AND TEN SPIRITUAL WARFARE WEAPONS

SPECIAL REPORT THE ARMOR OF GOD AND TEN SPIRITUAL WARFARE WEAPONS by Apostle Jonas Clark The Apostle Paul built an apostolic church in Ephesus. Paul is our best example of a fivefold ascension gift apostle because his calling was after the resurrection of Christ. Paul built the Ephesus church after meeting twelve disciples of John the Baptist. Paul asked them, Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? 1 They had not heard about this so Paul laid his hands on them and they were baptized in the Holy Ghost, spoke with other tongues, and prophesied (Acts 19:1-7). This enduement of Holy Ghost power was foundational in the building of one of the greatest churches the world had ever seen (Acts 1:8). The church in Ephesus was a governing church with a governing people. These believers had to be equipped with the armor of God. Paul taught about the spiritual warfare they would face and how to prepare for it. You too need to know about the spiritual warfare you will face and how to prepare for it. Here is what Paul taught, Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. Wherefore take unto you 1 This meeting was twenty years after the resurrection of Christ. 1

the whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 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, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel. (Ephesians 6:10-19) Paul makes it clear the spiritual warfare battles you face are not against flesh and blood (people) but rather a hierarchy of demonic powers such as, principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places. The Living Bible describes these satanic forces as persons without bodies. In other words, they are spirits. Notice there is a hierarchy of demonic powers. What is a demonic hierarchy? A demonic hierarchy is a series of ordered groupings, or ranks of demonic powers within a system. Satan s kingdom, demonic powers within a system, is highly organized. Before Satan fell he led a third of God s angels into rebellion and they were all cast out of heaven together. 2 These fallen angels became the rulers of the darkness of this world ruling from high places with specific assignments and territorial responsibilities. Through these dark leaders Satan set up a rival kingdom that would oppose Christ, his servants, and the advancement of the Kingdom of God. According to Paul these demonic forces 2 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth (Revelation 12:4) 2

rule from high places. High places, (Greek epouranios), is the same word for heavenly places. These heavenly places are known as commanding heights. Occupying the commanding heights overlooking the battlefield was vital to winning the war when cannons were the main arms in warfare. As a military strategy high places offered an advantage over the enemy. These heavenly places are realms in the spirit where Satan s regime governs. 3 Heaven and Heavenly Places There are more heavens than the one we usually think about. It is clear in Scripture there are several heavens. These heavenly places are seats of governing authority. The apostle Paul wrote of a man caught up into the third heaven. If there is a third heaven there must be a first and second. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. (2 Corinthians 12:2-4) This third heaven is the dwelling place of God Almighty. There is much in the word of God about heaven and heavenly places. It should be clear that Christ is seated far above all heavens and is seated at the right hand of God having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them (Colossians 2:15, Ephesians 1:20; 4:10). 3 See Luke 4:5. Through Adam s rebellion he forfeited control of these kingdoms to Satan. 3

Because you are seated together with Christ in heavenly places you too have the victory (Ephesians 2:6). Jesus said, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power (authority) to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven, the seat of Christ s governing authority (Luke 10:18-20). 4 In other words, spirits are subject to you because you are seated together with Christ, above all the heavens, with delegated spiritual authority, and can t be harmed by any demonic power. War in the Heavens During times of spiritual warfare you might feel alone, but you re not. God s angels are fighting with you! If you could pull back the curtain and see into the realm of the spirit, you would discover there is a war taking place in the heavens. There are many holy angels making up the army of the Lord, but only two mentioned by name in Scripture, Gabriel and Michael. Gabriel is mentioned as one of God s special messengers bringing understanding of God s word (Daniel 8:16). Michael is described as one of the chief princes (Daniel 10:13), your prince (Daniel 10:21), the great prince (Daniel 12:1), and the archangel (Jude 1:9). He is a leader of God s armies (Revelation 12:7) and the guardian of Israel (Daniel 12:1). Michael is an archangel, meaning one chief in rank and authority. He can be likened to a general of God s army. He is a warring archangel and defender of the Kingdom of God. Satan and his angels once attempted a coup d'état against God, but Michael and his army of angels cast them out of the third heaven to the earth. The third heaven is the seat of God s governing authority, the commanding heights. This place is far above all heavens. 4 Notice Christ said because your names are written in heaven, not the Lamb s Book of Life. This scripture is about positional and delegated spiritual authority. 4

