Venom
08-31-2003, 07:43 PM
For the first 4 parts of this series, the authors, and important threads to read, click the bible links in the mods signatures, and scroll down to the section that says, "How to use the Word of God." Enjoy. /forum/images/graemlins/cool.gif
http://www.thelightanddarkseries.com/jpgs/prayer.jpg
Benefits of living for righteousness: A great benefit of living for righteousness is that our breastplate will function at maximum efficiency. Here are some other benefits that we will also enjoy:
Protection:
The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, But the unfaithful will be caught by their lust. (Proverbs 11:6 NKJV)
Prosperity and honor:
He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. (Proverbs 21:21 NIV)
Filling with God's Spirit:
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6 NIV)
Quietness and confidence forever:
The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. (Isaiah 32:17 NIV)
Reflection of God:
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24)
A Christian's survival in the world requires a firm grounding in the absolute truth of the Bible. The power of truth is that it sets us free by breaking the power of the devil's lies and the deception they create (John 8:31-32). Just as with Eve in Eden, the devil downplays the consequences of sin and promotes its pleasures. Firmly rooted in the truth, we are best equipped to recognize the lies, resist the devil and do God's will.
http://www.thelightanddarkseries.com/jpgs/thebreastplateofrighteousness.jpg
Paul mentioned that the "belt of truth" is part of the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6:14. Soldiers in Paul's day wore belts to secure their clothing and attach weapons. The belt of truth has similar but expanded functions for spiritual warfare that include:
Sanctification: The belt of truth sets us apart from people who don't follow God. Jesus prayed that God would sanctify us by the truth (the word): "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth" (John 17:17 NIV). To sanctify means to set apart for a special purpose and to purify. The truth helps us stay on mission for God and avoid falling back into sin's corruption.
Guidance: The Holy Spirit uses the truth to guide us in whatever circumstances we're in. John wrote, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come" (John 16:13 NIV). Just as communications are crucial on the physical battlefield, so is the Holy Spirit's guidance via truth on the spiritual battlefield.
http://www.thelightanddarkseries.com/jpgs/beltoftruth.jpg
Intelligence & Discernment: Intelligence data and its interpretation (i.e. discernment) can play a critical role in the outcome of military conflicts. God's word reveals truth that helps us decisively recognize the devil's lies in spiritual conflicts. Hebrews 4:12 NIV explains how the word reveals truth: "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Armed with the truth of the word, we'll recognize the devil's lies for what they are.
Battle readiness: Belts were used in Bible times to secure lose garments so that a person could run and/or fight effectively (1 Kings 18:46, 2 Kings 4:29). The belts also provided a place to attach weapons (2 Samuel 20:8). When the enemy attacks us we may have to move quickly and use our spiritual weapons (Praise, Prayer, Sword of the Spirit, etc.) "on the run." The belt of truth enables us to move quickly and confidently without tripping into lies or losing our weapons.
Putting on the Belt each day: There are some key actions we can take to put on our belt of truth securely each day. These include:
Speak it: When we say we are putting on the belt of truth and believe in all that it represents, the belt's function is maximized. Example words to speak:
"I put on the Belt of Truth. I believe that God's word is truth and I fill my mind with God's word. I have the Holy Spirit living in me, who will guide me in truth. The truth enables me to discern the devil's lies and avoid being taking captive to do his will."
Study the word: Daily study of the Bible will help keep truth in the forefront of our minds (John 17:17). This is done by studying the Bible (see quiet time), memorizing scriptures and speaking verses applicable to the situations we face each day. Jesus said, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32 NKJV). There is no substitute for daily Bible study during our quiet time with God. It's essential if we hope to grow closer to God and maintain victory over our old sinful habits.
