Chapter 11

Defensive Weapons

The topic discusses on defensive weapons of spiritual warfare

Base battle strategy.These is done through delegated power and authority, prayer, fasting, and the name of Jesus.

Defensive strategies:Submit and resist: Emphasizes submitting to God first (James 4:7) before resisting the devil, who will then flee.

Resist in the truth: Means resisting based on the authority of God’s word and standing firm in faith.

Don’t give place to Satan: Do not leave room for Satan to operate in your life.

Recover yourself from Satan’s snare we must apply biblical strategies to escape.

Abstain from fleshly lusts: Keep your heart from something and refuse to do it. The following are guidance for spiritual conduct and defense against evil, based on Christian teachings.

1)Standing Firm: We need to “stand our ground” and “defend what is right” by avoiding evil and shunning false teachers.

2)Spiritual Warfare Preparation: Believers are instructed not to be led astray by wicked people and to “try the spirits” to prevent deception.

3)The Armor of God:the components of the “armor of God” are described in Ephesians 6:10-17, which helps believers stand against the schemes of the enemy.

a)Loins girt about with truth

b)Breastplate of righteousness

c)Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace

d)Shield of faith

e)Helmet of salvation

f)Sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God)

The application of putting on the armor is a responsibility and a continuous action to cover all past, present, and future actions.The “armor of God,” focuses on three specific pieces and their significance in a Christian context:

The Girdle/Belt of Truth: This piece is the undergirding belt to which all other pieces of armor are attached. Spiritually, having one’s loins “girt with truth” protects from lies and doctrinal errors. God is truth, and His word is truth.

The Breastplate of Righteousness: In warfare, a breastplate protects vital organs. In spiritual life, it refers to the covering of Christ’s righteousness, which protects the believer from attacks of sin and unrighteousness. It must be connected to the belt of truth.

The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: Soldiers’ shoes are designed for warfare and enable them to stand and advance. Spiritually, having feet “shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace” indicates a readiness to advance in the spiritual realm, spread the Gospel, and protects one’s will from temptation.It also focuses on faith and salvation, referring to the “Armor of God” as in the Bible (Ephesians 6:19).

The Shield of Faith: This is the full trust and confidence in God that protects against “flaming missiles of doubt and unbelief” from the enemy. It is a constant application of God’s word to life and enables one to overcome evil forces.

The Helmet of Salvation: This represents a transformed and renewed mind or thought process.

Importance of Faith: Without faith, one cannot receive salvation, go on with the Gospel, or claim the righteousness of Christ. Faith is increased by hearing God’s word.The”armor of God” was described by Paul, focusing on specific elements and their spiritual significance:

Hope of Salvation (Helmet): This protects the mind from the enemy’s deception. Salvation is presented in three tenses: saved from past sin’s penalty, being saved from present sin’s power, and the future hope of final salvation when Jesus returns, which strengthens the mind.

Sword of the Spirit (Word of God): This is both a defensive and offensive weapon.

Prayer: Along with supplication, watchfulness, and fasting, prayer is identified as a powerful weapon for both offensive and defensive use.

Summary of Armor Parts listing the parts of the armor and what they protect against:Truth (girdle) protects from deception.

Righteousness (breastpiece) protects from unrighteousness.

Peace (shoes) protects from confusion/bondage.

Faith (shield) protects from unbelief.

Salvation (helmet) protects from damage/bondage.