Introductory Thoughts
The Bible clearly emphasizes that the Christian warfare is a “fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) against spiritual foes (Ephesians 6:12). With this in mind, it only makes sense that the weapons used in this warfare would also be spiritual in nature. The Christian’s fight needs no physical arms, swords, or weaponry of any kind, yet the weapons of this warfare are “mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” Those religions (and cults) who use physical weaponry to convert others to their “faiths” have never done this at the Lord’s bidding or direction. The Christian faith never has nor ever will convert one single person through use of a physical sword or threat. Instead, God’s people are completely reliant upon the words of God and the God of those words.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Learn your Bible and use it as a sword (Hebrews 4:12a) either to attack error or defend the truth. For example, if someone says you do not have to go to church, quote Hebrews 10:25a or Psalm 122:1. If someone says a bad word, quote Psalm 34:13a or Ephesians 4:29a.
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(For everyone): What does this teach us about the wars of the past that have been fought with physical weaponry in the name of Christianity with the purpose of converting the enemy to Christ?
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How can believers have more success with spiritual weaponry than with physical weaponry? How can this also apply to those who seek worldly methods in converting sinners?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to show you the strength of spiritual weaponry.
- Ask the Lord to help you be faithful in battle.
Song
Hold the Fort