Ask God to remind you of the truth: The Holy Spirit, the "Spirit of Truth," will remind us of the truth and guide us in truth as we walk with God (John 14:17,26). In order for the Spirit to "remind" us of God's word, we have to have already read it or heard it. If we've done our part in abiding in God's word, we'll have maximized sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. A simple invitational prayer we can pray is:
"Heavenly Father, please remind me of your word today and guide me in truth by the Holy Spirit. Please help me hear, know and obey your voice in every situation. Please strengthen my ability to retain and recall your word as it applies to the situations I face. Thank you, Heavenly Father. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."
Maintaining the Belt
To keep our belt of truth in great shape, we must keep our hearts pliable and obedient to God by clinging to his word. Our belt can become corrupted by the sin we commit and tolerate in our lives. For example, Joab's belt was stained by his murder of Abner and Amasa in 1 Kings 2:5.
When we give sin a protected place in our lives, we embrace the lies that the sin is based on. These lies are what corrupt our belt of truth. If we sin, we must return to God in repentance and the blood of Jesus will wash away the stains from our sins (1 John 1:7).
I chose to use the term "Battle Shoes" to identify the "readiness" that comes from the gospel of peace. It's important for us to understand exactly what Paul was talking about, so we can fully engage our faith when putting the battle shoes on. The Amplified translation of Ephesians 6:15 is helpful:
"And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace" Ephesians 6:15 AMP
Let's explore the footwear analogy. When going to work, play, exercise or relax we usually put something on our feet that is appropriate. Each type of shoe provides a unique combination of benefits for the activity we're intending to do. Specifically, footwear provides:
Protection
Support
Traction
Performance
Comfort
http://www.thelightanddarkseries.com/jpgs/theshoesofpeace.jpg
Footwear also bolsters our stamina to perform the activity we're going to do. For example, if you are going running on a hot day, you're likely to last only a few minutes on the hot asphalt without shoes. With shoes on, you can run on that asphalt much longer!
The spiritual footwear that comes from the "Gospel of Peace" gives us the firm-footed stability, promptness and readiness we'll need to face our agile adversaries. The term "Gospel of Peace" refers to the peace we have with God through Jesus: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:1-2NIV). (Other verses on our peace with God through Christ: Isaiah 53:5, Colossians 1:20, Ephesians 2:13-22)
Since we have gained access to God through this peace, we can use his resources to fight the spiritual battles we face. Therefore, the gospel of peace extends our "battlefield endurance" by connecting us with God's protection, support, guidance and comfort at all times through the Holy Spirit.
Putting on the Battle Shoes
Speak It: Even though our faith in Jesus secures our peace with God, we often don't feel that peace. It may even seem like God is not with us. In such times it is helpful to remember that we put the whole armor of God on by faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). We can't see our peace with God, but we believe we have it because God's word says we have it. When we confess that we are putting on the battle shoes (and the rest of the armor), we are speaking them on in faith. Here is an example prayer/declaration to do so:
"I shod my feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. I have peace with God through my faith in Jesus and have access to God. I have his resources at my disposal for the battles I may face today. Father, please guide my footsteps and secure me on your path of righteousness today. Thank you, Father!"
Learn God's word: The Bible is the reference book for the Gospel of Peace. By studying the Bible and even memorizing key scripture passages, you will establish a foundation in the Gospel of Peace. You will be less likely to slip off God's path of truth. You will be firmly standing in good shoes! The psalmist declares in Psalm 119:165 NKJV, "Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble."
Don't be anxious about anything. Take all your needs and concerns to God in prayer: The devil will try to steal our peace, using the cares of the world, the desire for riches, fear and any other tool to get our minds off of God. If we give in and begin to worry and get anxious about things, we'll loose the protection that comes with God's peace. Paul wrote:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
The Sword of the Spirit is a powerful weapon of spiritual warfare. The sword is formed by speaking God's word. When we use the sword properly, God's power and resources are available to us. In discussing the Sword of the Spirit, it is helpful to first examine the meaning of the Greek words Logos and Rhema, which are often used for the "word" of God.