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Revelation 12:7-10) The Book of Daniel gives insight of spiritual warfare in heavenly places. While Daniel fasted and prayed for 21 days there was a war in the heavens to stop revelation from getting through to him. During this time of prayer he got a visit from Jesus, The Lord of Hosts. Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. (Daniel 10:5-9) Some don t see Jesus as a warrior, yet Scripture describes him as a man of war (Exodus 15:3) and captain of the armies of God (Joshua 5:14). As Lord of Host, Jesus sent an angel to help Daniel understand the vision. 5

And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. (Daniel 10:10-13) As already said, this is a picture of heavenly warfare during Daniel s prayer. This angel is not named, but is probably Gabriel. He described spiritual opposition from the prince of the kingdom of Persia battling against him for 21 days until Michael came and helped. It s important for the spiritual warrior to understand this heavenly battle was about stopping understanding from getting through to Daniel. You will experience the same. Scripture says, It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 13:11). The mysteries of the kingdom include revelation or rhema of the Word of God. Jesus said, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word (rhema) of God (Luke 4:4). There are two Greek words used when you read word in the Bible. One is logos, and the other rhema. Logos is black ink on white paper. Rhema is life giving revelation. It s revelation of Christ and His Word that makes all the difference in your life. This is the reason for most of the spiritual warfare you will face. There is a great lesson for you in Daniel. Don t stop praying, angels are fighting with you, and breakthrough is on the way! 6

What is Spiritual Warfare? According to Jessie Penn-Lewis, author of War on the Saints in collaboration with the famous Welsh revivalist Evan Roberts, spiritual warfare is wrestling against the powers of darkness and is part of the Christian s governing authority. She wrote, It is only possible to wrestle against the powers of darkness by the spirit. It is a spiritual warfare, and can only be understood by the spiritual man, that is, a man who lives by and is governed by his spirit. 5 Paul also taught what it takes to withstand in the evil day. That evil day is your day of spiritual warfare. It s your day for wrestling. Wrestling is a close contact sport. For spiritual conflict Paul said you needed spiritual armor. God gives you his armor to fight with and not to run. Spiritual opposition can take on many different forms. Remember that spiritual warfare is waged in the spirit realm. This is what Paul wanted to make sure you understood. That means you can t fight back through the use of carnal weapons of education, intellect, reasoning, or emotional intelligence (IQ or EQ), but must learn how to use God given spiritual weapons. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). What is the Armor of God? The armor of God is worn by spiritual warriors. The apostle Paul spoke of putting on the whole armor of God. Observe he made sure people knew it was God s armor they were to cloth themselves with. Paul described the armor of God like this: 5 Lewis, Jessie-Penn (1912). War on the Saints, Bournemouth, Hants, England: The Overcomer Book Room. 7

Belt of truth Breastplate of righteousness Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace Shield of faith Helmet of salvation Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God Notice the words truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and Word of God. These words make up the armor of God and are all necessary aids to victory on the battlefield. ARMOR OF GOD DEFINITIONS Belt of Truth To win spiritual battles requires the belt of truth. Christ said, Let your loins be girded about and your lights burning (Luke 12:35). The first piece of the armor of God is the belt of truth. Scripture says, Having your loins girt about with truth (Ephesians 6:14). Today a belt is used to hold up your pants. In Apostle Paul s day people wore a loose fitting garment similar to a tunic that extended down to their hips or knees. Around this tunic they wore a leather belt. A Roman soldier would not want a loose fitting tunic getting in his way during battle so he made sure to gird up his loins or to tighten up his belt. Girding up your loins with truth means to make yourself ready for battle. Tightening up your belt is something you do before the fight. God told Jeremiah, Gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them (Jeremiah 1:17). 8

Notice girding up the loins was a precursor before Jeremiah could begin his assignment. Girding yourself with truth requires you to know the truth. Paul told his spiritual son Timothy, Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Jesus said, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:31-32). Every spiritual warrior prepares himself before going to battle. Meditation on the word of God is the best and fastest way to get ready. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word (Psalms 119:10-16) The belt of truth also surrounds your loins. The loins are your reproductive region, the place of conception, and birthing new things. When God spoke to Abraham he said, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee and kings shall come out of thy loins (Genesis 35:11). When your loins are girded about with truth you can expect revelation of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 13:11). Breastplate of Righteousness Before going to battle, strap on God s breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate of 9

