SPIRITUAL WARFARE: THE WEAPONS

Sermon Notes, January 27, 2013

Pastor Jan Sinozich

 

Pastor Jan’s second sermon in the series on Spiritual Warfare, based on 2 Corinthians 10:1-8, was about “The Weapons.”  Paul says in verses 4-5 that although we live in the world (flesh), we don’t fight with the world’s weapons.

The weapons of the flesh are weapons of insurgency—outdated by Jesus’ death and resurrection.  As with modern-day insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan, fear is one of the weapons of the flesh; fear of punishment, fear of criticism, fear of failure, for example.  Another is guilt—our insecurities make us vulnerable, make us think, feel, and act like failures.  Guilty thoughts are Satan’s IEDs (improvised explosive devices).   Power is another of Satan’s weapons; the lure of popularity, success or titles can keep us from being effective. 

We are vulnerable to Satan’s weapons if we are unprotected.  In the Gospels we are told 23 times not to fear.  1 John 4:18 tells us that perfect love drives out fear.  Guilt was defeated by Jesus’ death and resurrection.  The power of the flesh is powerless in God’s kingdom.  To be great in God’s kingdom, we must serve others.

The arsenal of weapons of spiritual warfare are listed in Ephesians 6:10-18.  The chief offensive weapon is the Word of God.  2 Corinthians 10, verse 5 tells us that it will demolish arguments.  Paul, when he was entering into a new place to spread the message, reasoned with people, in the temple, and sometimes even in the marketplace (Acts 17).  Peter, in Acts 2, used scripture to tell the message of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, on the Day of Pentecost.  We are to study, meditate, and memorize God’s word.  Engage the power of the scripture.

Prayer is the other offensive weapon in spiritual warfare.  We are to pray, be alert, and keep on praying.  God is allowing the battle to continue in order to show His glory.  He is shaping us.  Our prayers involve us in God’s plan.  We are to take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

The fight is difficult, but James 4:7-8 tells us to submit to God—to resist the devil and he will flee.  Stand with Christ.  To God be the glory as we are transformed into God’s image through His Son, Jesus.