Logos - the word of God (see Strong's #3056): Logos is often used to identify the written scriptures in the Bible, which were given to people under the inspiration of God (Timothy 3:16, 1 Peter 1:10-11). Collectively, the Bible, as God's "word," is the written, divine expression or revelation of God to humanity. Jesus completed this expression as the literal embodiment of God's word, logos (John 1:1-5,14).
Rhema - the word of God (Strong's #4487): Rhema is the spoken word of God. Strong's concordance says that rhema is "that which is or has been uttered by the living voice." Rhema carries a spiritual connotation that differentiates it from logos. It also bears application to the specific context of our lives. For example, we may be wrestling with an issue in our life and during our quiet time we read a verse that "speaks" directly to the situation we are dealing with. That portion of the scripture becomes a "Rhema word" from God for us regarding our situation. We can then stand in faith on the Rhema God has given us and confess it whenever the devil tries to attack us.
Another way of using the Rhema is to apply specific scriptures (logos) to the situations we are facing. This is perhaps the most common of way of diffusing temptations. While we may not have a special or emergent Rhema revelation from God regarding a temptation, we will likely have plenty of scriptures that we can speak that apply.
The Sword of the Spirit: Rhema is the Greek word used in the Sword of the Spirit passage (Ephesians 6:17 - "..the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God"). Therefore, we use the Sword of the Spirit by:
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1) Standing in faith on the word God has given us for our particular situation and confessing it in the face of the enemy's attacks
and/or
2) Speaking or singing scriptures (logos) that apply to the situation we are facing
As with the other pieces of the armor of God, the Sword of the Spirit relies on faith for its foundation. When our faith is based on the promises of God's word, our sword's "spiritual power link" to God is engaged. Jesus said, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes" (Mark 9:23 NKJV). Spoken in faith, the Sword of the Spirit is the truth that sets people free from the lies that hold them captive (John 8:31-32, Psalm 119:160, John 17:17).
From the very beginning, God has spoken words that have powerfully influenced everything that exists. For example, God created the heavens and earth by speaking them into existence! The Bible says, "By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the *word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible" (Hebrews 11:3 NASB, *rhema). Since God created us in his likeness, we too have the ability to release power through speech. For example, our words can bring life and death (Proverbs 18:21). They can build people up or tear them down (James 3).
Jesus used the Sword of the Spirit in resisting Satan in the wilderness (Luke 4). Jesus responded to each of the temptations by quoting scripture. The scripture he chose revealed and destroyed the lies of each temptation. In the same way, we can use scripture to destroy the lies that tempt us. (see lies page for examples)
Other Sword of the Spirit examples:
Praying the word (Acts 4:24-31): A group of believers prayed the word and the result was that the place was shaken, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly
Preaching the word (Acts 13:38-43)
Answering questions with the word (Acts 13:46-48)
Singing the word (Acts 16:25-34)
Basic Training: When using the Sword of the Spirit, we need to ensure that we are using the scripture in the proper context from where it was taken. In order to understand the context, we'll need to learn the Bible. Bible study not only familiarizes us with the word, but also builds our faith up (Romans 10:17) and sharpens our discernment skills for spiritual warfare (Hebrews 4:12).
Have daily quiet times: The best method for learning the Bible is to study it each day in a quiet time with God (see Quiet Time). Specifically, you'll want to learn about God's promises to you, your identity in Jesus Christ and the guidelines for holy living.
Memorize key verses: As you study the Bible, you'll also want to pick out verses to memorize. Scripture memory helps improve your swordsmanship in rejecting temptations. It usually requires persistence and effort, but it is well worth it.
NavPress offers a great product called the Topical Memory System that is very good for scripture memory. You can also devise your own system. For example, I write down verses that I notice during my quiet time readings on 3 X 5 note cards. On the card I include the reference and the topic. I review the cards throughout the day as often as possible. After I have mastered twelve cards, I start a new group. The key is to keep the scripture in front of you as much as possible each day. You are basically programming your mind with God's word.
