THE ARMOR OF GOD VERSUS THE SENSES!

EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

THURSDAY JULY 23, 2020.

SUBJECT:  THE ARMOR OF GOD VERSUS THE SENSES!

Memory verse:  "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6 vs 13.) 

READ:  Second Corinthians 10 vs 3 - 6:

10:3: For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 

10:4: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 

10:5: casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

10:6: and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

INTIMATION:

In this world Christians live in physical body—the flesh, but their warfare is spiritual, and thus, we fight a spiritual war with Satan, though we live in the flesh. And since the Christian’s battle is against “principalities” and “powers” (the powerful evil forces of fallen angels headed by the devil)—the spiritual host of wickedness in the heavenly places, the weapons of his or her warfare are spiritual—the whole armor of God. The armor is the spiritual help supplied by God for overcoming the temptations of the devil. Spirit empowered believers must capture every thought and yield it to Christ.

The devil concentrates his temptations on the flesh—our senses, always harping on the physical happenings in our lives. Although we live in the flesh, our war is not waged according to the flesh, and our weapon of warfare is not carnal (not fleshy or of the senses), but mighty in the strength of God to overthrow the strongholds of the adversary. God’s mighty weapons emanates from the recreated spirit, and are prayer, faith, hope, love, God’s Word, and the Holy Spirit. These weapons are powerful and effective. They can break down the proud human arguments against God and the walls that Satan builds through the flesh, to keep people from finding God. 

The weapon that we use against “sense knowledge” is the Word of God. The word from the recreated spirit is always at variance with the senses of the flesh. The recreated spirit has access to the spiritual knowledge revealed in God’s Word, and in it lies mighty weapon of God available to us to fight against Satan’s strongholds which abound in the flesh. The power of the Christian is strong against the works of the devil because the power of his or her weaponry originates from God, not man. 

The devil will always present its arguments according to the outward appearance—according to the flesh or senses. But the recreated spirit understands things from God’s perspective as revealed in His Word. Therefore, Christians should not swayed by the things you see, such as; an empty purse, a weak body, or a lack of work. They must never think of their combats as against the thing that they can see or hear or feel. Their combats are with the prince of the power of air that rules people's feelings and fills them with fear.

Now, as a master, with the recreated spirit, you don’t look at the outward appearance of things which the devil presents as arguments. When you are faced with want, you remember what the Word promised you in Psalm 23 vs 1 - 3; "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness; for His name's sake."

Sheep are completely dependent on the shepherd for provision, protection, and guidance. The New Testament calls Jesus the good Shepherd (John 10 vs 11); the great Shepherd (Hebrews 13 vs 20); and the Chief Shepherd (First Peter 5 vs 4). Our shepherd knows the "green pastures," where there is life, and abundance. He knows the "still water," where there are no storms, but peace, and these will restore us. As obedient followers of the Shepherd, we will have all we want.

You say it over and over again, "The Lord is my Shepherd—my Bread-Provider, my Rent-Payer, the very source of all my needs, and my present help in trouble." You say it, "He takes me by the waters of plenty, there is no need He cannot supply." Though, 

the lord of the world may lead one into want, into pains, and headaches; but “my Lord leads me into green pastures.”

God said in Isaiah 41 vs 10, "Fear not for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Go over that carefully. "Fear not for I am with you." The Creator of the universe, the Owner of all things, and controls all circumstances, is with you. He conquered the storm, and the storm in your life is nothing to Him. He has assured you He is with you. He has established a relationship with you as your God, and has given you assurance of His strength, help and victory over all circumstances. Yes, the great, mighty Spirit Who raised Jesus from the dead is with you and within you.

Now, call to mind His revelation to you in John 15 vs 5; "I am the vine and you are the branches." You then realize you are the fruit-bearing branch of Christ today. He had said, "I am your God." And if He is with you who can be against you? (Romans 8 vs 31.)

He assured us saying, "All authority has been given unto Me." (Matthew 28 vs 18 - 19.) And with all authority vested in Him, He is backing you to the limit, and is with you always, "even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28 vs 20.) Hallelujah!

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You so much for Your whole armor You have made readily available to me for my fight against the wiles of the evil one. Build in me abundantly the sword of the Spirit—Your Word, that I may, at all times, completely disarm the devil in his arguments, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!