Welcome back knights. The last two pieces of armament the King has given us are the sword of the Spirit and praying in the Spirit. Eph 6: 17-18 “…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” As we look closer at these, I would like to point out that the sword is our only offensive weapon. The word of God Almighty is powerful enough that it is the only weapon we need to fight the dragon.
The word of God is our sword. This is what we use to combat and fight back against the dragon with. While Jesus was on earth, He showed us exactly how to use the sword in battle. In Matthew 4 we read that the dragon attacked Jesus to try to make Him fail. Notice that the dragon doesn’t always come when we are best prepared for him either. Jesus had just gone through 40 days of fasting out in the wilderness when the dragon came upon Him and Matthew tells us plainly that Jesus was hungry. Here comes the dragon trying to play on what he perceives is a physical weakness in Jesus. Matt 4:3 “And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”” Jesus will not be fooled by this attack and neither should we. Look at his response. Matt 4:4 “But he answered “It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.””” Jesus used a verse from the Torah, the books of the law of God, Deut. 8:3.
The next verse shows us something very important about the dragons attack. Matt. 4:5-6 “5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,”‘ He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” Did you notice what he is trying to do knights? He is trying to use the word of God, Psalms 97:11-12, to try to temp Jesus. His attempt to tempt Jesus ego was met with another quote from Deut. 6:16 “7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”.
The dragon’s last attempt to trick Jesus is one he tries on all of us. Matt 4:8-9 “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Not only does he try to get Jesus to worship him but also he gives Jesus the opportunity to take the easy way out and get a kingdom now instead of waiting and having to go to the cross for us. Jesus answered in verse 10 “10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.” Only our God and King shall be worshiped and served. Also notice that after this last confrontation, when Jesus gives him his reply, he also tells him to be gone. What does the dragon do? The only thing the dragon can do when ordered by the King, he leaves.
The word of God is vital to our victory knights. Do whatever you have to do to get it not only into your head but also into your heart. If you do not have a copy of the word of God, please get one. There are several good, free websites you can go to that also have wonderful reading plans to help you get through the word. If you don’t know where to start, check out the Blue Letter Bible online. It is free and has several translation and great reading plans and study notes.
The last part of our armament is our communication devise with our King and Commander. Prayer! Praying always in the spirit. God has allowed us this unrestricted communication with Him because He loves us so much and He knows we need it to withstand the attacks of the dragon. God is our strength, our foundation, and our peace. The only way to receive those and be prepared to face the enemy is if we are in constant communication with God. Praying is not first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. Even though that is the best way to start and finish your day, what about all that time in between? We need to constantly talk with God and listen to Him to talk to us. He will tell us the right path to follow.
Father, thank you for giving us everything we need to make it home to you. None of our armor or weapons can be bought or earned. You have seen fit to give it all to us freely. Thank you for your grace and salvation and your long suffering with us as we learn to follow you and grow closer to you. I ask that you bless your warriors Lord that they might go out into this world in which we are passing through and stride forward with confidence that you will not let them stand and fight alone. AMEN!
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