Practice: As you face temptations each day, try to recall the verses you have learned that apply to the temptation. You can ask the Holy Spirit to help you remember them. One of the Holy Spirit's functions is to remind you of the word (John 14:26). The more you have memorized, the more verses the Spirit has to help you with! The more you speak the scriptures that come to mind, the more you reinforce them in your memory.
Verses for Comfort
Psalm 119:76
May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
Psalm 34:18
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 68:6
God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
Psalm 31 NKJV
23Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, And fully repays the proud person. 24Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.
Jeremiah 29 NKJV
11For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
Psalm 147 NKJV
11The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy. 12Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!
Psalm 25
This is an excellent Psalm for consolation, help and deliverance - It is helpful to read this aloud as a prayer to God
Romans 8:31-39
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 119:48-50
I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees. Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
Verses on Giving
Psalm 37:3-4 NKJV
Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine
Proverbs 11:24 NKJV
There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty.
Proverbs 11:25 NKJV
The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself
Proverbs 15:6 NKJV
The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble.
Proverbs 22:9 NKJV
A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
Proverbs 28:27 AMP
He who gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes [from their want] will have many a curse.
Malachi 3:6-12 NIV
6 "I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty. "But you ask, 'How are we to return?' 8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse-the whole nation of you-because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the LORD Almighty. 12 "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the LORD Almighty.
Luke 6:38 NIV
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
2 Corinthians 8:7-9 NIV
7But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 8I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 9:6-11 NIV
6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Galatians 6:7-9 NIV
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Philippians 4:18-19 NKJV
Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received…the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Verses for Healing
Psalm 103:2-5 NIV
2 Praise the LORD , O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Mark 16:17-18 NKJV
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues, they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly they will recover; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
2 Corinthians 1:19-20 NIV
19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." 20For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.
Acts 4:29-31 NIV
29Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly
James 5:14-16 NIV
14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
1 John 1:9 NIV
9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness
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1 Peter 2:24 NIV
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds, you have been healed.
Hebrews 9:14 NIV
14How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
Hebrews 10:22 NIV
let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
http://www.thelightanddarkseries.com/jpgs/prayer.jpg
Benefits of living for righteousness: A great benefit of living for righteousness is that our breastplate will function at maximum efficiency. Here are some other benefits that we will also enjoy:
Protection:
The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, But the unfaithful will be caught by their lust. (Proverbs 11:6 NKJV)
Prosperity and honor:
He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. (Proverbs 21:21 NIV)
Filling with God's Spirit:
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6 NIV)
Quietness and confidence forever:
The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. (Isaiah 32:17 NIV)
Reflection of God:
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24)
A Christian's survival in the world requires a firm grounding in the absolute truth of the Bible. The power of truth is that it sets us free by breaking the power of the devil's lies and the deception they create (John 8:31-32). Just as with Eve in Eden, the devil downplays the consequences of sin and promotes its pleasures. Firmly rooted in the truth, we are best equipped to recognize the lies, resist the devil and do God's will.
http://www.thelightanddarkseries.com/jpgs/thebreastplateofrighteousness.jpg
Paul mentioned that the "belt of truth" is part of the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6:14. Soldiers in Paul's day wore belts to secure their clothing and attach weapons. The belt of truth has similar but expanded functions for spiritual warfare that include:
Sanctification: The belt of truth sets us apart from people who don't follow God. Jesus prayed that God would sanctify us by the truth (the word): "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth" (John 17:17 NIV). To sanctify means to set apart for a special purpose and to purify. The truth helps us stay on mission for God and avoid falling back into sin's corruption.
