SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1375a

“Department of War – Part 1”

For though we walk in the flesh, we don’t wage war according to the flesh; for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ; – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

A recent executive order authorized “Department of War” as a secondary title for our military. The reason was to convey a ‘warrior ethos’ and a stronger message of readiness and resolve to win wars.

I recall the peacetime period following the Vietnam War when many new recruits were simply not taking readiness drills and preparation seriously. I sense this lackadaisical attitude is also prevalent in the Christian Church body today as well. Are we actively engaged in spiritual warfare or are we complacent and lulled into a false security in our worldliness?

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man. – Proverbs 6:10-11

Citizens of Heaven – For though we walk in the flesh, we don’t wage war according to the flesh; for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh…

We are in the world but not of it. We are soldiers of Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:3) Are we actively waging war against the spiritual forces of darkness in this world, or have we become assimilated by them, no longer separate and distinct?

They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. – John 17:16,18

We are the temple of the living God… Therefore, go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord… – 2 Corinthians 6:16-17

Spiritual Warfare – Mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds…

A stronghold is a spiritual fortress that we have allowed the enemy to build in our soul through sin and compromise from which he launches attacks and temptations to sin. These strongholds must be demolished. The original word in the Greek text conveys the meaning of total extinction, destruction, and cleansing.

The strongholds are spiritual and must be destroyed by the Holy Spirit of God with spiritual weaponry. We cannot win this war in our own gut strength and will.

Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! Then he said to me, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts – Psalm 35:1; Zechariah 4:6

We must train continually for spiritual battle through daily prayer and the reading and study of the Word of God. We must stop ‘play acting Christianity’ and take our commission as Christ’s soldiers seriously. We are at the front lines of a war zone and must be equipped with the full armor of God every day without fail.

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God – Ephesians 6:14-17

Personal Strongholds – Have you ever noticed how quickly weeds will take over a garden or a lawn? If we are not diligent in maintaining the ‘good soil’ of our heart the enemy sows weeds and establishes strongholds. These strongholds allow the enemy to take dominion over us.

These strongholds are established when we become lazy and complacent in our relationship with Jesus and in our duty to actively wage war against the spiritual dark forces of this world. These strongholds are strengthened and fortified when we compromise on Christian moral values and feed our spirit with the ‘junk food’ of worldliness making us spiritually weak and vulnerable.

We cannot wage war and go into battle weakened by our own strongholds where the enemy has infiltrated and embedded himself in our ranks. We must first demolish and cleanse our hearts from these strongholds before we can move forward in battle equipped with the full armor of God against the other strongholds in this world.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy    blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin! Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. – Psalm 51:1-2; 119:133

May you repent and be set free and cleansed of personal strongholds by the Holy Spirit.

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out; So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. – Acts 3:19; John 8:36