turn your back and run from a charging lion. Lions are accustomed to their victims fleeing but standing firm and facing them bewilders and confuses them. In most cases the charging lion will stop short and turn away.

The advice the apostle Peter gave to Christians on how to contend with and overcome Satan is well worth considering and applying in our daily lives: “Resist him [the devil], steadfast in the faith” (1 Peter 5:9).

• “Resist” means to stand up to him and be firm. Our response should not be panic, fear and flight, but a firm resistance through the faith of Christ in us—like facing an angry, charging lion in the wild!

We are admonished in Ephesians 6:12: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places”.

It is tragic that believers frequently expend their energy and resources fighting each other and forget who the real enemy is. This is one way the devil manages to destroy physically, mentally, and emotionally. We forget that our most insidious and treacherous enemies are Satan and his demons, who are the unseen rulers of this world.

As believers, we are required to fight “the good fight of faith,” finish the race and keep the faith in order to receive “the crown of righteousness” that God has promised to those “who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Part of finishing the race and receiving the crown of righteousness is standing firm and steadfastly facing our enemy, Satan the devil. It is a fight well worth fighting, and one we cannot afford to lose!

God has a plan for our lives. The enemy has a plan for us as well, but the weapons God has provided for us, they are mighty weapons.  We just must decide which voice we are going to listen to, and who we are going to choose to follow each day. And chances are, if we do not make a determined choice to follow God, we may eventually fall into the evil one’s trap.

God has given us his Word and his Spirit, powerful and true, so we will have the wisdom and protection to stand against the enemy. We focus on putting on His armor, staying alert, and praying that God will equip believers everywhere to “stand strong.”

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” The only way you will be able to stand is by putting on the whole complete armor of God. The armor of a heavy armed soldier.

“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Eph. 6:10-18)

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

Equip Yourself with Each Piece of the Armor of God

God equips us with spiritual armor. Through prayer we can stand against attacks of discouragement and doubt.

“Put on” the Armor of God with this prayer based on Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 6:10–18, using God’s Word, the sword of the Spirit, as we struggle, “not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (v. 12).

Equip me, Lord:

• With the belt of truth (v. 14). May your truth rule in my heart and be in my mind and on my lips today.
• With the breastplate of righteousness (v. 14). Apart from You there is no righteousness, but through Jesus I have been “born again” and made righteous in Your sight. May I live as a righteous person.
• With feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace (v. 15). May I reflect the Gospel in my words and actions, that through me, with my every encounter, others may be drawn one step closer to You.
• With the shield of faith (v.16). May I take You at Your word concerning promises about the present and future—promises of everlasting love, abundant life, and so much more.
• With the helmet of salvation (v. 17). Remind me that nothing can separate me from Your love and that I’ve been saved by grace. In Your grace, help me to say “no” to all ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live a self-controlled, upright, and godly life (Titus 2:12,13).
• And with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (v. 17). May Your Holy Spirit reign in my life and bring to my mind just the right Bible verses to be in my heart and on my lips. May I be “filled with the Spirit” and ready with Scripture as You were, Jesus, when the devil tempted You.
• Finally, keep me in an attitude of prayer (v. 18). Remind me to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions.” Cause me to be alert and always praying for the saints; to be joyful and to give thanks in everything (see 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

To Put on The Armor of God

Daily Prayer for Putting on the Armor of God.

In the name of Jesus, I put on the whole armor of God, that I may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For I wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places.

Therefore, I take unto myself the whole armor of God that I may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. I stand, therefore, having my loins girt about with truth. Your Word, Lord, which is truth, contains all the weapons of my warfare, which are not carnal, but mighty through You to the pulling down of strongholds.

I have on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with You, which is faith and love. My feet are shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. In Christ Jesus I have peace and pursue peace with all men. I am a minister of reconciliation, proclaiming the good news of the Gospel.

I take the shield of faith, upon which I can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]; the helmet of salvation (holding the thoughts, feelings, and purpose of Your heart, Lord); and the sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word. In the face of all trials, tests, temptations, and tribulation, I cut to pieces the snare of the enemy by speaking Your Word. Greater is He Who is in me than he who is in the world.

Thank You, Father, for the armor. I will pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end I will keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints. My power and ability and sufficiency are from You Who qualified me as a minister and a dispenser of a new covenant [of salvation through Christ]. Amen.

Scripture References:
    Ephesians 6:11-14     2 Corinthians 5:18               Ephesians 2:14
    John 17:17    Ephesians 6:16,17 amp                     Psalm 34:14
    2 Corinthians 10:4     1 John 4:4                             2 Corinthians 3:5,6 amp.
    Ephesians 6:14,15-amp     Ephesians 6:18 amp
    

Keep Your Eyes Focused on God

Satan does not surrender without a fight. He comes seeking to discourage you and to defeat you. He may even use your friends, an area of persecution or discouraging responses made by your family. He may also try to throw a missile of temptation at your heart. If you are in a difficult situation right now that includes suffering pain, worry, or illness, the devil is behind it to some degree. In these situations, it is important to acknowledge that the devil is working against you, but also be knowledgeable enough in the Word of God to discern when he is behind the attack. Fix your eyes on God with this prayer: Dear Lord, please help me to keep my eyes focused on You. I know You are at my right hand. If I keep my eyes focused on you and trust you, I know that I will not be shaken. Amen.

