Read: Galatians 5:16-26
Memory Verse: Galatians 5:17
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
“We have met the enemy, and the enemy is us.” Pogo (comic strip character from 1948 – 1973) Ephesians 6:12 tells us that we are fighting “principalities” (government and political powers), “powers” (those with the power of finances or influence), “rulers of the darkness of this world” (demonic forces and worldly influences), and “spiritual wickedness in high places” (the Devil).
These enemies are all around us and attacking us, sometimes daily. The problem is we cannot defeat these enemies with the power of our own strength. Even Michael the archangel understood that only the Lord could rebuke Satan; “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.” Jude 1:9
The other enemy is our own flesh. Many of the battles that I face are within myself. It is fighting my own weaknesses, desires, needs, and thoughts that often bring me down and defeat me. The enemy doesn’t need to fire a shot and he has already won.
The only way that we can win is to put on the Armor of God and pick up His mighty weapons of warfare. To be ready for the battle that we know is going to come. Ultimately, “the battle is the Lord’s” (I Samuel 17:47) and He alone can give us the victory.
Are you prepared for battle? Put on the armor each day. Learn how to use the weapons (Scripture, prayer, accountability, etc.) that God has provided for you to defeat the enemy. Bring the thoughts of fear, regret, anger, bitterness, etc. into captivity and trust God by faith to give you the victory.
Meditation for the Day: Who or what are the enemies that you face in battle each day? How can you identify them and do battle against them and win?
Assignment: Make a list of the weapons God has provided for you and how you can become more proficient in using them.
For Fun: If the weapons of God were physical weapons, what would they be and why?