“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses” 2 Corinthians 10:4 NASB
God has given us many weapons to fight the enemy. It is up to us to pick up the weapons and learn how to use them. If we follow our natural tendency and wait for a crisis to pick up our weapons, our lack of skill is likely to be exposed in defeat. Our enemy is a highly skilled adversary. Satan’s spiritual forces are experienced veterans, having waged war on mankind for thousands of years. They know our weaknesses and how best to exploit them.
God calls us to be good warriors, trained and skillful in using the weapons he has given us. God will train those people who are willing to learn how to fight. David declared that God trained him how to fight against the enemy and taught his hands to make war (Psalm 18:34). God also armed him with strength, agility, firm footing, strategic positioning, vision and protection (Psalm 18:28-39). God will provide all of those things to us as well, yet we still are required to get up and fight!
Common weapons for spiritual battle
Faith is perhaps the most powerful spiritual weapon we have. It functions as a shield over us that quenches every fiery dart of the enemy. Faith unleashes the power of God into whatever situation we face. It gives us the sure footing we need to stand up against the wiles of the devil. (see our page on Faith)
Hope: Hope is closely related to faith. In fact, hope occurs when we apply our faith to our circumstances. It is the evidence of our faith and it gives us endurance on the spiritual battlefield. (see Hope)
Sword of the Spirit: The Bible is God’s word. When we speak God’s word into the situations we face, it strengthens our faith, destroys lies and fights for us. The Sword of the Spirit is most effective when we believe God’s promises and apply them in faith. (see our page Sword of the Spirit)
Prayer: Prayer is both a communication link with God and a powerful strategic weapon. In warfare, communication is extremely important. In order to be a good soldier for God, we must spend daily time in prayer. (see our Prayer page)
Praise and Worship: Praise and worship usher us into the presence of God. It draws God’s attention to us and establishes a protective spiritual covering over us. It is a way to humble ourselves before God and invite his assistance in whatever we are facing. (see Praise page)
The Blood: The Blood of Jesus is a powerful warfare agent that both cleanses and protects us. When we apply the Blood in faith, we know that we are cleansed from all residue of sin. The devil has no foothold in us when we are cleansed by the Blood. (see The Blood of Jesus)
Love: Love is the weapon that God used to rescue us from our sin through Jesus. God calls us to love our human enemies. He also calls us to overcome evil with good, and God’s love is the agent that powers us to do so. (see Love)
The Gifts of the Spirit: The gifts of Spirit can also be used as spiritual weapons. When the gifts are operated from a firm foundation of love, evil is driven back and territory is reclaimed for God. The gifts are especially suited for helping wounded spiritual warriors heal (edification of the body of Christ). (see The Gifts of the Spirit page)
Please refer to my Spiritual Warfare Bible Study and The Armor of God Study for more info.