Pray Without Ceasing

The Bible tells us, “Your adversary the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The adversary wants to attack your desires, your thoughts, even how you see and treat your own body. It is important that you guard against Satan’s schemes through prayer. First, ask God to guard your heart so that it beats for Him alone. Next, pray that God would cover your mind with the helmet of salvation, reminding you that you are a child of God who is loved. As you pray that God will develop the fruits of His Holy Spirit in every area of your life, you will be invincible through prayer to the one who seeks to tear you down. Start with this prayer: Heavenly Father, I know that prayer has incredible power. Help me to pray without ceasing and keep You in total focus. Amen.

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) KJV

Stand Firm in Your Faith

When Christians begin to have doubts about something as a significant as the truth of their faith, it is quite understandable that this might worry or even frighten them. Whenever unbelief shows us, we must deal honestly with our doubts. It is imperative that you address your unbelief. To ignore them is to court spiritual disaster. One of the best ways to put on your full armor and combat the enemy’s advances is to address your unbelief. Pray for guidance and for God to stand beside you through whatever you are battling. Trust God to strengthen your faith with this prayer: Dear God, I call on You to help me to stand firm in my faith. Ground me so that I am protected from any attacks the enemy throws my way. I know I am stronger with You. Amen.

Do Not Believe the Devil’s Lies

The enemy wants you to believe a number of lies about God. One of the biggest lies he wants you to believe is that there is no life after deal, that our earthly life is the only one we will experience. There is no need to worry about tomorrow or the next day because everything ceases to exist when we die. On top of that, he wants you to sin. There’s no need to concern ourselves with God or life after death because that doesn’t exist either. This lie could not be further from the truth. God promises eternal life and salvation for those who believe. He also wants you to believe that hell does not exist, not only because it puts us in a mental place where living a life of sin is acceptable but also because the enemy wants to put us at odds with God. How could a God who loves us so deeply send any of his children to a place of such torment? While Hell is just as real as Heaven is, God does not send us there. Our complete brokenness does. God does everything He possibly can to keep us away from Hell. Not believing those lies is a big step you can take in combating the enemy. Stay protected from the enemy’s lies with this prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to trust Your direction. Help me to have confidence in Your guidance and not be steered off course. Amen.

Fight Back

Another way Satan will try to get you to struggle with doubt and unbelief is by thinking God will not help you because you have not done everything right or believing that God is willing to help others, but not you. But God does not expect perfection from us. God works in our lives through faith. He wants us to trust Him, believe in Him, and have faith in Him. He wants us to expect good things in our lives. Fight back at Satan’s schemes by shifting your paradigm. Every day believe something good is going to happen in your life. Protect yourself with this prayer: Dear God, thank You for Your protection over my family and friends. I come against any plot, ploy or scheme the enemy has planned for our lives and I render it useless sin Jesus’ name. Amen.

Let Go of Doubt

No matter where you are in your faith life, it is common to doubt. While it may seem difficult to eliminate doubt from your heart, you have more power than you think. You really can doubt your doubts. If you are wondering how to do it, turn to Romans 10:17 which says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” The key here is the Word of God. We need to love the Word of God and go after it like we go after food when we are hungry. God’s Word is medicine four our soul and we need it to be spiritually strong. As you begin looking at Scripture more and more and speak the Word, be sure to also talk about the good things God has done for you and not the problems. Choose to doubt your doubts. Remove doubt from your heart with this prayer: Dear Lord, I surrender my worries, problems, fears, and doubt to You. Your powers are vast. I ask that you guide me, give me vision and clarity. Amen.

Remember the Power of God

The enemy wants you to believe he is more powerful than God in hopes that you will lean on your own understanding, not God’s. He wants you to hear his voice, which manifests itself in the form of stress, confusion, addiction, even depression, instead of talking to God and trusting that all things are possible through Him. Do not let him break you. An immensely powerful way to conquer the enemy is to remind the enemy how powerful God is. The truth is God is the greatest, most powerful, and perfect being that exists, and the reason life continues to exist is because God continues to sustain it.

What makes our Heavenly Father strong reminds the enemy of his weakness. His power does not compare to the power of God. Hold on to the power of God with this prayer: Dear God, I know you are more powerful than any force that will try to bring me down, but I know there are times that I still struggle. Help me to remember Your endless power in the process. Amen.

The enemy wants to destroy you, but we have the greatest weapon – our faith. The more we dedicate ourselves to Christ, the weaker the thrust of the devil becomes. Jesus said that if we wanted to follow Him it would mean denying ourselves. It means setting our mind and affections on things above. It calls for loving Christ to the point of being willing to sacrifice life for Him. With strong faith and dedication to God, the devil does not have a chance.

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