“…But if by the Spirit you are putting to death the practices of the body, you will live.” –Romans 8:13
Each day we are engaged in a war of desires where our deepest longings and fleshly cravings collide. It is like the two sides of a coin. On one side, we have the desire to pursue God, seek His face, and live according to His will. On the other side, we have the craving to satisfy our selfish desires.
These egocentric desires can come in many forms, from the allure of material possessions to the urge to indulge in unhealthy habits to seek pleasure and comfort. It is a constant struggle that rages within every young and old believer, day and night.
Unfortunately, most people don’t engage or even know the right weapons to fight with. In 2 Corinthians 10:4, we understand that these weapons aren’t carnal but mighty through God. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,”
When it comes to winning spiritual battles, we don’t dare fight empty-handed, and neither do we fight with our strength. Therefore, we need to employ spiritual weapons.
Amazingly, the Holy Spirit equips us with powerful weapons to help us conquer and overcome the desires of the flesh, and we fight from victory to victory.
Seven Weapons of the Spirit
When we think about spiritual weapons, we tend to think more about the word of God and prayer. However, it is often overlooked that the Scriptures provide us with additional defensive weapons essential in our arsenal.
- The Weapon of The Word
“Take the helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” –
Ephesians 6:17
One of the most powerful weapons we have as believers is the word of God. In Mathew 4:1-11, Jesus prevailed over Satan’s temptation in the wilderness. But we discovered that Jesus responded with “it is written” each time. This act by Jesus demonstrates to a believer the power of God’s word to overcome temptation.
Therefore, we should not just read and study the word but also put it into action. When we memorize and internalize God’s word, it penetrates and transforms the innermost thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. Thereby aligning our desires with that of the Spirit.
- The Weapon of Prayer
“…praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…” – Ephesians 6:20
Amongst many other defensive tools to overcome temptation and the desires of the flesh is the weapon of prayer. Jesus told his disciples in the garden of Gethsemane to “…pray that they may not enter into temptation” (Luke 22:40). He recommended prayer to His disciples and, by extension, to the believers even in the face of temptation.
Prayer is a support system that helps us to resist the temptations and cravings of the flesh. When we pray, we activate God’s strength within us, and we can boldly walk away from every sin.
- The Weapon of Our Testimony
“And they overcame him by the…word of their testimony…” – Revelations 12:11
The word of our testimony is a weapon that brings victory in times of temptation. Our testimony is one of God’s legal records against Satan’s accusation. This is because the enemy is before the presence of God daily, accusing believers.
However, by proclaiming our faith in Jesus, testifying to His saving power, confessing the truth of God’s Word, and declaring our allegiance to Christ, we are able to overcome the accusations and attacks of the devil. So, why not stand out, be bold and vocal about your faith, share testimonies of how God has worked in your life, and proclaim the truth of the Scripture. By so doing, you’ll inspire others to follow Christ and strengthen your faith.
- The Weapon of Fasting
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To lose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6
Many Christians struggle to engage in fasting, and I wouldn’t know why? Maybe because they do not see the need or they just cannot stay without eating. However, the Christian life is one we cannot live without the word of God, prayer, and fasting.
From the encounter in Mathew 17:21, we can see that certain temptations, habits, and issues of life can only be overcome by fasting, “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting”. When we fast, we starve our flesh and give way for the Spirit to gain ascendency. Once this becomes normal practice, holding off the desires of the flesh becomes effortless.
- The Weapon of The Blood
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” – Revelation 12:11
John Owen once wrote that “the blood of Jesus is the great sovereign remedy for sin-sick souls. Live in this, and thou wilt die a conqueror; yea, thou wilt, through the good providence of God, live to see thy lust dead at thy feet” (The Mortification of Sin, p.79).
The blood of Jesus is a kingdom currency we need to be able to access God. The Old Testament reveals that we were at the mercy of animal sacrifices when we sin, but the blood of Jesus brought freedom from sin and death, giving us direct access to reach and communicate with God.
By the blood, we have dominion over sin and evil desires. So when next you see yourself battling one temptation or another, just plead the blood of Jesus for your rescue.
- The Weapon of Worship and Thanksgiving
Worship is beyond music. It is a state of the heart. Worship magnifies God above any circumstances, be it sin or satan.
There are many scenarios in the Bible where the efficacy of worship and thanksgiving is displayed. For example, in 2 Chronicles 20:22-23, God gave Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah a battle plan against their enemy – worship. In the same way, we have worship at our disposal to suppress temptations.
The enemy wants you to be riddled with worry, anxiety, discontentment, and pain. But you have to prove to him that he is a liar by employing weapons of worship and thanksgiving even when you’re at the height of a dreadful temptation.
- The Weapon of The Name of Jesus
“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.” – Philippians 2:9-11
There’s an irresistible authority in the name of Jesus that no temptation can withstand. As a believer, calling upon the name of Jesus in prayers can help you overcome the power of sin and temptation over your life. Are you constantly tempted or struggling with sin? You can call on the name of Jesus and ask for His help and strength to overcome it. Is anyone you know grappling with sin? You can pray in the name of Jesus and ask Him to endue such a person with grace to overcome.
When we call upon His name, we invoke His power and authority over sin and temptation. We are being reminded that Jesus is in control and has the power to overcome any obstacle we face, but above all, we are aligning ourselves with his victory.
God loves you, so He has made way for your escape from sin and satan by supplying these weapons of the Spirit. Therefore, in no other, I invite you to use any of the weapons for your warfare!