Guidance: The Holy Spirit uses the truth to guide us in whatever circumstances we're in. John wrote, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come" (John 16:13 NIV). Just as communications are crucial on the physical battlefield, so is the Holy Spirit's guidance via truth on the spiritual battlefield.
http://www.thelightanddarkseries.com/jpgs/beltoftruth.jpg
Intelligence & Discernment: Intelligence data and its interpretation (i.e. discernment) can play a critical role in the outcome of military conflicts. God's word reveals truth that helps us decisively recognize the devil's lies in spiritual conflicts. Hebrews 4:12 NIV explains how the word reveals truth: "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Armed with the truth of the word, we'll recognize the devil's lies for what they are.
Battle readiness: Belts were used in Bible times to secure lose garments so that a person could run and/or fight effectively (1 Kings 18:46, 2 Kings 4:29). The belts also provided a place to attach weapons (2 Samuel 20:8). When the enemy attacks us we may have to move quickly and use our spiritual weapons (Praise, Prayer, Sword of the Spirit, etc.) "on the run." The belt of truth enables us to move quickly and confidently without tripping into lies or losing our weapons.
Putting on the Belt each day: There are some key actions we can take to put on our belt of truth securely each day. These include:
Speak it: When we say we are putting on the belt of truth and believe in all that it represents, the belt's function is maximized. Example words to speak:
"I put on the Belt of Truth. I believe that God's word is truth and I fill my mind with God's word. I have the Holy Spirit living in me, who will guide me in truth. The truth enables me to discern the devil's lies and avoid being taking captive to do his will."
Study the word: Daily study of the Bible will help keep truth in the forefront of our minds (John 17:17). This is done by studying the Bible (see quiet time), memorizing scriptures and speaking verses applicable to the situations we face each day. Jesus said, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32 NKJV). There is no substitute for daily Bible study during our quiet time with God. It's essential if we hope to grow closer to God and maintain victory over our old sinful habits.
Ask God to remind you of the truth: The Holy Spirit, the "Spirit of Truth," will remind us of the truth and guide us in truth as we walk with God (John 14:17,26). In order for the Spirit to "remind" us of God's word, we have to have already read it or heard it. If we've done our part in abiding in God's word, we'll have maximized sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. A simple invitational prayer we can pray is:
"Heavenly Father, please remind me of your word today and guide me in truth by the Holy Spirit. Please help me hear, know and obey your voice in every situation. Please strengthen my ability to retain and recall your word as it applies to the situations I face. Thank you, Heavenly Father. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."
Maintaining the Belt
To keep our belt of truth in great shape, we must keep our hearts pliable and obedient to God by clinging to his word. Our belt can become corrupted by the sin we commit and tolerate in our lives. For example, Joab's belt was stained by his murder of Abner and Amasa in 1 Kings 2:5.
When we give sin a protected place in our lives, we embrace the lies that the sin is based on. These lies are what corrupt our belt of truth. If we sin, we must return to God in repentance and the blood of Jesus will wash away the stains from our sins (1 John 1:7).
I chose to use the term "Battle Shoes" to identify the "readiness" that comes from the gospel of peace. It's important for us to understand exactly what Paul was talking about, so we can fully engage our faith when putting the battle shoes on. The Amplified translation of Ephesians 6:15 is helpful:
"And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace" Ephesians 6:15 AMP
Let's explore the footwear analogy. When going to work, play, exercise or relax we usually put something on our feet that is appropriate. Each type of shoe provides a unique combination of benefits for the activity we're intending to do. Specifically, footwear provides:
Protection
Support
Traction
Performance
Comfort
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Footwear also bolsters our stamina to perform the activity we're going to do. For example, if you are going running on a hot day, you're likely to last only a few minutes on the hot asphalt without shoes. With shoes on, you can run on that asphalt much longer!
The spiritual footwear that comes from the "Gospel of Peace" gives us the firm-footed stability, promptness and readiness we'll need to face our agile adversaries. The term "Gospel of Peace" refers to the peace we have with God through Jesus: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:1-2NIV). (Other verses on our peace with God through Christ: Isaiah 53:5, Colossians 1:20, Ephesians 2:13-22)
Since we have gained access to God through this peace, we can use his resources to fight the spiritual battles we face. Therefore, the gospel of peace extends our "battlefield endurance" by connecting us with God's protection, support, guidance and comfort at all times through the Holy Spirit.
