Stay Battle Ready

The Bible

Foremost, God speaks of ‘The Sword of Truth’ – the Bible. When the enemy tries to attack you, use God’s holy word to fight back. When Satan condemns you with accusations, use verses to attack back at him like:

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Sometimes, in moments of weakness or doubt, we may drop the sword and find ourselves believing the lies that the enemy whispers into our hearts. These lies can come in the form of fear, insecurity, or the false belief that we are unworthy of God’s love and grace. But in these moments, it is crucial to remember that God’s word is our unshakable foundation. We must hold firm to the truth of the Bible, standing guard against any deception that seeks to lead us astray. By clinging to His promises and staying rooted in His teachings, we equip ourselves to recognize and resist the lies of the enemy, remaining steadfast in our faith and unyielding in our trust in God’s word.

We can also be easily led into deception and pulled into false delusions if we are not firmly anchored to the truth. The world is full of voices and influences that seek to divert us from the path of righteousness, offering counterfeit versions of truth that may seem appealing but ultimately lead us astray. When we are not deeply rooted in the truth of God’s word, we become vulnerable to these deceptive teachings and ideologies. Many have strayed into false doctrine when they do not use the Bible as their primary guide, relying instead on human wisdom, popular opinion, or distorted interpretations of scripture. Without the solid foundation of God’s truth, it becomes easy to be swayed by teachings that twist or contradict the true message of the Gospel. This is why it is so crucial to immerse ourselves in the study of the Bible, allowing it to be the lens through which we view all things. When we anchor ourselves to the truth of God’s word, we are able to discern between what is true and what is false, protecting ourselves from the subtle and dangerous deceptions that the enemy uses to lure us away from God. By staying grounded in scripture, we safeguard our faith and ensure that we remain aligned with God’s will, no matter what false doctrines may arise.

The Armor

Do not forget to put on the whole armor of God, for while we have God’s word as our powerful weapon of offense, we also need the full protection that comes with the rest of His armor.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:12)

The Belt of Truth: “The belt of truth is the first piece of armor mentioned, and it’s no coincidence. Truth is foundational to our defense against the enemy. Just as a belt secures a soldier’s armor and holds everything in place, the truth of God’s word holds our spiritual lives together. When we wrap ourselves in the truth—knowing and living by God’s word—we are able to discern right from wrong, and we won’t be easily swayed by the lies and deceptions that the enemy tries to use against us. The belt of truth keeps us grounded, ensuring that we walk in integrity and stand firm in the reality of who God is and what He has spoken.”
The Breastplate of Righteousness: “The breastplate of righteousness protects our hearts, the core of our emotions, and our spiritual well-being. Righteousness, in this context, is not about our own deeds but the righteousness we receive through faith in Christ. This breastplate guards us from the guilt, shame, and accusations the enemy might use to try to pierce our hearts. When we put on this breastplate, we remind ourselves that we are made righteous through Christ’s sacrifice and that our identity is secure in Him. This righteousness helps us live in a way that honors God, shielding our hearts from the enemy’s attacks.”
The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: “The shoes of the gospel of peace enable us to stand firm and move forward with confidence. A soldier’s shoes are essential for stability and readiness in battle, and for us, the gospel of peace is what allows us to stand firm in the midst of chaos. This peace comes from knowing that we are reconciled with God through Christ, and it gives us the confidence to face any challenge without fear. With these shoes, we are always ready to share the good news of God’s love and peace with others, bringing light into the darkness.”
The Shield of Faith: “The shield of faith is a vital piece of armor, designed to protect us from the fiery darts of doubt, fear, and temptation that the enemy throws our way. Faith, in this context, is our unwavering trust in God’s character, His promises, and His power. When we hold up the shield of faith, we block the lies and accusations that the enemy tries to use to undermine our trust in God. This shield doesn’t just protect us individually; in the Roman army, shields were designed to be locked together with others, providing a wall of defense. Similarly, our faith is strengthened when we stand together with other believers, supporting one another in the battle.”
The Helmet of Salvation: “The helmet of salvation protects our minds, the seat of our thoughts and decisions. Salvation is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process of being transformed by the renewing of our minds. When we put on the helmet of salvation, we protect our thoughts from the doubts, confusion, and lies that the enemy tries to plant. It reminds us that our salvation is secure in Christ, giving us the assurance that we belong to Him and that nothing can separate us from His love. This assurance enables us to think clearly and make decisions that align with God’s will.”
The Sword of the Spirit: “The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, is our primary offensive weapon in spiritual warfare. Unlike the other pieces of armor, which are defensive, the sword allows us to strike back against the enemy. The word of God is powerful, living, and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. When we speak and apply God’s word, we cut through the lies and deceptions of the enemy. Jesus Himself used the word of God to defeat Satan during His temptation in the wilderness, showing us the importance of knowing and using scripture in our battles. The more we immerse ourselves in God’s word, the more effective we become in wielding this sword.”

Battle Tactic

In the spiritual battle we face every day, it’s essential to have the right tactics to stay anchored in Christ. One powerful strategy is to immerse yourself in Christian environments, events, material, and media. This means surrounding yourself with the things of God—listening to gospel music that uplifts your spirit, attending Christian festivals that bring believers together, or even something as simple as placing Biblical scripture magnets on your refrigerator to keep God’s word in front of you daily.

