Christians are Called to be Dangerous
Christians are called to be dangerous. In a world where it isn’t politically correct to say that, it doesn’t take away from the need for Christians to recognize that we are at war with an enemy who seeks to destroy every fabric of our lives. We need to be dangerous to his agenda.
I am not implying that Christians should be a danger or a threat to anyone. I am saying that Christians have been called to be a danger to the enemy’s camp. We can not be afraid to stand against him.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we must embrace our God given authority and be prepared to do battle. Satan is relentless in his assault against believers (and everyone for that matter) because he wants to do everything he can to stop God’s plans and purposes for our lives from coming to fruition. If Satan had his way, he would destroy all of us. Our lives. Our families. Our marriages. Everything.
Knowing that he is ever lurking, we don’t have to be fearful. God’s Word instructs us on how we can and should walk in our authority. Spiritual warfare is real. Very real. And through Christ, you can walk in victory.
The Word of God provides us with the battle plan needed to defeat the enemy of our souls. Click To Tweet
“For the Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp, to deliver you and give your enemies over to you; therefore your camp shall be holy, that He may see no unclean thing among you, and turn away from you.” Deuteronomy 23:14
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19
Many people are not sure were to begin when they are being attacked by the enemy. It can be overwhelming, exhausting and discouraging. As difficult as it can be, we can rest in the assurance that Jesus has already won. I’ve heard people say before that they’ve read the end of the book and that they know that we win. While this may be true, it doesn’t mean that we will not have to enact the strategies revealed in God’s Word to fight the battle.
4 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR BATTLE AGAINST THE ENEMY
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
(Ephesians 6:12 NIV)
PRAY.
Spending time in God’s Word is the most effective thing you can do. The importance of daily communication through prayer cannot be overestimated. Prayer is mentioned over 250 times in Scripture. The time that we spend in prayer is instrumental in us being prepared for the battle that lies ahead.
Declaring the truth of the word of God over your life is powerful. Praying God’s words back to Him is a powerful weapon against the forces of evil. It is Truth going out and Satan knows it. He knows the power that lies within a believer embracing and BELIEVING God’s Word. When you pray, your level of faith is strengthened and so is your trust in God. It guards our hearts and focuses our minds back on Him. Prayer enables us to focus on the One who is fighting AND winning the battle.
Declaring the truth of the word of God over your life is powerful. Praying God’s words back to Him is a powerful weapon against the forces of evil. Click To TweetPOSTURE.
What is your posture when you know that you are in battle with the enemy? It can be easy to retreat to a place of weariness from feelings of overwhelm from everything that is happening. But you can’t do that.
I’m not implying that you put yourself in a place of pride with your chest puffed out. Not at all. The important thing is that your heart is bowed in submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Your strength comes from Him. Your victory has come through Him. How do you walk in it? Stay close to Him.
When we have a sure knowledge of our salvation, we will not be moved by Satan’s deceptions. As we commit ourselves to a posture in preparation for warfare, it is imperative that we prepare offensively and defensively.
PUT ON GOD’S ARMOR.
The Bible illustrates the Christian life as a battle against sin and Satan. We are soldiers of Christ in a spiritual warfare (2 Corinthians 10:3, 4; 2 Timothy 2:3, 4). As Scripture says, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against . . . spiritual hosts of wickedness” (Ephesians 6:12).
When Paul wrote about the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17), he was in prison chained to a Roman guard. Paul used the Roman centurion as a model for spiritual armor. Just as the Roman soldier is properly dressed to do battle, we also need to the same.
The sword of the spirit is the only weapon of offense listed in the armor of God. All the other parts are defensive in nature. God’s Word—the Bible—is described as “living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). Jesus used this weapon when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness.
To each of Satan’s efforts to lead Him into sin, Jesus replied, “it is written. . . “ and proceeded to quote Scripture to destroy Satan’s temptations. God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). That is why it is so powerful. That is why it is so important that we study the Bible and become familiar with its truths and its power. My friend, this is available to you also.
David wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). The sword of God’s Word both protects us and destroys our enemy.
PRESS ON TOWARD VICTORY.
Remember that He that lives in you is greater than the one who lives in the world!
Sometimes we must contend for the promises of God. Sometimes we must press through and trust God regardless of what we feel, hear or see. This is especially important to remember because there may be times when you feel like the enemy is winning. There may be times when you feel like you can’t pray or take another step. If you haven’t already, ask others to come alongside you in the battle.
At different times in my life, I have had to cling tightly to the Word of God like never before. I have had to stand in the face of the enemy and say ONLY what God says UNTIL I have seen the promise fulfilled. Friend, I am living this right now.
It’s not always easy but I take solace in what Jesus did on the Cross. When He declared that it was finished, that was the moment that all of our lives changed.
