Scripture: Ephesians 6 v 11 - 17: "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:"
Paul instructed Timothy to be a strong soldier when he fights the good fight, the battle between good and evil. We are all in this battle whether we choose it or not. How we win is determined by how we engage ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and His enemies.
Most people have a head in the sand approach to the raging battles, much of the time because the Lord says, My people perish for lack of knowledge! Because they don't know and even don't want to know, what to do about it.
We can no longer claim ignorance or indifference to the forces of darkness that are growing stronger and bolder because they meet zero resistance. While people remain passive and pass the buck to the pastors and counsellors, the enemy gains ground. Jesus gave His spiritual authority to every believer. If we do not use it we cannot overcome our own issues nor help others.
We are equipped by the Holy Spirit for battle when we put on the whole armour of God. Just having a shield or a sword is not good enough. We need the helmet to protect our minds, which are so easily influenced by the enemy. We need to renew our minds to what Jesus thinks through reading and doing what the Bible says about everything.
If you keep following the traditions and doctrines of man you are worshipping Jesus in vain. He counts you as a hypocrite because you reject the commandment of God. This is very serious because you do not want to hear Jesus say on the day of judgment, "I never knew you".
An Intercessor's duty is to warn people of danger. They stand on the outer walls of the city watching for enemy activity, to prepare the citizens to actively fight against whatever is coming in. Over the past fifty years its been like a tsunami which people are trying to hold back with philosophy and platitudes.
The church has compromised its position as the bastion of righteousness in every way possible. The doctrines of man have swamped over the pure Word of God. The laws of man have superseded that which God forbids - the passive acceptance by many churches of politically correct perspectives! The lone voices of those trying to rectify matters is countered with, Judgmental Attitude, ignore!
The Breastplate of Righteousness only works when the person trusting in it is doing, believing, upholding and proclaiming righteousness! Audit your spiritual life and measure it against the right standing of the first disciples of Jesus.
However, the church takes no notice of its own hypocrisy and many rely on supergrace to cover their many sins. Those who preach it and those who believe it will stand before God shattered when He says, your name is not written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
Our God has equipped us to fight against evil, but when good people keep silent, the battle is lost. We pray for revival thinking that will solve everything but we remain passive and pew-sitting while the church burns. Our God is looking for life in us, all of us, to get a spark for the needed revival.
He has given us spiritual weapons to help us be victorious. 2 Corinthians 10 v 3 - 6: " For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled."
Our weapons are mighty and can pull down strongholds! How do we do this?
Cast down imaginations..... this is where the enemy sows his evil seeds, including that high and lofty mind that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. We must not just be passive about whoever is bringing false information, we must respond in binding that demon, rebuking its influence and lies, and casting it back to Hell. Then speaking out the truth about Jesus. Cover those lies and false teachings with the Blood of Jesus, and teach the true Word.
Only those who are walking in the power of the Holy Spirit will come through it. We need to start now, we are a thousand years behind where we should all be. The divisions that have multiplied over many centuries cannot be covered over. That's like sticking a plaster over gangrene. We need to be ruthless against errors, and give them the treatment in Jeremiah 1 v 10 - We must root out and destroy every false thing before we build and plant. Our foundation is the solid Rock of Jesus upon which only Truth can stand.
One of our spiritual weapons is a readiness to revenge all disobedience, after we get our own selves in order. Paul says we must take revenge on all disobedience. It's tough because people are so sensitive and react negatively to criticism, judgment and opposition to their cherished beliefs. No matter that what you are saying is true, they are offended. Rather offend man than God.
We have seen many victories, and had a number of disappointments too. We are not judges but we must assess each battle and be prepared for anything. I want to encourage you to get serious with what God is doing to bring the church into unity of the Holy Spirit. Pray for guidance and trust Him to know what He needs you to do.
Jesus said there would be earthquakes. Famine. Plagues. Wars. Weather out of control. Heart failure. Financial crises. One World currency.
Tribulation. Lawlessness.
Look around you. Jesus is on His way back. We don't know the exact ETA but we know its soon.
Let's realise that if we are not fighting the good fight, just waiting for the enemy to strike us, we are in imminent danger.
Jesus loves you, you are part of His Body, do not become a paralysed limb that gets amputated. Make a difference in your life today, make a plan with Jesus to do whatever you can to bring Light, blessing, love and truth to family, friends, neighbours, strangers, knowing that this will please Him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, the burden on my heart for people I love who are in danger, plus those I don't yet know, is very heavy. The way to wisdom is the fear of the Lord, the fear of what can happen if we are not serious about You. I pray for everyone everywhere to be convicted of sin, righteousness and judgment until they find the narrow way that leads to life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
