People are continually discussing what is happening in this country, the Middle East, and in every corner of the globe. What many may not realize is that we are already at war, an invisible and unseen war between light and darkness, good and evil. And Satan is our adversary. In Ephesians 6:10-17a, we learn about the defensive weapons of our warfare — the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace and the helmet of salvation. These pieces of armor are to defend us from Satan's fiery arsenal. But, we also need offensive weapons to defeat the enemy — the sword of the Spirit — the Word of God and the prayer of the Spirit.
Hebrews 4:12 teaches: "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."
The trouble with many of us is that we are not using the one weapon that God has given us to grant us a sure victory. Many of us study the Bible, but it's not enough just to study the Bible, we must learn how to employ it. Years ago, when young men went into the service, the military issued them an M1 rifle. They were taught how to take it apart and reassemble it. But they had to do more than just learn about their weapon; they had to learn to use it. The Word of God is a sword and it is meant to be used.
How do we use this sword? Let's look at how our Lord Jesus Christ used the Word when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness after forty days and nights of fasting (see Luke 4:1-13).
First, Satan tempted Jesus with the lust of the flesh ("command that these stones be made bread"), then the lust of the eyes ("if Thou therefore will worship me, all shall be Thine"), and finally the pride of life ("if Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down from [the pinnacle of the temple]").
How did Jesus deal with the devil? He took the sword of the Word of God — that sharp two-edged sword and ran Satan through. Jesus said, "It is written, it is written, it is written...". Jesus overcame every temptation by one weapon — the Word of God.
The Word of God is all-powerful. Satan fears the Word of God. He knows its overcoming power.
Some Christians fail to understand that prayer is the second offensive weapon in our warfare. They get all dressed up in their armor, pick up their sword, and think they are ready to fight. But Ephesians 6:18 tells us that there's one more weapon — prayer: "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."
A soldier needs to stay in contact with headquarters and have at his disposal a constant source of supply. Without a constant source of supply and a system of communications, a soldier is destined for defeat. Thank God we have the Holy Spirit who gives us constant communication with our Commander-in-Chief.
Before we go to the battlefield, we must get on our knees. The battle is not won in the pulpit or in the Sunday school class. The battle is won in the prayer closet. Prayer is warfare.
You probably have never thought of yourself as a soldier. But, when you are sitting in your bedroom or in your den, you can wage a mighty battle of intercessory prayer. Isn't it wonderful that those who are sick or shut-in, on a hospital bed or in a wheelchair can fight because they can pray? What an awesome weapon is prayer!
I challenge you today to take the mighty weapons God has given you and get into the battle! Begin today to offer lingering, loving, laboring prayer on behalf of others. for when you use the weapons of the Word of God and prayer. John 15:7 says, "If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." You can have the victory you long for, when you use the weapons of the Word of God and prayer.
