As I said in yesterday’s teaching, ‘The source of most attacks on our life is spiritual… most financial challenges, health challenges, relationship challenges, challenges with depression and other emotional issues as well as challenges to succeed in life are as a result of the works of darkness that are trying to steal, kill and destroy. People are never the root problem – the devil used deceived people who will buy into his lies, but they are not the source. Renewing your mind on this truth will change your life!’
Our strategy to overcome these spiritual attacks is two-fold… staying inwardly strong in the Lord, and being clothed in the armor of power that has been provided for us through Christ in our New Covenant in Him.
The armor of God is what Jesus was talking about when He told His disciples not to leave Jerusalem until they were endued, or ‘clothed’ with power from on high. Jesus was referring to being clothed with power in the baptism of the Holy Spirit there, and here, Paul is referring to being clothed in power daily and to wear the miracle working power as armor to overcome the works of the devil.
You must wear all the armor that God provides so you’re protected as you confront the slanderer, for you are destined for all things and will rise victorious. Put on truth as a belt to strengthen you to stand in triumph. Put on the breastplate of righteousness. Cover your feet by being prepared and equipped with the good news of the gospel. In every battle, take faith as your wrap-around shield, for it is able to extinguish the blazing arrows coming at you from the Evil One! Put on the helmet of salvation, embrace the power of salvation’s full deliverance, like a helmet to protect your thoughts from lies. And take the sword of the spirit - the mighty razor-sharp Spirit-sword of the spoken Word of God. (Ephesians 6:13-18)
Wearing the armor of God is walking in, and having our minds renewed to the powerful realities provided to every believer in the New Covenant. Here are the areas that the Holy Spirit emphasizes through Paul the apostle to stand strong in… New Covenant truth – New Covenant righteousness - the good news of the gospel - New Covenant faith - New Covenant salvation and the Word of God.
As we renew our minds to these powerful realities, as we learn to walk in them, nothing shall by any means harm us as we walk in absolute power over every work of the devil. The six New Covenant realities given in this passage of scripture function as ‘power armor’ that clothes and protects us as believers. In the next teaching I will begin to expound on the significance of each New Covenant reality.
I am convinced that the only reason that believers suffer defeat at the hands of the powers of darkness is because they are not fully walking in what Jesus has provided for them on the cross of Calvary and in His New Covenant.
Blessings on you, Nick
