2nd Corinthians 10: 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 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
As I sit before the computer and ponder what to post ….I was searching my heart for something positive and light….Instead this was impressed upon me.
We know that Jesus is out captain our Leader, who leads us and protects us in every skirmish we face in life. But he needs able underlings who are willing to take command of their lives and face the enemy, face the battle and over come.
If you are a Christian, you are well acquainted with the battle, and the nature of the battle. Assaults come in the form of words and temptations and sometimes they can come from place we would never expect, and people we trust. But no matter the apparent source, we know that our enemy is not flesh and blood, and our response should not be in the physical world.
So how do we fight this battle?
We determine to resist. Many of us have set backs in our individual battles because when the storm comes, we just hunker down and let it roll right over us. And pick up the pieces after it passes, but James tells us we should resist the attacks….and in doing so cause the enemy to retreat.
James 4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Who wouldn’t want to end one of these encounters seeing the devil running away with the tales between his legs?
So if our featured form of battle is to resist….how do we do it?
5 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.
By casting down everything that we hear, that tries to assault us, with our knowledge of God.
When Satan came after Jesus in his fast and tempted Him, how did Jesus respond? with “It is written”.
You will notice in his three attempts to corrupt Jesus when Satan was faced with “it is written” he stopped the tactic He was trying, and tried a new way until he gave up.
So the first thing we have to do to be a successful warrior of God is to KNOW THE WORD. We are constantly told that we should read the bible…well there is a purpose to that. So that we can build in a steadfast unshakable knowledge of God so that when the fear, derision, worry, or other assault comes at us…..we have a confidence that God has told us different, And if God has said we are His, then who can say otherwise
“God’s not listening to you”
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
“You are too flawed, God will never forgive you”
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1John 1:9)
“Your world is collapsing and there is nothing you can do”
For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “ The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13 5-6)
If you have these words already planted deep in your heart…..if they are your “knowledge of God” that the enemy is exalting himself against, then it becomes a little easier to turn to that voice and say “It is written”
Many is the times in my life where I had to play catch up, where circumstances had overwhelmed me and I needed to find scriptures to bolster by failing weapon stash, my crumbling foundation. It is much preferable to have your arsenal well stocked and your foundation stones in place before hand…..then when these things come, and we know they will, we can turn, stand, resist and say “it is written” If God be for me, who can be against me?
There is no reason why we should be overwhelmed with the weapons arrayed against us, when we have so much more powerful weapons, on our side.
I encourage you to firm up your foundation of the knowledge of God that you can stand against the wiles of the wicked one……and in doing so, you will find out just how loved you really are.
God Bless
