OFFENSIVE WEAPONS

Ephesians 6:17-18

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand that you don’t win a war with defensive equipment. The armor is very important to keep the enemy from killing you, but if you are going to win the battle you have to take the fight to them. You have to be pro-active.

I remember when we were going to attack Saddam Hussein’s Army after they had invaded Kuwait, the TV news was trying to figure out how our troops were going to accomplish the task. The Iraqi army dug in and the famed Republic Guard was looking for the attack from a certain direction.

General H. Norman Schwarzkopf fooled everyone and did an end around and caught them off guard and got the edge on them. Every weapon available was used and it wasn’t long before the Allied troops won the victory. The war was not won with defensive armor.

In last week’s CHALLENGING CONCEPTS we looked at the armor that was designed to protect the soldier. Each one of the protective pieces had a significant task. The Christian soldier would not think of going into battle without all the armor.

2. Notice The OFFENSIVE Equipment

We read in Ephesians 6:17-18 “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;”

It is very important that the soldier be ready to go on the offensive. God equips him to be victorious on offense, but the weapons must be used. They do no good whatsoever if they go unused.

The two offensive weapons mention here are two very simple things. We all know them. In fact, most of us have known them since we were children in Sunday school. They are known by all of us and they are simple, but they are neglected so much by believers who are in a battle daily. Let’s take a look at them:

A. Sword Of The Spirit – The sword Paul is referring to here was the short, straight sword that was carried by every Roman soldier. This sword was very, very effective when in hand to hand combat. It was very vital to the survival of the soldier. He had defensive equipment to help keep him safe, but to win the battle he had to depend upon the use of his sword.

You and I, as Christian soldiers have the Word of God to use against our adversary. And it will do the job. The writer of Hebrews penned in 4:12 “For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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.”

We also read in Jeremiah 23:29 “Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces.”

It’s the Word of God that enables us to conquer the Devil in every battle we face. It’s very important for the believing soldier to be skilled in the use of this weapon. That’s why the Apostle Paul wrote in II Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

The primary Greek word for the Word of God is “logos.” This word is used whe the totality of the Word of God is meant. But, the word Paul uses here in our text is “rhema,” which refers to just the right sword for the battle at hand. For example, if you’re facing the temptation to overeat, remember and cling to Luke 4:4 “And Jesus answered him, saying It is written That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” If you are down in the dumps, remember and cling to II Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” It doesn’t matter what your need is, God’s Word is sufficient for the need.

B. Suplication to God - Prayer is the Christian soldier’s communion with command headquarters. The greatest offensive weapon the believer has is the ability to call on the God when he is in the thick of the battle. The fight against the flesh, the world and especially the Devil needs advice and guidance from God. If a soldier does not keep in touch with headquarters, then he’s on his own. Being on his own is doubly important for the believer in spiritual warfare.

F. B. Meyer, one of the great Bible teachers of the years gone by, said, "The great tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer but un-offered prayer." A Christian soldier is missing one of the greatest weapons available to him by not praying. The ultimate victory is in the hands of the Lord and the believer must take his requests for help to God Himself. We read in Jeremiah 33:3 "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."

We are exhorted in Hebrews 4:16 "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." God makes an invitation for us to come to him in this special way. Aren’t you glad that God included prayer in His design for our life? This is vitally important when it comes to spiritual warfare.

You and I should never be guilty of neglecting the awesome power of prayer! Prayer brings you into the presence of God and it allows the Lord to work through you in a remarkable way. Prayer unleashes the power of God in the life of the believer!

As believers, you and I are engaged in spiritual warfare with unseen wicked forces. For us to overcome the enemy in God’s power, we must remain resolute in our confidence in God and making a determination in our confidence in God and determine never to accept defeat.

God has provided both DEFENSIVE EQUIPMENT and OFFENSIVE EQUIPMENT. Let’s make sure we are utilizing both in our daily spiritual warfare.

That’s my view; how about you?