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NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION TRAINING
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with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.”
Truth
- This weapon is more than just stating that which you
know is true. The weapon of truth is relying on the absolute source
of ALL Truth. In John 14:6, Jesus says “I am the way, the truth,
and the life.” Since Jesus is Truth and “Truth Absolutely,” having
a relationship with him is a chief weapon in Spiritual Warfare.
Righteousness
- According to Genesis 15:6, Abram (later
Abraham) believed God and it was “credited to him as
righteousness.” Thus righteous living in God’s eyes involves
believing and trusting in the power and authority of God.
God had promised Abraham that he would be the father of
many nations, and that his descendants would outnumber
the stars in the sky, yet Abraham remained childless. But
God had promised Abraham a great nation, and Abraham
believed in God’s promise, and was thus deemed righteous.
When Satan begins to attack us in our Christian journey,
we must believe in the promise that God will never leave
us or forsake us. This assurance of God’s protection
is a necessary weapon for Spiritual Warfare.
B. The Gospel Shoes
Ephesians 6:15,
“As shoes for your feet put on whatever will
make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace” (NSRV)
Another powerful weapon for spiritual warfare is proclamation of the
Gospel of Jesus Christ. One sure way to resist Satan is the same way
that Jesus did in His temptation in the wilderness, by proclaiming
the Word of God. Satan told Jesus, “If you worship me all will be
yours.” But, Jesus knew better because he knew the Scriptures.
Thus, Jesus responded, “But, it is written, you shall worship the Lord
thy God, and him only shall you serve.” (Luke 4:7-8) Proclaiming
the truth of God’s Word is a most powerful weapon. And, we are
instructed to do whatever necessary to proclaim such a power.
C. The Shield of Faith
Ephesians 6:16,
“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith
ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”
Your faith in God and in the death and resurrection of his Son Jesus
Christ will shield you from whatever Satan throws at you or tries to
tempt you with. According to Hebrews 11:1, “Faith is the substance
of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” We must
believe and have faith in the power of God even when we can’t see
it operating. Faith is a shield, and thus your weapon of protection.
D. The Helmet of Salvation
Ephesians 6:17,
“And take the helmet of salvation”