KEY SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

RELEVANCE

The Apostle Paul knew more than anyone other than Christ about the weapons of warfare and how to use them.

You might wonder why peaceful Christians (and we're called to be peaceful) would need weapons of or for warfare. Well, we live in two realms—the natural and spiritual—and have enemies in each.

We have adversaries that others don't have. Satan hates the fact that we have refused his authority and accepted Christ as King. Now, he works tirelessly to re-captivate our minds, hearts and bodies. However, he cannot do that without a fight. God gave us tools for warfare so powerful that they cannot be defended against—if we use them. 

The reason is that our weapons are not carnal or fleshly, governed by the low rank of human nature, but manifest in a much higher spiritual plane and, therefore, more powerful. 

Paul calls us to live peaceably with all people, if possible, as much as lies in us. (Romans 12:18). In fact, Hebrews 12:14 goes a step further by stating that we are to pursue peace with everyone and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. So, getting on with all people to the best of our ability is not only crucial to our relationship with God but directly proportional. 

However, some people and agencies don't want peace with Christians. The Bible we use as life's guide exposes sin and offers a narrow way that carnal man despises. God provides armour and weapons to protect ourselves defensively and fight offensively against the unkindness that comes from that incompatible point of view. 

As our key verse shows, a large part of our defence is casting down imaginations. Powerful life-altering emotions such as anxiety and fear become obedient to us instead of the other way around. If we spent time casting down imaginations, we would be 90% stronger and more reliable to God. In that passage,

Paul speaks of taking authority over whatever enters and leaves our minds and mouths. 

In Ephesians 6:11-18, Paul again prepares us for battle by instructing us to put on the whole armour of God, so we may be able to stand against the devil's wiles, which are many and varied. Paul provides a tactical reminder like a wartime general speaking to his troops before charging into battle. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

But have you considered the nine fruit of the Spirit as warfare weapons? God calls the Christian to consciously use these in combat against attacks, but all too often, we respond with similar words or actions as we're receiving at the time.  Held together by the two indispensable bookends of love and temperance, we use these beautiful qualities as a part of our arsenal, and Satan has no equivalent defence. 

When enemies such as hatred and dislike attack us, we fight back with love. Most resistance melts in the face of love. Feelings of abandonment and rejection cannot stand against patience and crumble before the relentless power of long-suffering. A harsh spirit dissolves in the presence of warm and kind-hearted gentleness. A peaceful and joyful heart triumphs over the self-pitying soul and those who consistently react with conflict. 

Moral deficiencies and deceit grow dim when goodness is continually alight. Faith far prevails over a lack of confidence in the future. Anger bows before the spiritual superiority of constant meekness (not weakness). When we employ temperance (habitual moderation) to its full extent, Satan's fiery darts of immoral or ungodly suggestions extinguish on impact.

The capacity to activate these amazing healing powers comes from the Holy Spirit. 

Satan hopes we will react to harm as the world does, with anger and force. But we don't because we are Christ-ones, with the same love for others as Jesus has for us, and gave His life to prove it. 

As harm is thrown at us, and we respond with the opposite characteristic given by God, we have immediately won that battle and disarmed the enemy. 

Christians are at war every day of the year. It's a spiritual conflict, and we need to know the Holy Spirit's power we possess to engage in the fight. God gave us a superior armoury of weapons to fight with—weapons the world does not understand or know about. They are soft weapons with extreme power in the heavenlies.

 We not only use the nine fruit of the Spirit to change our own nature but intentionally use them in battle to help change the lives of others.

Let's praise God continually for His invisible provisions and support. 

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank you for so many weapons of warfare. Many times, I forget that I am in a war. Please help me recall the fruit of the Spirit first in response to trouble.

Photo by Stijn Swinnen