I am going to give you a few things to chew on. You probably already know them, but it never hurts to reacquaint ourselves with the Word of God! Since we have not studied much together, let me warn you that if I see things while I am studying I will include them in the study. The things that I see in the Spirit will be highlighted in blue. It has always been my desire to have others study with me and add to my thoughts. I am hoping these lessons will promote that. Please leave your comments on the guest book or e-mail me directly at [email protected]. I will check your entries and e-mails daily. Also if you need prayer, let your requests be made known. We will have a prayer page. Since this is a brand new site we will grow as we go. You will notice the Bible Gateway logo in the top left hand corner, this links to a Bible program so you can look up passages of interest. Check it out if you have never used it before.
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) Casting down imaginations, and every lofty high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringeth captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" II Corinthians 10:3-5
Wow, we have weapons at our disposal to combat the
junk the enemy tries to bring on us.
He attacks our physical being (or flesh) as well as our mind. There are four important things we learn from these passages.
1. They are God given weapons! The weapons we have have been given are not of the world. No man drummed these things up. They come from out of this world, they do no exist in our realm of knowldege or understanding.
2. They have divine power! Think about it now...we have the power of the universe at our disposal. I don't know about you, but that is pretty awesome!
3. They are associated with the Knowledge of God! It is amazing to me that God gives us His knowledge to combat the enemy. Could you have a more skilled teacher...I don't think so!
4. Their pupose in warfare is to literally take our thoughts captive! I don't know about you, but my thoughts condemn me. You and I both know there is a war waging inside of us. And most of the battle is won in keeping our thoughts stayed on Him.
I see Him now with a golden cord, riding a mighty steed. He half stands atop the roaring beast with a shimmering lasso ready to thrust it out and draw our minds unto Himself. Not with a matter of fact throw or a slack rope, but atop a majestic animal lathered from the journey standing on its hind legs hurling the golden lifeline with all the force and skill He possesses. We are in danger and He has come to rescue us, our Redeemer. He pulls us unto Himself and tightens the grip on the cord insuring no thought will escape Him, but those that bring peace and joy! He pulls us abruptly to His breast and we drink of His strength and are nurtured in the process.
Can you feel His strenghth, His abiding security and steadfastness. He is our Deliverer! Whatever we are going through, He is with us, teaching us, loving us, holding us. Right now, we don't need to see ourselves in the palm of His hand, we need to see Him as our Deliverer and Conquering King! The battle is in His court, not ours!
In Ephesians 6:10-18, the Apostle Paul lists the whole armor of God.
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against the flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world,against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having loins girt about the truth, and having on the breast plate of righteousness. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirt, which is the word of God;"
Only one piece of armor is actually a weapon.
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