TYPES OF WARFARE:
There are two types of warfare in the natural world: Offensive and defensive. The Bible also teaches both defensive and offensive spiritual strategies. The only other option is desertion, which is unacceptable. There is one thing in common about offensive and defensive warfare. Both involve personal action by the believer. In natural warfare, unused weapons do not inflict causalities on the enemy nor win wars. The same is true in the spirit world. Our spiritual weapons are affected by our will to use them. It is true that God empowers for battle, but we have a personal responsibility in both defensive and offensive spiritual strategies. In Old Testament battles, the Lord fought for and with His people, Israel. But first, they had to position themselves on the battlefield. When God sees a spiritual weapon being used in His name and a man or woman on the battlefield daring to attempt the impossible, the Lord of Hosts is moved to action.
DEFENSIVE WARFARE:
Defensive warfare is battle waged to defend territory. It is a warfare that waits for the enemy to strike, then pulls its forces together in defensive response. The defender must respond to his opponent and his decisions are forced on him by the attacker. This type of warfare does not advance into enemy territory. It defends territory already claimed. It is important, however, because the spiritual forces of evil are constantly attacking us as a believer. If we do not know how to defend ourselves, we will become a victim of these attacks.
OFFENSIVE WARFARE:
Offensive warfare is aggressive warfare. It is not warfare of waiting and responding in defense. It is warfare which takes the initiative of attack. The enemy is identified, his strategies recognized, and offensive advances against him are made in the spirit world. In offensive warfare the attacker has the advantage of making decisions first. Offensive warfare gains territory rather than defends it. Offensive advances are the only type of spiritual warfare which will reach the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We cannot remain in our comfortable homes and churches and practice defensive strategies only. The army of God must advance into enemy territory. It must go to the strongholds of Satan with the power of the Gospel message. We must wage aggressive offensive spiritual battle.
WEAPONS OF WARFARE:
Spiritual battles must be fought with spiritual weapons. Paul describes the armor to be used in spiritual warfare. Wherefore take unto you 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 (Eph 6:13-17).
The purpose of the armor is to be able to stand against the wiles (deceit, cunning, craftiness) of the enemy, Satan. It is our responsibility to put on the armor.But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof (Romans 13:14). The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the Armor of light (Romans 13:12).Our spiritual armor is not like an athletic uniform we put on at game time. We put on the armor once and for all and leave it on the rest of our life. Just as a soldier on the battlefield does not take his armor off and on, we will not lay down our armor until we go to be with the Lord. If we do not have our armor on at all times, we are vulnerable to the enemy. It is wise to check often that each piece of our spiritual armor is still in place.
"Having put" indicates something we have already done if we are a believer. Having our loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness (verse 14)and having our feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace (verse 15). The second division includes things which are to be put on in the present. Taking the shield of faith (verse 16), taking the helmet of salvation and taking the sword of the Spirit (verse 17). In Ephesians 6:11 Paul emphasizes putting on the whole armor of God. Some of us are preoccupied with but one piece of God's armor to the extent that others are neglected. We must have on the whole armor or we may find ourselves being an expert in the use of the "sword of the Spirit" and still defeated because we have forgotten the shield of faith.
DEFENSIVE WEAPONS:
The Belt:The first piece of armor to be buckled on is the girdle or belt of truth. In the natural world, a suit of armor was attached to the belt which held the other pieces of armor in place. The truth of God's Word is the spiritual belt to which all other pieces of armor are attached. Satan's first attack on man was on truth. And the woman said unto the serpent...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 3:2-4).
The truth will protect us from lies and doctrinal errors of the enemy. Truth is the undergirding of our spiritual armor. We are to have our loins (our spiritual vital organs) girt (covered) with truth: Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth... (Eph 6:14).What is the truth? Jesus said, "I am the truth" (John 14:6). The Holy Spirit is the "Spirit of truth" (John 14:17). God is truth (Rom 3:4).God's Word is truth (Psalms 119:151). The Gospel is truth (Col 1:5).
The Breastplate:In the natural world, the breastplate covered the upper body of the warrior to protect vital organs such as his heart, lungs, etc. The spiritual breastplate of righteousness does not refer to our righteousness, but to the covering of the righteousness of Christ. And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith (Phil 3:9).We are not to stand on our own merits. We stand in Christ.
We can not face the enemy without the protection of the righteousness of Christ. By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the Armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left. (II Cor 6:7).The righteousness of Christ protects our spiritual "vital organs" from attacks of Satan and from unrighteousness. The breastplate of righteousness must be buckled on to the belt of truth. Putting on the breastplate of faith and love (I Thess 5:8).He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler (Psalms 91:4).
