Barbara E. Perkins

Barbara E. Perkins

GOD'S PLAN FOR SPIRITUAL FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE--PART 3

In Ephesians 6:13-18 (Amplified Bible) the word of God says, “(13) Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. (14) Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, (15) And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the [a]firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness [b]produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. (16) Lift up over all the [covering] shield of [c]saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. (17) And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit [d]wields, which is the Word of God. (18) Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people). Throughout these scriptures the Lord uses metaphors to teach critical concepts so that we will be able to understand how to be effective in spiritual warfare. First and foremost, we need to put on (13) God’s complete armor: (14) We must stand firm with truth and with integrity. (15) Our feet must be prepared to go forth with the Gospel of peace in all circumstances. (16) Above all, our covering is our faith in God, enabling us to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (17) Our essential head covering is salvation (through Jesus Christ) and we need the sword of the Holy Spirit—God’s word. The word of God cuts through all kinds of confusion or strife (Hebrews 4:12). (18) Finally, we urgently need to pray all the time, in every situation, in the (Holy) Spirit (1Corinthians 14:14, 15) with all manner of prayer for all of God’s people. The word said, “Put on God’s whole armor…” Two or three pieces of armor will not be effective. Holy Father, help us to desire to put on Your whole armor so that we can recognize the enemy, his strategies and be effective in carrying out spiritual warfare. Father, help us to grasp the awesome power Your word possesses. Holy Father, I thank You for leading us by Your Holy Spirit in thought, word and purpose.