righteousness is only available to the sons of God. John wrote, But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name (John 1:12). As a Christian you can count on this armor for protection in the heat of battle. You already know we have no righteousness of our own and can t work your way into right standing with God. Biblical righteousness is only imparted to the repentant of sins and through faith in Christ s redeeming blood on the cross at Calvary. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (atonement for sin) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3:21-26) Going through spiritual warfare is not fun, that s why it includes hardship, trial, and tribulation. James said, Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing (James 1:2-4). So we learn the breastplate of righteousness is only available to us through the redeeming blood of Christ, is cast in faith, and tried by fire (1 Peter 1:7). God imputed righteousness to Abraham because of faith. Abraham was called the friend 10

of God because he believed against all odds that God was well able to do what he promised. Scripture confirms that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). What God did for Abraham he will do for you. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (Romans 4:18-25) The warrior s breastplate protects the chest, lungs, and, most importantly, the heart. Scripture says, Keep thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). To keep your heart means to guard it. I m convinced the only thing Satan has to work with is what s in you. Jesus said, For the prince of this world cometh and hath nothing in me (John 14:30). Guarding your heart requires mindfulness of what you see, hear, and say. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace (Romans 8:5-6). The bottom line for the spiritual warrior means the breastplate of righteousness is yours 11

to strap on because of the ministry of the Lamb of God. For (God) hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (2 Corinthians 5:21). As the righteousness of God you can boldly declare, If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). Shoes of the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace Spiritual warriors have their Gospel shoes on. Shoes protect your feet and enable you to walk on rocky terrain. This part of the armor of God is speaking of both preparation and readiness to share the Gospel. There is a difference between the gospel of the Kingdom and the doctrine of the Cross. Sharing what Christ did on the cross at Calvary, as the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world, is foundational and the most wellknown doctrine in Christianity. Jesus said, For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). That is a good summation of the doctrine of the Cross. With that in mind, let s introduce a broader concept and the gospel of the Kingdom. Scripture says, After John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel (Mark 1:14-15). Notice Christ did not come preaching the cross but the kingdom of God. Jesus also instructed his disciples to preach the kingdom of God. Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick (Luke 9:1-2). I m not saying preaching the doctrine of the cross is not fundamental, but I am saying there must be more to understand about this part of God s armor because the doctrine of the Cross is covered in the helmet of salvation. 12

To better understand this let s look at the Greek word for preach, kerux. Paul said, I am appointed a preacher (kerux), and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles (2 Timothy 1:11). A Kerux was an official representative of a king and a kingdom. When a king conquered a territory he would send his Kerux to teach new subjects the king s laws, sanctions, and expectations. Isn t that what preachers do today? Apostle Peter taught that Christ s disciples were part of a royal priesthood or a priesthood of kings (1 Peter 2:9). So as a king you have been given authority to represent the King of Glory, minister the good news of salvation, and advance his kingdom culture. This all means the spiritual warrior has shod his feet with a readiness to represent Christ as a Kerux by heralding the doctrine of the Cross and the Gospel the Kingdom. In my book Destined for Dominion we explain your call as a vicegerent of Christ. A vicegerent is appointed by his ruler to subdue and govern on his behalf. 6 The Shield of Faith The shield of faith is carried on the arm and used to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. For the spiritual warrior faith is a lifestyle. In the evil day, your day of spiritual battle, the shield of faith will stop all demonic assaults. Through faith the saints of God subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, and turned to flight the armies of the aliens (Hebrews 11:33-34). Faith simply believes the word of God to be true. During battle the enemy will dispute the word of God by direct challenge or by introducing doubt. This was Satan s strategy with Eve. It worked. 6 Clark, Jonas, (2012). Destined for Dominion. ISBN 10:1-62160-008-4. Spirit of Life Ministries. P. 18 13

Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: (Genesis 3:1-4) Unbelief will hinder the work of God like it did in Christ s hometown. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. (Mark 6:5-6). You are not like these faithless doubters. You are part of the remnant that know faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word (Romans 10:17). You believe that God is your refuge, strength, and a very present help in trouble (Psalms 46:1). When the enemy attacks you with doubt and fear, lift up that shield of faith and quench all his fiery assignments. The Helmet of Salvation Included in God s armor is the helmet of salvation. You need it. The helmet of salvation is used to protect your head from injury and give you peace of mind. Head injuries can cause abnormal physical, cognitive, and emotional behaviors including confusion, nausea, blurry vision, headaches, and clumsiness. In a spiritual sense all of these could hinder you from fulfilling destiny. There are three areas of spiritual warfare. The first and most common is the battle against your mind from thoughts of doubt, worry, unbelief, vain imaginations, and fear. Here the helmet of salvation is vital in overcoming demonic thoughts. The second is direct or 14

