The need for this prerequisite training in becoming true soldiers cannot be over emphasized especially as it helps the believer to overcome spiritual carelessness and recklessness. Basically, every statement in the New Testament is a charge for warfare because the devil will never allow you to serve God in peace. Three tools the devil uses against the believer are: accusation, temptation and deception (Ephesians 6:11)
Via deception, the devil tries to make the believer go for the fake instead of the truth. The only way out of this scheme is to know the truth and the fake will be exposed. If you don’t know the truth, you’ll be a victim of the fake.
Characteristics of the fake
- It resembles the truth
- It is more attractive than the truth
- It is cheaper than the truth
- It competes more favorably with the original
- It is accompanied with less responsibility.
The first training of the true soldier like we talked about last week is the training of the sword of the spirit which is the word of God. Following what we’ve just understood about “fake”, angels of darkness may appear as angels of light and the only way to overcome them is to equip yourself with God’s word. Attempting to fight the devil without the word, is exposure to risk (Ephesians 6:13, 17, Isaiah 54:17, 1John 4:4, 2Timothy 4:3-4, 1Corinthians 2:4-5)
Why do you need the training of the word?
- To strengthen your faith. (Romans 8:38, Hebrews 10:38, 1Corinthians 4:7-8)
Note that God’s word functions to raise your faith base. Ask God to increase your faith because once your faith fails, everything has failed.
Prayer Line: Oh Lord! Increase my faith to remain strong in you, Amen.