Putting on the Battle Shoes
Speak It: Even though our faith in Jesus secures our peace with God, we often don't feel that peace. It may even seem like God is not with us. In such times it is helpful to remember that we put the whole armor of God on by faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). We can't see our peace with God, but we believe we have it because God's word says we have it. When we confess that we are putting on the battle shoes (and the rest of the armor), we are speaking them on in faith. Here is an example prayer/declaration to do so:
"I shod my feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. I have peace with God through my faith in Jesus and have access to God. I have his resources at my disposal for the battles I may face today. Father, please guide my footsteps and secure me on your path of righteousness today. Thank you, Father!"
Learn God's word: The Bible is the reference book for the Gospel of Peace. By studying the Bible and even memorizing key scripture passages, you will establish a foundation in the Gospel of Peace. You will be less likely to slip off God's path of truth. You will be firmly standing in good shoes! The psalmist declares in Psalm 119:165 NKJV, "Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble."
Don't be anxious about anything. Take all your needs and concerns to God in prayer: The devil will try to steal our peace, using the cares of the world, the desire for riches, fear and any other tool to get our minds off of God. If we give in and begin to worry and get anxious about things, we'll loose the protection that comes with God's peace. Paul wrote:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
The Sword of the Spirit is a powerful weapon of spiritual warfare. The sword is formed by speaking God's word. When we use the sword properly, God's power and resources are available to us. In discussing the Sword of the Spirit, it is helpful to first examine the meaning of the Greek words Logos and Rhema, which are often used for the "word" of God.
Logos - the word of God (see Strong's #3056): Logos is often used to identify the written scriptures in the Bible, which were given to people under the inspiration of God (Timothy 3:16, 1 Peter 1:10-11). Collectively, the Bible, as God's "word," is the written, divine expression or revelation of God to humanity. Jesus completed this expression as the literal embodiment of God's word, logos (John 1:1-5,14).
Rhema - the word of God (Strong's #4487): Rhema is the spoken word of God. Strong's concordance says that rhema is "that which is or has been uttered by the living voice." Rhema carries a spiritual connotation that differentiates it from logos. It also bears application to the specific context of our lives. For example, we may be wrestling with an issue in our life and during our quiet time we read a verse that "speaks" directly to the situation we are dealing with. That portion of the scripture becomes a "Rhema word" from God for us regarding our situation. We can then stand in faith on the Rhema God has given us and confess it whenever the devil tries to attack us.
Another way of using the Rhema is to apply specific scriptures (logos) to the situations we are facing. This is perhaps the most common of way of diffusing temptations. While we may not have a special or emergent Rhema revelation from God regarding a temptation, we will likely have plenty of scriptures that we can speak that apply.
The Sword of the Spirit: Rhema is the Greek word used in the Sword of the Spirit passage (Ephesians 6:17 - "..the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God"). Therefore, we use the Sword of the Spirit by:
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1) Standing in faith on the word God has given us for our particular situation and confessing it in the face of the enemy's attacks
and/or
2) Speaking or singing scriptures (logos) that apply to the situation we are facing
As with the other pieces of the armor of God, the Sword of the Spirit relies on faith for its foundation. When our faith is based on the promises of God's word, our sword's "spiritual power link" to God is engaged. Jesus said, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes" (Mark 9:23 NKJV). Spoken in faith, the Sword of the Spirit is the truth that sets people free from the lies that hold them captive (John 8:31-32, Psalm 119:160, John 17:17).
From the very beginning, God has spoken words that have powerfully influenced everything that exists. For example, God created the heavens and earth by speaking them into existence! The Bible says, "By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the *word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible" (Hebrews 11:3 NASB, *rhema). Since God created us in his likeness, we too have the ability to release power through speech. For example, our words can bring life and death (Proverbs 18:21). They can build people up or tear them down (James 3).