indirect confrontation with demon spirits. The third, and the highest level, is tearing down anti-christ strongholds created in the minds of men by principalities. Spiritual warriors learn how to stop demonic assignments against their minds. As already said, God s helmet of salvation protects your mind. When battles rage against your mind be sure and pray on the helmet of salvation. Scripture declares, For God hath not given you the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). If your helmet is not on, the enemy will try and put condemnation on you. Condemnation makes you feel like God is angry with you. Condemnation leads to depression and hopelessness. The good news is you have been redeemed from the curse of the law of sin and death, freed from the wages of sin, given the promise of resurrection from the dead and eternal life. Scripture says, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 26:3). Sword of the Spirit The sword of the Spirit is the anointed word of God. This is the weapon that puts every wicked spirit running. It is written that the word of God is alive, powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing (Hebrews 4:12). In other words, the anointed word of God is unstoppable. Of all the parts making up the armor of God, the anointed word of God is your only offensive weapon. All the others were given for protection. Every spiritual warrior understands the anointed power of the word of God. It s significant that Paul calls the word of God the sword of the Spirit. This is because it is the anointing on the word of God that gives it power. Paul wrote, And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the 15

power of God (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). There was a time when Jesus, the Word incarnate, walked the earth with no anointing. There were no miracles, healings, rebuking storms, raising the dead, turning water into wine, or casting out devils. Even though Jesus was always God it wasn t until the anointing of the Holy Ghost came on him at the River Jordan that there was any supernatural manifestations of power. And it came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (Mark 1:9-11). 7 Jesus, the word made flesh, did not anoint himself. Jesus was anointed by the Holy Ghost. If Jesus needed the anointing so do we. After Jesus was anointed the Holy Spirit led him into the wilderness being tempted of the devil for forty days. Christ met every temptation with a statement you will do well to remember, It is written! Notice Christ did not ignore Satan. He confronted him with Scripture. Some consider the anointing of the Holy Spirit solely for blessing, but the anointing is also for spiritual confrontation. When the enemy challenges you, grasp the sword of the Spirit, speak the Word with boldness and command him to get under your feet where he belongs. Use the Name of Jesus. Scripture says, God hath highly exalted him (Christ), and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11). When you speak the word every demonic power has no choice but to obey. 7 Notice the two words heaven(s) and heaven. 16

PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT Fully armed spiritual warriors pray in the Spirit. Paul gave instructions to those that were dressed for battle with God s armor saying, Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Ephesians 6:18). This means praying with all types of prayer including praying in an unknown tongue. The only way to pray in the Spirit is by praying in other tongues. This is important and will help you immensely to withstand in the evil day. Paul taught about praying in the spirit, For if I pray in an unknown tongue my spirit prayeth (1 Corinthians 14:14). Notice Paul said it was his spirit praying and not his mind. This is a powerful truth for every spiritual warrior. You are a spirit, have a soul, and live in a body. When you repented of sin and asked Christ to wash you with his blood you became a new creature in Christ Jesus old things passed away behold all things became new (2 Corinthians 5:17). It s at that point a miracle of salvation took place and you received a new nature (Ephesians 4:24). Before salvation you were dead in trespasses and sin, but now your spirit man is alive unto God. This is the born again experience (John 3:16). The baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues is a gift from Christ. After Christ resurrection and before the ascension he instructed his disciples not to depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence (Acts 1:4-5). 17

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:1-4). As already mentioned, twenty years after the resurrection, the apostle Paul met twelve believers that had never heard of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. They were not dressed for battle. Paul knew it was a must if they were to handle the spiritual warfare against them. And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied (Acts 19:1-6). When you are praying in the spirit your spirit man is praying to the Lord in an unknown tongue. This is good because, the Spirit helpeth your infirmities (prayer weakness): for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself (himself) maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26). Finally, Jude said praying in the spirit strengthens you, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost (Jude 1:20). At the end of this report you will 18

