To fight against the devil and sin, it is not enough to just go to church, read the Bible, and pray. We need specific strategy to defeat the devil and win over sin. This is because our struggle is not against flesh and blood, for in that case enough discipline will do, but our struggle is against the spiritual forces of evil. Someone is against you and against me. He is there to make sure you and I fail. And he is more powerful than you and me. What is the remedy?

It is putting on the whole armor of God. (Eph 6:13-18).

First, it starts with the belt of truth. This is what holds everything together. It is the truth of God based on the word of God.

Second, we put on the breastplate of righteousness. This is not OUR righteousness. It is Christ’s righteousness on our behalf that we put on to remind the devil of our alien righteousness.

Third, shoes of the gospel of peace. We run to the gospel when we are feeling depressed, self-pity, or feel condemned. We preach to ourselves the gospel of forgiveness and acceptance.

Fourth, the shield of faith. This is the future hope of our final salvation. We will be delivered body, soul, and spirit ultimately in Christ no matter how intense the fighting is right now

Fifth, the helmet of salvation. It is the renewed mind that finds delight in the things of the Lord rather than sin that leads us to salvation.

Sixth, the sword of the Spirit. This is the word of God that we have memorized and hidden in our hearts to use against the devil the way Jesus did when He was tempted.

Seventh, the prayer. It is what keeps the armor of God fresh and ready. We are in constant communion with our captain who is the giver of the armor we are wearing.

Put this on every morning and evening. Especially, BEFORE you know you will be tempted. Fight the good fight against the devil, the sin and the flesh!

PH