Jesus used the Sword of the Spirit in resisting Satan in the wilderness (Luke 4). Jesus responded to each of the temptations by quoting scripture. The scripture he chose revealed and destroyed the lies of each temptation. In the same way, we can use scripture to destroy the lies that tempt us. (see lies page for examples)
Other Sword of the Spirit examples:
Praying the word (Acts 4:24-31): A group of believers prayed the word and the result was that the place was shaken, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly
Preaching the word (Acts 13:38-43)
Answering questions with the word (Acts 13:46-48)
Singing the word (Acts 16:25-34)
Basic Training: When using the Sword of the Spirit, we need to ensure that we are using the scripture in the proper context from where it was taken. In order to understand the context, we'll need to learn the Bible. Bible study not only familiarizes us with the word, but also builds our faith up (Romans 10:17) and sharpens our discernment skills for spiritual warfare (Hebrews 4:12).
Have daily quiet times: The best method for learning the Bible is to study it each day in a quiet time with God (see Quiet Time). Specifically, you'll want to learn about God's promises to you, your identity in Jesus Christ and the guidelines for holy living.
Memorize key verses: As you study the Bible, you'll also want to pick out verses to memorize. Scripture memory helps improve your swordsmanship in rejecting temptations. It usually requires persistence and effort, but it is well worth it.
NavPress offers a great product called the Topical Memory System that is very good for scripture memory. You can also devise your own system. For example, I write down verses that I notice during my quiet time readings on 3 X 5 note cards. On the card I include the reference and the topic. I review the cards throughout the day as often as possible. After I have mastered twelve cards, I start a new group. The key is to keep the scripture in front of you as much as possible each day. You are basically programming your mind with God's word.
Practice: As you face temptations each day, try to recall the verses you have learned that apply to the temptation. You can ask the Holy Spirit to help you remember them. One of the Holy Spirit's functions is to remind you of the word (John 14:26). The more you have memorized, the more verses the Spirit has to help you with! The more you speak the scriptures that come to mind, the more you reinforce them in your memory.
Verses for Comfort
Psalm 119:76
May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
Psalm 34:18
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 68:6
God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
Psalm 31 NKJV
23Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, And fully repays the proud person. 24Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.
Jeremiah 29 NKJV
11For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
Psalm 147 NKJV
11The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy. 12Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!
Psalm 25
This is an excellent Psalm for consolation, help and deliverance - It is helpful to read this aloud as a prayer to God
Romans 8:31-39
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 119:48-50
I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees. Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.
Verses on Giving
Psalm 37:3-4 NKJV
Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine
Proverbs 11:24 NKJV
There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty.
Proverbs 11:25 NKJV
The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself
Proverbs 15:6 NKJV
The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble.
Proverbs 22:9 NKJV
A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
Proverbs 28:27 AMP
He who gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes [from their want] will have many a curse.
Malachi 3:6-12 NIV
6 "I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty. "But you ask, 'How are we to return?' 8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse-the whole nation of you-because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the LORD Almighty. 12 "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the LORD Almighty.
Luke 6:38 NIV
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
2 Corinthians 8:7-9 NIV
7But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 8I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 9:6-11 NIV
6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Galatians 6:7-9 NIV
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Philippians 4:18-19 NKJV
Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received…the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Verses for Healing
Psalm 103:2-5 NIV
2 Praise the LORD , O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Mark 16:17-18 NKJV
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues, they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly they will recover; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
2 Corinthians 1:19-20 NIV
19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." 20For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.
Acts 4:29-31 NIV
29Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly
James 5:14-16 NIV
14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
1 John 1:9 NIV
9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness
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1 Peter 2:24 NIV
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds, you have been healed.
Hebrews 9:14 NIV
14How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
Hebrews 10:22 NIV
let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.