find a special prayer for praying on the armor of God. Now let s take a look at ten powerful spiritual weapons you can use in the heat of the battle. TEN SPIRITUAL WARFARE WEAPONS Weapon One: The Word of God The first weapon is the spoken Word of God. You need to understand that the Word of God has power in it. Scripture teaches, For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). When Christ faced Satan in the wilderness he didn t ignore him. Instead Christ taught you how to respond to every encounter, It is written! (Luke 4:4). This is one of the greatest lessons a spiritual warrior must learn, there is power in the spoken Word of God. Use it much when you find yourself in the evil day. Every Disciple of Christ should read the Word, believe the Word, meditate on the Word, and act on the Word. Weapon Two: The Blood The next is pleading the blood of Jesus. Scripture declares, And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (Revelation 12:11). The blood of Jesus still speaks for you today. And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel (Hebrews 12:24). Abel s blood spoke of judgment but Christ blood speaks of redemption. Demons can t stand hearing about the blood of Jesus. For you it s glorious, but for them it s torment and a reminder of their fiery 19

destination. Weapon Three: Your Testimony Your third weapon is your testimony. This is in line with the same scripture above saying you overcome by the blood of Christ and the word of your testimony. Your testimony is what Christ has done for you. It s personal. Often you hear testimonies of great trials and tribulations people endured but afterward gained magnificent victories. One battled with a terminal illness and was healed, another lost all possessions but God returned all, another was bound to alcohol and drugs but now is free, and another s marriage was a disaster but God brought restoration. In the heat of the battle remember your testimony. The devil hates those that are grateful to God and remind him of defeat. Weapon Four: Praying In the Spirit One of the greatest weapons in your arsenal is the baptism of the Holy Ghost. After the resurrection Christ spent forty days and nights speaking to his future revolutionaries about the Kingdom of God and the restoration of all things. Before he released them into ministry he gave them some simple instruction, wait for the Holy Spirit. And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence (Acts 1:4-5). Christ knew what it would take to withstand in the evil day, power. But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8). If you are not baptized with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other 20

tongues ask Jesus to do so right now. The Holy Spirit is a free gift given to empower you to win every battle. John the Baptist said, I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire (Matthew 3:11). Weapon Five: Renewing Your Mind Renewing your mind is one of your weapons. This can t be done over the weekend. Renewing your mind is a lifestyle change. You didn t come into the Kingdom of God with right thinking. When you repented of your sins and asked Christ to come into your heart and life you became a new creature in Christ Jesus old things passed away behold all things became new. That is speaking of your spirit-man that was once dead in trespasses and sin but now through the blood of the Lamb is alive unto God. You received a new spiritual nature but now you have to renew your mind. To renew your mind means to change the way you think. This is important because if you don t think right, you can t believe right, if you don t believe right you won t act right. Wrong thinking will mess you up. Scripture says, And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2). Paul taught the carnal mind is a major problem for you and must be dealt with. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:5-8) 21

Changing the way you think is important to every spiritual warrior. The writer of Proverbs said it well, For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). Weapon Six: Faith Faith is your weapon that stops demonic attacks in the day of spiritual battle. Remember, God does not fear what you fear. Faith in God always takes out giants. When David heard the taunts of Goliath he said, Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that would defy the armies of the living God? David knew of his covenant with God, but this Philistine had no such covenant. Out of David s mouth spoke these faith-filled words, Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God (1 Samuel 17:36). Like David, you will face spiritual lions, bears, and giants. Learn the lessons of his faith in a covenant keeping God. Faith is a lifestyle. It is written, Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him (Hebrews 10:38). Faith, hope, and evidence, are all measures of the spiritual warrior s walk with God. Scripture declares, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen for by it the elders obtained a good report (Hebrews 11:1-2). Your faith pleases God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is visible. And they came unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee (Mark 2:3-5). And in keeping with Apostle Paul s teaching about the armor of God, faith is your shield that quenches all the fiery darts of the wicked. When you face 22

spiritual opposition grab God s shield. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7). Weapon Seven: Casting Down Imaginations In the heat of every battle you can find every wicked and evil imagination. Imaginations are mental videos of thoughts, events, and conversations that are not real. The enemy uses them in the heat of battle to get you out of faith. This is one of Satan s best spiritual warfare strategies to take you out. He knows that Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Have you felt like you just wanted to give up and quit? One of the surest signs of a spiritual warfare attack is feeling that you want to throw up your hands and quit. Spiritual warfare drains the life right out of you and makes you feel like giving up. It releases fear, confusion, despair, and weariness. Those times when you feel like the whole world is against you are sure signs that victory is right at the door. When your mind starts to fill with vain imaginations take every thought captive and cast them down in Jesus Name. If you start seeing an imagination of failure take that imagination captive, bind it up, cast it down, then confess the truth of God s Word over your life. It could be, for example, that the doctor gave you an evil report along with many facts confirming his diagnosis. Often fact and truth conflict. The fact might be that you are passing through a sickness, but the truth is by His stripes you are healed (1 Peter 2:24). Weapon Eight: Praise and Worship Praise and worship are weapons. You may not consider this much, but praise and worship 23