The Shoes:There are many types of shoes for different purposes. Some are for walking, others for specific sports activities. A soldier's shoes are another kind. They are shoes designed for warfare. A soldier who cannot advance on the battlefield is disabled in warfare. "Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace" indicate a readiness to advance in the spiritual realm. These spiritual shoes protect our will from the temptation of the enemy who would lead us in wrong paths. They indicate our willingness to do every good work and to spread the Gospel to all nations. These spiritual shoes will also enable us to stand against the enemy as Paul encourages us to do (Eph 6:15).
The Shield:In the natural world, the shield was used to provide protection to the warrior's entire body. Our spiritual shield is called the "shield of faith". There are several types of faith mentioned in the Bible. There is saving faith, the gift of faith, and the spiritual fruit of faith. But the word "faith" when used in relation to the "shield of faith" speaks of defensive faith. This faith is a firm trust and confidence in God which protects our whole being. It protects us from flaming missiles of doubt and unbelief sent by the enemy. This shield of faith is a calm and confident trust in God which deflects all the fiery arrows of the enemy from their target.
The shield of faith is the constant application of God's Word to the issues of life which will enables us to overcome the evil forces of the world. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (I John 5:4).Combined with love of God, faith is most effective: It is faith based on salvation. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great (Psalms 18:35).Without faith, we have no grasp of truth. Without faith we cannot receive salvation. Without faith we cannot go forth with the Gospel of peace. Without faith we cannot claim the righteousness of Christ and effectively use the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Faith is not an assumption or presumption. It is a fact based upon God's Word. We can increase our faith by hearing God's Word (Romans 10:17), acting upon our present faith (Romans 1:17), and seeking God (Hebrews 12:2).
The Helmet:The helmet of salvation is not something we put on when we get saved. We are dealing with spiritual armor here, and it is assumed that we are a believer and a member of God's army before we start putting on the armor. The helmet of salvation represents a regenerated soul. It represents a transformed and renewed spiritual life. An undisciplined Christian warrior is an easy prey to the deceptions of the enemy. Paul speaks of the helmet as the "hope of salvation" in I Thessalonians 5:8. Salvation embraces the past, present, and future. We have been saved from the guilt and penalty of past sin. We are being saved from the power of sin in the present. The "hope of salvation" refers to salvation in the future tense. We have a confident hope in the future because God is working out His purpose, according to His good pleasure, which He hath purposed in Himself; That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in Heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him. (Eph 1:9-10).
OFFENSIVE WEAPONS:
THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT:The "sword of the Spirit," which is the Word of God, is a weapon that can be used both defensively and offensively. The Word is a defensive weapon when we use it to defend against the attacks of Satan. Jesus used the Word in defense against the attacks of Satan. It is offensive when we use it to claim territory for the Lord by sharing the Gospel message and deliverance with others.
There are two different words used in Scripture for the "Word of God". One word is "logos" which refers to the complete revelation of what God has said. The second word, "rhema," refers to a specific saying of God that has special application to a specific situation. Jesus used specific ("rhema") sayings of God, applicable to the immediate temptation. To be able to do this implies familiarity with the total Word of God. If we are to use specific Scriptures applicable to immediate battles, we must have knowledge of God's total revelation.
In order to use the Word of God effectively in spiritual warfare, we must study, meditate upon, get the revelation from God and even memorize it. Many defeats in life come because we do not know God's Word. Matt 22:29, Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: The gifts of the Holy Spirit are valuable weapons of offensive and defensive battle. The gifts of the word of knowledge and the word of wisdom provide supernatural revelation for spiritual warfare. The gift of discerning of spirits reveals the deception of the enemy.
DELEGATED POWER AND AUTHORITY:Authority and power are two different things. If we consider the example of a policeman, he has a badge and a uniform which are symbols of his authority. His authority comes because of the position he holds with the government. But because all people do not respect that authority, the policeman also carries a weapon. The weapon is his power. Our authority over the enemy comes through Jesus Christ and our position in Him as believers. Our power over the enemy comes through the Sword of the Holy Spirit which is the Word of God.
The power Jesus gave is directed power for specific purposes. These include power over the enemy: Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases (Luke 9:1). Power over sin: And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained (John 20:22-23). Power to extend the gospel: 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).
PRAYER:It is part of "Gods Battle Plan,” that prayer and its associated practice of fasting are also powerful spiritual weapons. These two weapons can be used both offensively and defensively.
BINDING AND LOOSING:We have the power to bind the forces of evil and loose the souls from the enemy. And I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven (Matt 16:19). This weapon works together: It is binding and loosing. Whenever we bind something, we also loose something.
THE BLOOD OF JESUS:When Jesus died on the cross of Calvary, He loosed us from the dominion of sin and the power of the enemy. His blood secures our access to God and releases from the bondage of Satan. The Word of God indicates that "they (believers) overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) (Rev 12:11)”. Salvation, healing, and deliverance are all available because of the blood of Jesus. His blood enables us to wage offensive warfare for the souls of men and women and bring deliverance and healing in the name of Jesus. Our power to "overcome" the enemy is because of the "blood of the lamb."
