Weapons of Choice
Submitted by Frank Williams
December 9, 2024
1Jo 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
There is a spiritual battle around us, and there are many casualties. The world is one of our three primary enemies, along with the flesh and the Devil. Jesus has defeated all three enemies in His earthly ministry, and the victory He won greatly benefits believers.
A Christian cannot lose his salvation in the battle. It is already bought and paid for. His name is already written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. But sadly, as believers we can have our testimony destroyed if we yield to the enemies.
When battling the Devil, Jesus used the powerful Word of God as the weapon of choice. In Matthew 4, He repeatedly answered Satan’s temptations with Scriptures.
When it comes to the old sin nature, we are given specific instructions on how to combat its evil inclinations. In Romans 6:11-14, we are told to reckon (count) self to be dead to sin. That is a choice to not let our sin nature be in control—to refuse to let our body be used in unrighteousness. And knowing that we are alive from the dead, we are to yield our bodies unto righteousness.
These exercises take us right back to the Gospel—the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. They are spiritual weapons of choice designed to defeat the old sin nature. They relate to spiritual, mental, and wilful choices that we are to consciously and purposefully make—knowing that grace has enabled these choices. If we refuse to do this, the old sin nature will gain the reign.
In 1 John 5:4, we are given the weapon of choice in overcoming the world—Faith. Having been born again, we are already in a position of victory, by the grace of God. In our daily practice however, we must continue to exercise faith to maintain victory. The world is constantly bombarding us with its lures, and so we must be cautious when we walk out into the world, to focus every step in faith. Ro 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Jesus won the victory over all our enemies.
Over Satan, Jesus said, Mt 4:4 ... It is written….
Over the world, Jesus said, Joh 16:33 ... I have overcome the world.
Over the flesh, Jesus said, Lu 22:42 … not my will, but thine, be done.
Consider – Are we using the right weapon in combatting the specific enemy?