Equally important is surrounding yourself with other Christians—not just in church, but in all areas of life. Connect with believers through Christian organizations, attend concerts that celebrate faith, and engage with fellow Christians on social media. These connections extend your spiritual community beyond Sunday services and keep you grounded in your faith throughout the week.

God often speaks to His children through Christian material, events, and other believers. It might be a timely verse during a Christian book study that gives you exactly the encouragement you need, or a church choir singing lyrics that resonate deeply with your heart. These moments are not coincidences; they are God using His people and His resources to strengthen you.

It can be challenging to stay immersed in Christian activities, especially when you feel forsaken or are hurting from hardship. But these tactics are vital—they anchor you to Christ, providing the support and encouragement needed to persevere in your faith.

As the Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:8-9:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

By focusing on what is true, pure, and honorable, and by surrounding ourselves with godly influences, we can effectively fight the good fight of faith, remaining steadfast in our walk with Christ.

Battle Tactic

As the Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:8-9:

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

By focusing on what is true, pure, and honorable, and by surrounding ourselves with godly influences, we can effectively fight the good fight of faith, remaining steadfast in our walk with Christ.

Prayer

Never cease in praying. Prayer is more than just words spoken into the air; it is a powerful and direct line of communication with the Creator of the universe. It’s through prayer that we pour out our hearts to God, sharing our deepest fears, hopes, and desires. Even when it feels like our prayers are met with silence, we must trust that God is always listening, especially when we approach Him with a repentant heart, sincerely confessing and turning away from our sins. He promises that He hears the prayers of those who seek Him in humility and truth.

Sometimes, it may feel like God is distant or silent, especially during trials or periods of waiting. However, it’s crucial to remember that God’s silence does not mean He is absent. Often, He is working in ways that we cannot see or understand, weaving together His perfect plan for our lives. His timing is not ours, and His ways are higher than our ways. During these times, perseverance in prayer becomes even more important. It’s in these moments of seeming silence that our faith is tested and strengthened, as we learn to trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty even when we don’t see immediate answers.

Praying in the Spirit is a vital aspect of our spiritual life and a key part of the armor of God. It is through prayer that we remain connected to God, drawing on His strength and wisdom for the battles we face each day. To pray in the Spirit means to pray under the guidance and influence of the Holy Spirit, aligning our prayers with God’s will. This kind of prayer goes beyond mere routine; it’s about being attuned to the Spirit’s leading, allowing Him to intercede for us when we don’t have the words, and seeking His direction in every situation.

In addition to praying for our own needs, we are called to intercede for others. The Bible encourages us to pray for all the saints, meaning we should be vigilant in lifting up our fellow believers in prayer. This builds a strong community of faith, where we support and uphold one another through prayer, especially in times of difficulty.

Furthermore, prayer is not just a solitary activity; it’s communal. As believers, we are part of the body of Christ, and our prayers contribute to the spiritual well-being of the whole body. Whether praying for a friend in need, for the Church, or for the world, our prayers have the power to bring about change, comfort, and divine intervention.

Ephesians 6:18 emphasizes the importance of persistent and Spirit-led prayer:

“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.”

This scripture reminds us to be constant in prayer, always alert, and never giving up. The Christian life is a continuous battle, and prayer is our most effective weapon. Through it, we stay connected to God, receive His strength, and align our hearts with His purposes. So, don’t cease in praying, knowing that your prayers are heard and that God is faithfully working, even in ways that may not be immediately visible. Keep pressing in, trusting that in His perfect time, He will respond in a way that is far greater than we can imagine.

God's Love

Remember God’s love because the enemy wants you paralyzed in fear.

As stated in 1 John 4:18:

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

This powerful verse underscores a profound truth about the nature of love, particularly God’s perfect love. It reveals that true, unconditional love—like that which God offers—is inherently devoid of fear. Fear often arises from the anticipation of punishment or the consequences of wrongdoing. It is tied to the uncertainty of judgment and the potential for harm. In contrast, God’s perfect love eliminates these fears because it is not contingent upon our performance or our worthiness.

Perfect love, as described in this verse, is characterized by its completeness and assurance. It is love that is full, unconditional, and unwavering. When we are enveloped in such love, it transforms our perspective and dispels the anxieties that fear can bring. This love assures us that we are accepted and valued beyond measure, not based on our merit or our failures, but simply because we are cherished by God.

The verse also highlights that fear is a sign of incompleteness in our understanding of love. When we live in fear, it indicates that we have not fully grasped or experienced the depth of God’s perfect love. Fear arises from insecurity and the anticipation of punishment, but when we are made perfect in love, we are secure in the knowledge that we are loved wholly and unconditionally by God. This perfect love reassures us of our place in God’s family, removing the dread of judgment and replacing it with peace and confidence.

Understanding and embracing God’s perfect love helps us overcome our fears and anxieties. It empowers us to face life’s challenges with courage and trust, knowing that we are enveloped in a love that cannot be diminished by our mistakes or circumstances. This love strengthens us, providing a firm foundation on which we can build our lives, free from the paralyzing effects of fear.

In summary, 1 John 4:18 teaches us that when we truly understand and experience God’s perfect love, it eradicates fear. This love assures us of our safety and acceptance, and it transforms our hearts and minds, allowing us to live confidently and peacefully in the security of God’s unwavering affection.