October 18, 2018

Today you should read: Ephesians 6:10-18

…so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.  2 Corinthians 2:11

Imagine going to war and never studying your enemy… or sports with no films of the opposing team.  How arrogant would that be? What would you think of that coach or General? Not studying the enemy is not fighting to your advantage.  This passage is all about giving us as Christians the advantage.

Recognize. – where your strength lies (v.10)

Not in your might – your know-how – or your strength.  Strong in the Lord and in the strength of HIS might. He’s the mighty God – the God of Noah, Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, Nehemiah, Peter, Paul, Martyrs, and YOU!

Utilize. – the full armor of God (v.11, 13)

This is an action step – put it on.    Put on the FULL armor – if you leave off one piece – where do you think Satan will attack you?  Here’s a powerful prayer that might help you…

The Christian’s Spiritual Armor Prayer

In the Name Of the Lord Jesus Christ, I claim the protection of the Belt Of Truth around my waist. I pray the protection of the Belt Of Truth over my personal life, My home and My Family and Gods Ministry for my life. I use the belt of truth directly against Satan and his kingdom of darkness, I ask the Holy Spirit to Protect me from Believing Satan’s Lies.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I put on the BreastPlate Of Righteousness. I hold up the righteous life of the Lord Jesus Christ to defeat Satan and his Kingdom. I affirm that my Victory is won and lived out by Saviour in Whom I Live.

I take the Shoes of Peace in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by faith I shall walk in them this Day. I affirm that I am Justified and that I have Peace with GOD through the Lord Jesus Christ, who is my Peace. Teach me to wait in Your Presence until the Inner Peace of GOD. Which Transcends human Understanding Replaces My Anxiety.

Heavenly Father, I take the by Faith the Protection of the Shield Of Faith, I count upon Your Holy Presence to Surround me, Offering total protection from all of Satan’s Flaming Arrows. Grant me the Grace to accept Your Refining Purpose in allowing any of Satan’s Arrows to pass through the Shield and to even thank You for it. Help me to Concentrate upon Your Presence and not the Enemy’s Arrows.

In the Name of The Lord Jesus Christ. I claim the protection of the Holy Angles to guard and shield me from the assaults of Satan’s Kingdom. May these ministering Angles be present to interfere with the Strategy of Satan to harm me and my Family. I appropriate the Victory of the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ and hold it against the advances of the Evil One. With Gratitude and Praise in The Name Of The Jesus Christ I Rejoice In Your Victory.

Heavenly Father, I take by Faith The Helmet Of Salvation, in the person of Your Son, The Lord Jesus Christ. I cover my MIND WITH HIM. I desire that He put His Mind within ME, Let my thoughts be His Thoughts. I open my Mind fully and Only to the Control of the Lord Jesus Christ. I Reject every Projected thought of Satan and His Demons and Request instead the Mind of the Lord Jesus Christ. Grant to me the Wisdom to Discern thoughts that are from the World and Satan’s Kingdom. I Praise You Heavenly Father, That I may Know the Mind of Christ as I hide Your Word within My Heart and Mind.

In the Name Of The Lord Jesus Christ, I lay hold Of The Sword Of The Spirit. The Word Of GOD. I Embrace Its Inerrant Message Of Truth and Power. In the Name Of The Lord Jesus Christ and by the Ministry of the Holy Spirit, Grant to me the Wisdom to always apply the Word against The Enemy. May I use the Word Of GOD to Defeat Satan and to advance the Cause of Christ into the Realm Satan CLAIMS.

Heavenly Father, I choose to see Myself as You see me in the Person of Your Son, The Lord Jesus Christ, Invincibly Strong and able to do all that is in Your Will for me to do. Help me to see that in My Union with Christ I am more Than Conqueror. Cleanse me in My Saviour’s Blood. I take back from Satan all the ground I have Given Him by my Sin and Transgressions. On the Authority of the Cross, I Resist the Devil and His Kingdom, Steadfast in the Faith. I Command Satan and His Demons to Leave Me and to go Where The LORD JESUS SENDS THEM.   AMEN.

Realize. – who the war is with (v.12)

It’s not against your wife, your husband, your boss, your teenager, your mom or dad – it’s against Satan and his forces.  He’s trying to destroy you and ruin your life.

Strategize. (v.14-17)

• Belt of Truth – The belt held up the robe so you could fight.  Truth is what holds everything up in our lives. Truth comes from God’s Word.  Believe it!
• Breastplate of Righteousness – Righteousness means right living.  Protection comes from living right.
• Shoes of the Gospel – Always thinking about where we go and our Gospel witness there.
• Shield of Faith – When Satan shoots an arrow of doubt – defend yourself by commitment to your faith.  Stand firm in it.
• Helmet of Salvation – always remembering what God saved you from and what change your salvation has brought in your life.
• Sword of the Spirit – God’s Word.  Just like Jesus did in Matthew 4 – when tempted use the one offensive weapon you have – the Bible.  That’s why you have to know it.

Prioritize. – the secret to winning (v.18)

Prayer is the secret weapon to winning the war against Satan.  Make time for dedicated prayer with God AND pray each day as you go.

By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor