Weapons of our Warfare I

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devils’ 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. 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 the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:11-17 NIV

So there’s the answer to, “Why all the swords?”. It is the only offensive item that we have in our arsenal of defense, but oh is it a mighty one! It’s the Word of God. That’s what Jesus used when he went to the desert and was challenged by the ultimate deceiver himself. Satan chose just the right moment of Jesus’ fast in the desolate land to try and tempt the Son of God.

I can just hear his slimy voice saying, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:3,4 NIV

That didn’t seem to be enough for Satan, because he proceeds to verbally tempt Jesus two more times, first by trying to get Jesus to throw himself off the highest point of the temple so angels would come and rescue him. The final blow of this battle was when he tells Jesus he will give him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor if Jesus would bow down and worship him. Not wanting to hear anymore audacity, is when Jesus commands him to leave and he does.

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord, you have this same authority. That is what was accomplished by going on the cross, dying a horrible death, suffering the penalty for sin, and defeating Satan in the pit of hell.

What are we to do with this authority? Yes, use it for our families and friends along with our circles of influence, but I would challenge you to think of it eternally as Jesus did and “go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15 KJV This is what you were created for! :0)