Weapons of Warfare by Luke Ninan
We have an inner man and an outer man. The inner man is dependent on the outer man but the outer man can function independently of the inner man. It is not the outer man that is truly a person but the inner man. The true aroma of a person comes from the inner man. As Christians, the Holy spirit resides in us. Everyday in each situation, we have God’s voice and Satan’s voice speaking to us. It is an everyday choice for us to decide which voice to yield to. God’s voice brings in conviction and satan’s voice brings in condemnation. We need to choose to be convicted than condemned. The Holy spirit continuously dismantles the outer man.
God has equipped us with the armor with which we can defend and fight the flaming arrows send by the devil.
Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17)
Helmet of Salvation – We need to clear about pour salvation. Our salvation is only through Christ and nothing can take away our salvation from us. Salvation is assured (1 Corinthians 2:16)
Breastplate of Righteousness – This is to guard our heart. Our righteousness is not by works. Those are but filthy rags. But our righteousness is through Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:8-9). We need to practice righteousness in our everyday life by controlling our thoughts which if not controlled will lead to them becoming a stronghold.
Belt of Truth – Jesus is the truth. Without Christ in us everything falls apart. The armor doesn’t stay in its place when we do not have Jesus Christ, the truth with us.
Shield of Faith – We need to have faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:20). Faith comes from hearing and by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Faith requires action beyond our understanding. We need to fix our eyes upon Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2)
Feet protected by Gospel of Peace – We need to have peace with God, with ourselves and with others. Our God is a God of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). Peace is a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
Sword of the Spirit – This is the only offensive weapon in the entire armor of God. The word of God is a double edged sword that penetrates through the dividing soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12-13). We need to be offensive at times.
One of the most powerful weapon is prayer. We need not worry about anything rather pray for everything (Philippians 4:6-7). Prayer helps us to guard our hearts and mind. We need to pray for a discerning spirit that will help us discern that which comes from God and from satan. We also need to be equipped with the word of God. It renews the inner man day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16)
Three things to do to mentor our inner man
1. Nothing to prove – This is a state of deep security in God. And this will help us to consider others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3)
2. Nothing to lose – This is a state of absolute surrender to God. Submit all our ways to God and he will make it straight (Proverbs 3:5-6)
3. Nothing to hide – This is a state of true integrity towards God. (Proverbs 11:3)
A strong inner man makes a strong outer man who will have a spiritual mind that is renewed and transformed with the knowledge of God in him.
Reflection by Susan Paul