I want to encourage you to contend for the promises of God. The enemy is not going to retreat simply because you are a professing Christian. He’s going to keep coming at you with everything he has. But you know, he has no tools in his arsenal. The same discord and attacks that he used during Biblical times are the same ones he uses now. Declare what the word of God says about your situation knowing that it will not return void but the word will accomplish what it is sent for….every single time.
It is my heart's desire to see women walk in their true power and authority in Jesus Christ. I get the honor of walking that out in my writing, speaking and everyday life.
With a cold latte in hand and my latest read under my arm, I'm usually seen going over math facts, checking out a new STEM project and studying God's Word. In my spare time, you will catch me spending time with family and friends, at live music festivals and on the hunt for a new favorite dessert.
www.angelpenn.com
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Angel, what a powerful message! I appreciate these helpful tips- I especially enjoyed the point about our posture! I think that’s really, really important!
Loved this line- “Declare what the word of God says about your situation knowing that it will not return void but the word will accomplish what it is sent for….every single time.”
I recite this verse often. His word NEVER returns void! Boom! 🙂
I absolutely love this post because it is dear and near to my calling Christians are in a battlefield and prayer must be our #1 weapon. Being attacked by our enemy over and over again can be disheartening but with God on our side we can win this battle.
Absolutely Diana! It is so important that we recognize that we are battling from a place of victory, not a place of defeat. We may get weary but God is with us every step of the way.
Amen! What powerful truths in this post. Yes, we are called to be dangerous to the kingdom of darkness, because we walk in the glorious light of Christ! Thank you for these words of encouragement!
Hi, Angela. I’m so thankful to have read this today. Truth is powerful and God’s word is truth! We have this power at our disposal at all times, if we would just use it. But unfortunately, we tend to worry or think we need to DO something more for victory.
Glad to be in the battle with you. Have a great day, friend.
I’m your neighbor at #HeartEncouragement.
You are absolutely right Lenience. We do get caught up in trying to do more….And the work on the Cross has already been finished. I believe part of that stems from the fact that it is hard for us to comprehend the magnitude of His sacrifice for us. But oh what a difference He has made in our lives. Through Christ, we have victory!
So much truth here! We must not only profess ourselves to be Christians, but arm ourselves with the necessary tools for battle. Love the alliteration!
Amen Carri!
Yes! We are at war! It’s so important to keep that in our minds and heart.
And victory is ours Bailey!
I think God is stirring us to be more intentional to put on our armour as of late. It seems to be a message He keep placing in front of me and others I know. Thank you for being obedient on His calling to write this message!
Very well said. I keep thinking about the character Darkwing Duck with his theme “Lets get dangerous” lol. We have so much power in us that the devil and his kind Gould be afraid when they see us. Thanks for this
So much biblical truth in this post! Why do we so often forget our weapon and try to handle things with our human reasoning? Thanks for this. 🙂
I like that passage from Eph 6 about the spiritual armor… esp when Paul tells us to get dressed and then to stand firm. often we think that armor means that we have to run forward into the battle, but we have to remember that the ‘battle is the Lord’s’ and often what our responsibility is to stand firm in the truth and persevere in prayer. thanks!
That perseverance makes all of the difference too Karen! He has given us what we need to stand!
Yes! I love how you point out that God’s Word is the only offense listed in the armor of God. I know the Scriptures are mighty but tend to lose focus of that in the midst of a spiritual battle. Thanks, friend. I’m going to go live dangerously!
Yes, yes, YES!!!! The Scripture and all power found in it are our go-to. I too have lost sight of that at times…. But oh that reminder….. Pick up your sword friend. You can do it!
Wow, this came at the perfect time! Very encouraging. Spiritual warfare is real and people need to realize it. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Such great truth here! I’ve experienced spiritual warfare, and it is absolutely exhausting. I remember one morning I woke up with my spirit feeling as if it had been fighting a battle while I slept, and I knew God had been protecting me and fighting for me. I’m so very thankful for His Spirit within me, giving me strength! Visiting from #SittingAmongFriends. 🙂
Women with swords! Visiting from God-Sized Dreams!
Yes Susan! That’s exactly what I am thinking!!!!
Yes Susan!
This is such an encouragement!
Amen! SO glad it was a blessing to you Rosemerry!
Angel thank you for such a great post. It’s a great reminder of how we have to stand in faith and contend for the faith. We are dangerous to the enemy’s camp. And it is so true that we have to stay connected to the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanks again!
Well said. I appreciate the reminder. I need to be in the Word more.
I want to be dangerous in God’s sense. This was a great post on how to get there through your tips! #2 and #4 are the hardest for me to follow through on!
You’ve got this Julie! You can do it. You are a warrior girl!