Battlefield of the Mind 2 by Phil Kinney
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
When we became Christians we entered into a battle. Not a physical battle with swords and guns that look to kill and destroy others, but a spiritual battle. The battle is the Kingdom of God against the kingdom of darkness. It isn’t fought on a physical plain, but rather a spiritual one. The key in the battle is to train our minds to think right, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ”.
Romans 12 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. We need to change how we see ourselves. Paul gives us a big hand in how to do this when he instructs us to put on our spiritual armour.
" Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints — and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel," Ephesians 6:10-19
The belt of truth – Putting on God’s truth means living out His word – being honest and sincere in our faith, and not full of religious hypocrisy. The belt refers to Christian character and integrity, a lifestyle that conforms to scripture.
The breastplate of righteousness – protected the soldier’s heart. Righteousness is first of all a condition of the heart, and the heart is what determines the course of our lives. The starting point of righteousness is remaining free from sin.
Feet fitted for the preparation of the gospel of peace – We are to be prepared to share the gospel of peace at any time, which means knowing how to tell others about Christ and being open to the Holy Spirit’s leading in particular situations.
The shield of faith – protected the soldier against missiles. When we take the great commission seriously and decide to live the Christian life and go on the offensive in challenging satan’s realm, he fights back with flaming arrows. He attacks us and everything associated with us: our church, our spouse, children, business – everything. Our shield against these attacks is faith, a belief in God and in His ability to protect us, having confidence in His Word.
The helmet of salvation – protects the head, the seat of our thought life. Satan bombards us with fear, hatred, suspicion, depression, mistrust, false doctrines, and a host of mental distractions. Thinking Christianity means much more than holding the right doctrine; it means cultivating the mind of Christ. Our helmet, our protection, is salvation – deliverance from evil and sitting with Christ in heavenly places (Eph 2:6)
Sword of the Spirit – is designed for both defence and offence. The sword of the Spirit is the “Word of God”. This is twofold – firstly it is Scripture which we speak against the enemy as Jesus did when he was tempted by Satan. There si no point arguing with the devil – to fight Him off we need to stand on the Word of God – which means we need to know the Word – which comes back to reading it daily and meditating upon it and memorising it so we can recall the word when needed.
The other area of the Word is revelation direct from God, when he gives us a word regarding an area in our lives. This is an offensive use of the Word (e.g.: planting in Cockburn, Word regarding reaching out to specific person etc).
Praying in the Spirit – Connecting with God in prayer allowing the Spirit to speak to you, reveal things to you and then praying them. Also tongues.
Talk About
Which part of the Christian character do you find most challenging to live out?
What areas do you battle with in your mind?
Which of the fruits of the Spirit do you find the hardest to live out? (Galatians 5: 22-23)
Take time as a group to pray for each other, and ask God for something to share with each other or the group. This could be an image, an impression, a Scripture verse, a word. The could be helpful in healing past occurrences.
Remember - Read through the NT starts 27th September. Take the challenge on as a group
