Moment of Truth: Casting Down Lies #25

“God wants us to arm ourselves with the weapons of this world.”

Our Weapons are Not Carnal:

[2] But I beseech you , that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. [3] 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. ~2 Corinthians 10:2-6 KJV

Avenge Not:

[19] Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. [20] Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. [21] Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. ~Romans 12:19-21 KJV

It’s No Longer an Eye for an Eye

[38] Ye have heard that it hath been said, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: [39] But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil:  but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” [40] And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.” ~ Spoken by Jesus in Matthew 5:38-40 KJV1 Added 8/3/2017

Love Your Enemies

[43] Ye have heard that it hath been said, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. [44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you:  [45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven:  for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. ~ Spoken by Jesus in Matthew 5: 43-45 KJV2 Added 8/3/2017

Walk in the Spirit and Do Not Fulfill the Lusts of Flesh:

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. ~Ephesians 2:3 KJV

[24] And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. [25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. ~Galatians 5:24-25 KJV

Be Harmless

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. ~Matthew 10:16 KJV

[14] Do all things without murmurings and disputings: [15] That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; ~Philippians 2:14-15 KJV

Read about how Jesus needed to be numbered with the transgressors so He told His disciples to arm themselves. This story reveals to us that we are considered transgressors (sinners) if we rely on arming ourselves to retaliate.

[36] Then said He unto them, “But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it , and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. [37] For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in Me, ‘And He was reckoned among the transgressors’: for the things concerning me have an end.” ~Luke 22:36-37 KJV

We also learn about what Jesus said to the man of whom Peter chopped his ear off.    “Suffer ye thus far…” Find out what this means.

Certain Christians are not yet born of the Spirit of God. They do not walk in His Spirit and do not seek the things that are above. This is not okay since Jesus tells us, “You must be born of water and of the Spirit” in order to enter the kingdom. Find out how this is possible.

Some also use Romans chapter 13 as an example that God’s ministers can bear carnal weapons.  However, they are taking the entire passage out of context.  Remember the last three scriptures tell us:

[12] The night is far spent, the day is at hand:  let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.  [13] Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. [14] But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. ~ Romans 13:12-14 KJV

The armour of light is the armour of God.  This passage tells you all about it.

[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11] [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: [18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; ~Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV

Therefore, a Christian’s armour is the armour of God, which is explained in the above passage.

This passage reinforces that David discovered that trusting God and prayer to God was most effective for winning battles.

[5] Through to Thee will we push down our enemies: through Thy Name will we tread them under that rise up against us. [6] For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. [7] But Thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. ~Psalm 44:5-7 KJV

However, we must also remember that we do not always win on earth.  The Apostle Paul describes many hard times for the saints.  We also discover that Jesus, John the Baptist, Peter, and Stephen died for their faith as well. (Of course, Jesus rose and the saints live on forever with Him in glory.)

[21] For even hereunto were ye called:  because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps:  [22] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: [23] Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously: [24] Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:  by whose stripes ye were healed. ~ 1 Peter 2: 21-24 KJV

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. ~Psalm 116: 15 KJV 3 Added several more supporting passages from half this article on 8/3/2017