Wednesday, 25^th January 2023

Pastor Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: DEALING WITH THE DEVIL PT.2

THEME SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 6:11

 PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. What is the armour of God?
2. How can one put on the armour of God?

The theme scripture, read in the passion Translation, is beautiful. It says, “Put on God’s complete set of armour provided for us, so that you will be protected as you counter the evil strategies of the accuser”. In the part one of today’s devotional, it was established that the devil’s strategies include having a conversation with the believer. The objective of the conversation is to deploy his strategies through thoughts, ideas and fear. In this way, he will steal the believer (or make him believe a lie). Then he can now kill (attack you with all forms of oppression, struggles, etc.). The end result is to destroy (John 10:10) the believer who is the heir of God and co-heir with Christ (Gal 4:6-7).

Precious One, if you are going to counter the stratagems of the devil, and rule over him, you will need the complete armour of God.

This armour of God is not physical sword and bulletproof vest. They are these:

• The belt of truth: You are aware that the devil likes to twist God’s truth to deceive God’s people. This is why the belt of truth (Eph 6:14) is important to the believer in defending himself. Also, a believer who lives a life of lies is vulnerable to the enemy. This is why it is important to wear truth (and sincerity) at all times. Let God’s word (truth) be your truth and you will be impenetrable.
• The Breastplate of righteousness (Eph 6:14): The devil is the accuser of the brethren (Rev 12:10). Knowing this – that you have received the righteousness of God the day you believed on His Son is crucial to defending against the wiles of the devil. Until you know this truth (that you are righteous) even when you go to pray he will make you feel inadequate and unworthy before God. The devil will kill your spiritual and physical confidence. But Precious One, the word of God says, we are the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:17). It doesn’t matter your past, your present or your future, you are righteous.
• The Shoe of Evangelism: having a missionary spirit, evangelistic zeal and the sharing of the gospel is a defense against the attacks of the devil (Eph 6:15). Anyone who shares the gospel is careful at all times to do the right thing. You are insulated from being ordinary because of the gospel you share.
• The Shield of Faith: The enemy, to sway us from God, will like to bring challenges our way. The objective is to make you question the things of God you have believed. But a man of faith is immovable irrespective of the challenges the devil throws at him. Faith is a powerful shield against the wiles of the devil (Eph 6:16). So have the God-kind of faith which comes by hearing the word of God.
• The Helmet of Salvation: Are you saved? Some people are still not sure whether they are saved or not. And there are many Christians who can tell what makes them Christians. Going to church doesn’t make you saved, tithing doesn’t make you saved nor trying to do good. You are saved because you have believed in the Son of God and have confessed His Lordship. If you don’t know that you are saved the devil will buffet you.

Precious One, dealing with the devil involves doing your homework well.

It involves you knowing and understanding what Christ has accomplished for you. It is about building your faith, knowing who you are in Christ and living in the truth. From today going forward, you are arming yourself fully with the whole armour of God. Glory to Jesus

FURTHER READING – Ephesians 6:10-18

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Assess yourself today whether you have all the armour of God on you.

 

CONFESSION

In Jesus’ Precious Name, I affirm that I am insulated against all the wiles of the evil one because I am the righteousness of God. I walk worthy of the Lord every day, being filled with all the fullness of God. This is why I triumph over all circumstances and situations of hell and darkness. Thank you Lord. Hallelujah!

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

Genesis 41; Psalm 45; Matthew 27