OUR TESTIMONY:Revelation 12:11 indicates the enemy is defeated by the "word of our testimony". The word "testimony" means "evidence or record" like that used in a legal case in a court of law. As we "testify" or give evidence to the power of God in our life, we wage offensive spiritual warfare. To be effective, our testimony must be based upon the testimony of the Word of God, just as a lawyer in a court bases his arguments on the law of the land. Our own spiritual life also is a living testimony.
THE NAME OF JESUS: The name of Jesus is also a powerful offensive weapon. Jesus said that "in My name" you will cast out demons, heal the sick, and overcome all the power of the enemy (Mark 16:17). In the book of Acts we will note all the miracles done "in His name”. The name of Jesus is not some magical phrase with which we conclude our prayers. It is a symbol of the authority and power He has given us.
Now get this, Jesus said "in my name" not "at the mention of my name" The power is in his name not at the mention of his name. Which means the name of Jesus is like an office, A building. You have to be in it to function in it. The psalmist was making us understand how that the name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runs into It! Again In psalm 91 we saw how that the name was compared to a secret place which again can be ran into!
FACE THE ENEMY:
When we are equipped with all these weapons we can’t sit back and relax or take refuge under the cover of someone else. When Nehemiah was offered refuge from the enemy, he refused. He said, "Should such a man as I flee? (Neh 6:11)”. Nehemiah faced the enemy in God's power. When the enemy threatens us, we should not flee or take the easy way out. When internal dissension and discouragement arose and the enemy worked through weak believers, Nehemiah did not ignore the attacks. He confronted and conquered them. The greatest attack of the enemy came when the wall was half finished. When we start building in the spirit world, when we enter the arena of effective spiritual warfare, we will be the target for attacks of Satan.
Nehemiah's response to direct criticism, mocking, scorn, false accusations, threats, and fear, was simply to continue building the wall. So we labored in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared (Neh 4:21).Nehemiah stayed with the task. He did not stop building: So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month of Elul, in fifty and two days (Neh 6:15).Nehemiah did in a short time what the enemy said could not be done. While we are building the walls of His Temple, the enemy may tell us the task is hopeless. But, with God's help, we can rebuild His Kingdom. With His strength we do not have to take a long time to do so. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil 4:13).
ATTACK AND COUNTERATTACK:
This spiritual warfare is like wrestling in the natural world. In natural wrestling, every move we make sets us up for a response from the opponent. The same is true in the spirit world. When we make a move for God, Satan will always counterattack with a move of his own.
In wrestling, a mobile opponent is considered dangerous. This is why we want to pin our opponent down. In the spiritual world, Satan is a mobile opponent. He goes "to and fro" as a lion seeking to devour. We must be on guard for his constant mobility. Satan also recognizes the effectiveness of our mobility. He wants to prevent us from being on the move for God. This is why he strives to throw us and pin us down spiritually.
Any error made in wrestling results in an action that can be taken advantage of by the opponent. How true spiritually! Any error we make in spiritual wrestling is quickly taken advantage of by the enemy. It is important in wrestling to learn how to recover from a fall. It is necessary to be able to convert the bottom position into an advantage. There are moves of escape and reversal which will enable this. In spiritual wrestling we may at times experience a fall and be temporarily pinned by the enemy. But we do not have to remain in this position. God has given strategies in His Word which, if followed, will convert our disadvantage into an advantage.
He has provided strategies for escape and reversal spiritually just as are used in natural wrestling. The life of Joseph is an excellent example of this. He had the disadvantages of being sold into slavery and put in prison. But he converted disadvantages to advantages. In the end, he triumphed over the enemy. There are other moves in wrestling which result in taking an opponent down from behind, dragging, pinning, throwing, and pulling him. The objective of wrestling in the natural world is to defeat the opponent by causing him to fall or pinning him to the ground. This results from a series of strategic moves and/or by wearing the opponent down.
Our attitude is very important in wrestling. In a study on the subject, the following attitudes were said to be necessary for championship wrestling in the natural world. These attitudes also are true in the spiritual realm: Desire:To wish and want to win is not enough. The champion wrestler must have a will to win. Desire is an emotion which transcends all else in life. Persistence:Sustained effort is required for championship wrestling. A champion wrestler will not accept defeat. Purpose:Winning is the goal and purpose of wrestling. To achieve this goal he must not only know he is master of the situation, but he must also let his opponent know about it.
The goal of offensive warfare is to pull and cast down the strongholds of the enemy: Forthe weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strongholds; 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 (II Cor 10:4-5).To "pull down" means to take down by effort or force. To "cast" means to throw or hurl. We are told to cast off the works of darkness (Romans 13:12) and cast out demon powers (Matthew 10:8). When we pull and cast down strongholds of Satan we are waging offensive warfare. We are not waiting to defend against an attack of Satan but we are attacking strongholds of the enemy's power.
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