Offensive Weapons

Today’s Bible Reading:  Song of Solomon 1-4; Ephesians 6

Journal Entry on a passage from today’s reading:

Topic: Spiritual Warfare

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians 6:17-18

¹⁷ Take… the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. (Eph 6:17-18 NIV)

OBSERVATION:

These verses are found in that well known passage of Scripture when the Apostle Paul admonishes Christian believers to “put on the whole armor of God” (Eph 6:11 & 13). I have often noted that all of the pieces of armor listed are protective gear: belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, gospel of peace foot covers, shield of faith, and helmet of salvation. And then “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (v. 17) is listed. For a long time I thought this was the one and only offensive weapon listed for our warfare against “spiritual forces of evil” (see v. 12). But I have since noted that praying “in the Spirit” (v. 18) is also an offensive weapon. Two offensive weapons—two means of advancing against the enemy: The sword of the Spirit and praying in the Spirit. The key to victory over the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil, is Holy Spirit enlightenment and enablement. 

APPLICATION:

Listen up Christians: The mission we have been given in the world is not just to defend ourselves. The task given to us is to advance upon the enemy, to take back ground that rightfully belongs to our King. If all we do is to trust in our armor—our defenses—we will only be holding our ground at best and will eventually face defeat. No! We must take up our offensive weapons, the Spirit empowered Word of God and Spirit empowered prayer, and move forward into the fray to attack and drive back the enemy of our souls. 

PRAYER:

Thank You Lord that You have provided everything we need to not just survive in this fallen world, but to realize victory. Through Christ and with His Spirit. Amen.  –AP