are weapons against the enemy. Scripture says, Let the high praises of God be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand (Psalms 149:6). The Apostle Paul and Silas were thrown in prison where they prayed and sang praises to God. During their jailhouse service they had a great victory. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed (Acts 16:26). Worship is adoration. Worship takes you to the secret place under the shadow of the Almighty where the enemy can t touch you. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will 24

answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. (Psalms 91:1-16) David was a king, prophetic psalmists, and a man after God s own heart. He fought many personal spiritual battles. He had opposition against the God-haters, problems among his family members, especially Absalom, and problems with religious spirits like King Saul. He spoke of a place in God when walking through the valley of the shadow of death. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalms 23:1-6) Sometimes during spiritual battles it s easy to become weary. Scripture says, And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (Galatians 6:9). From my experience the quickest way to spiritual refreshing when you start to feel weary is getting in the presence of God. Attend every church service, when alone find some anointed worship music and let it fill your house with God s presence. Praise and worship lifts you far above your enemies, And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD (Psalms 27:6). 25

Weapon Nine: Binding and Loosing Sometimes spiritual warfare has to do with word curses, or words that are different than God s promises for your life. These words introduce doubt, unbelief, and demonic forces of witchcraft against your life. Someone may say, for example, that you will never do much with your life, get a better job, start your own company, receive healing, fix your marriage, be happy, or get the money you need to pay your bills. Word curses sound strange I know, but when people speak evil against you it can release a demonic assault. Scripture teaches you to condemn such words. To condemn means to pronounce a sentence on. Notice the Lord calls these tongues that rise against you weapons. When this happens God declares, No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD (Isaiah 54:17). Jesus delegated spiritual authority to you. This means that you can fight back. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means shall hurt you (Luke 10:18-19). Serpents and scorpions are metaphors for demonic attacks. When you are in a spiritual war remember that no weapon formed against you can prosper, greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world, and you have authority over all demonic attacks. This is the victory that overcomes the world even your faith. You have delegated spiritual authority to bind every demonic assignment formed against you. Jesus made this promise to you, And I will give unto you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever you shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever you shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven (Matthew 16:19). 26

Weapon Ten: Confess His Blessings God has blessed you with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3). Heaven is not just a place it is also a position. Heavenly places are the commanding heights. Christ is above all heavens and far above all principalities and powers that would try to stop you from receiving God s best. Scripture says, (God) hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6). One of the most helpful things for you to do when under attack is to confess Christ s blessings over your life. The Holy Ghost says, Let us hold fast the profession (agreement) of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised (Hebrews 10:23). Forgiveness from sin, the promise of the resurrection, and entering eternal life with Christ are your greatest hope. You can always thank the Lord for these. As said in the beginning, the Apostle Paul built one of the greatest apostolic churches of all time, taught about the armor of God, and prepared disciples for victorious spiritual warfare. It s not that the Christian trusts in the armor of God, but the God of the armor. It s not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts (Zechariah 4:6). I have listed ten powerful spiritual warfare weapons that will help you during times of spiritual conflict including: the Word of God, the Blood, Your Testimony, Praying in the Spirit, Renewing Your Mind, Faith, Casting Down Imaginations, Praise and Worship, Binding and Loosing, and Confessing His Blessings. Now let s review Holy Ghost power. HOLY GHOST POWER To win spiritual battles you need Holy Ghost power. Jesus said, You shall receive power 27

after that the Holy Ghost has come on you (Acts 1:8). As the disciples waited in the Upper Room in prayer something powerful happened that changed their lives forever, the gift of the Holy Ghost was poured out. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4) Speaking In Other Tongues Notice those gathered were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Speaking with other tongues is the sign that you were baptized in the Holy Ghost. The Apostle Paul taught much on speaking in other tongues. Every spiritual warrior needs the power of the Holy Spirit. Praying in other tongues is your spirit talking to God. Paul taught when you are speaking in other tongues you are not speaking unto men but unto God. This makes perfect sense because an unknown tongue is unknown and no one but God can understand what you are saying. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men but unto God: for no man understandeth him. (1 Corinthians 14:2) When praying in an unknown tongue you are, in the spirit, speaking mysteries. A mystery 28