Use Your Weapons!

In my last post, I listed some weapons of warfare that you can use to confront satan and his agents of darkness. In today's post, we will explore how to use each of these weapons as a believer in Christ Jesus. The book of Ephesians 6:14-18 says:

Eph. 8:14-18 (NKJV)

“

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Weapon One: Truth

The Bible says you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32). We are in the days where falsehood and deceit have gained control of people's hearts. Truth is the first weapon of warfare listed in the scripture above, and just as a belt is needed to gird a Roman soldier's waist to keep the rest of his attire and weapons in place, every believer in Christ Jesus needs truth to gird their life in place.

As a believer, you need to always walk in the truth and speak the truth. There should be no room for lies. If you are on a phone call with someone in Abuja, Nigeria, don't say you are in Lagos, Nigeria. When you do so, you are not speaking or living the truth. Do away with easy lies and choose to be always truthful in all you do.

The Bible says, "for we cannot do anything against the truth, but for the truth.” 2 Cor. 13:8 (NKJV). Truth is a weapon and powerhouse that can enforce great outcomes. A person living a truthful life will surely prevail in all circumstances. Keep walking and living in the truth.

Weapon 2: Righteousness

That same scripture (Eph. 6:14) speaks about the breastplate of righteousness. As believers in Christ, we need to put on the breastplate of righteousness continually. Breastplates are for the protection of the hearts of Roman soldiers. Our hearts must be protected from evil thoughts that can truncate the plan and purpose of God for us. The Bible says we should keep our heart with all diligence because out of it springs the issues of life (Prov. 4:23). When we have the heart of righteousness, we shall indeed walk in righteousness. The heart of righteousness is a heart that acknowledges sin and strives to avoid it. It's a heart of humility and sacrifice. We must choose righteousness, do away with every act of sin, and live a righteous life in public and private.

Weapon 3: Preaching of the gospel

Jesus, our Saviour, gave everyone who believed in Him a great commission to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15). Preaching the gospel (making Christ known) is another powerful weapon that every believer must utilize to bring sinners to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I know that there must be people in your sphere of influence who do not know Jesus and have not given their lives to him. If they die without giving their lives to Jesus, they will surely go into Christless eternity. It is your duty as a believer to preach Jesus to them and tell them why they need to accept Jesus and be born again in Christ Jesus so that they can be saved from the eternal calamity that will befall those who reject Jesus.

Weapon 4: Faith

Ephesians 6 talks about another powerful weapon: the shield of faith. A shield protects against arrows, swords, and dangerous projectiles wielded by the enemy. As a believer in Christ, faith is your shield. You must operate in faith and not in fear. The Bible says, "for we walk by faith, not by sight" 2 Cor. 5:7 (NKJV). Faith is a spiritual force that can shape your present and future. What do you see about your life now? Do you see victory or misery?

Do you see only the obvious like your lack of money, health challenges, retrogression, among others, or do you see the things God can do in your life like victory over poverty, sound health, and rapid progress? Don’t walk by sight alone (what you see). Walk by faith and choose to see what God can and will do for your life. To be continued…