Weapons for the Believer: 7 – Worship

Weapons for the Believer: 7 – Worship

According to Paul, there are weapons of warfare.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (ESV)

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

We are considering ten weapons that the Believer has at their disposal. We looked at the first six in previous posts. If you haven’t read them I encourage you to do so.

The next weapon on the list is worship.

Genesis 22:5 (ESV)

Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.”

7. Worship –

Hebrew: prostrate (especially reflexive in homage to royalty or God) :- bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship.

Greek: to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literal or figurative) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore), worship.

One tool in studying topics in scripture is called “The Law of First Reference.” The first time “worship” is used is when Abraham was explaining to his companions what he and Isaac would be doing on the mountain. Abraham was following a request by God to sacrifice his son, Isaac, the promised one, as an offering to God. This, Abraham called this act “worship.”

This verse is one a little less well known. It is the reason God sent Moses to get the people of Israel out of Egypt. Moses was to bring the Jewish people to the mountain where God met with Moses so they could “serve” God there. Another interpretation for this word is “worship.”

Exodus 3:12 (ESV)

He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

Fast forward to the story of Jesus when He encountered the Woman at the Well. In an attempt to sound knowledgeable she commented to Jesus about her “fathers” worshipping on the mountain. Jesus had this reply.

John 4:21-24 (ESV)

Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Jesus moved worship from a physical act in a physical place to a spiritual experience that can occur anywhere, anytime. He also introduced the notion that there was a difference in motive among worshippers. He referred to those with proper motives as “true worshippers.” Another way of stating this is those who “truly adore” God. That narrows it down quite a bit. It is a heart issue.

There is a place of worship where we direct our total attention to God. He alone is worthy of our worship. When tempted in the wilderness by satan, Jesus responded with this declaration.

Matthew 4:10 (ESV)

Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”

Our relationship with God is carried out one on one. There is no intermediary under the New Covenant of Grace. We fellowship with Him in worship.

Later in Paul’s writings he mentions some of the activities of the Believer regarding the use of music in the life of the Believer. This is not worship to God alone, but refers to a gathering of Believers (2 or more) where they sing songs “to one another” and “to the Lord.”

Ephesians 5:19 (ESV)

addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,

Colossians 3:16 (ESV)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

This is a picture of corporate worship.

The most powerful example of the effect of worship as a “Weapon of the Believer” is found in two verses, one Old Testament and one New Testament.

The first is from Jesus responding to the religious leaders on the day He entered Jerusalem, just prior to His death. These leaders were upset at the children crying out to Jesus with shouts of “Hosanna!” I love Jesus’ response.

Matthew 21:16 (ESV)

and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, “‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?”

Jesus quotes Psalm 8:2.

Psalm 8:2 (ESV)

Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.

Because of some differences in language meanings it is a little fuzzy, but this is the essence of what Jesus said. The power of words used in praise (worship) to God, even out of the mouth of babes, causes the enemy to stop his actions. The words “prepared praise” and “established strength” have the same root meaning. The result is the enemy is “stilled.” This is the same word we would see used when the Federal Reserve shuts down a bank. They issue a “Cease and Desist Order.” The bank has to immediately stop any financial transactions. They lose their authority.

That is an amazing tool for the Believer. The reality is, however, that the Believer’s worship to directed toward God, not the enemy. It is during our worship that the enemy’s authority is destroyed. This is why we are instructed to “ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (ESV)

There is so much more that could be said regarding worship. Maybe more will come later.

Weapons for the Believer: 6 - Prayer

Weapons for the Believer: 6 - Prayer

According to Paul, there are weapons of warfare.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (ESV)

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

We are considering ten weapons that the Believer has at their disposal. We looked at the first five in previous posts. If you haven’t read them I encourage you to do so.

The next weapon on the list is prayer.

6. Prayer.

I once visited a young lady in the ICU. She was in grave physical condition. While speaking with her she made a comment that speaks to how most Believers view prayer. She said, “I guess all we can do now is pray.” After all was done by the medical team attending to her care she was still not improving. She had come to the resolve that it was now up to God to help her.

My response to her was simply, “And prayer is enough.” You see, God is ready to hear us whenever we call out to Him. The challenge for the Believer is to pray on the outset instead of under duress. Prayer should be our first alternative, not the last.

This weapon is really the first one we have considered that has within it a sense of offense. However, regular prayer will serve as a great defense. Prayer is our means of communing with our Father. When we pray with the direction of the Holy Spirit we get our spirit in tune with God, and allow Him to speak His heart and wisdom to help us navigate the events that will make up our day.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Paul exhorted those in Thessalonica to “pray without ceasing.” How is that possible? Was Paul just waxing poetic? I don’t think so. I have found that God doesn’t waste words that He placed in the Bible. I have a plausible explanation. If you have another thought on this I’d love to hear it. I do not claim to have the only explanation of this.

First of all, not all prayer is praise, but all praise is prayer. Whenever you give praise to God it is a form of prayer. Secondly, looking at Paul’s words to the Church at Ephesus we see these words.

Ephesians 1:11-12 (ESV)

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

We are to “be” to the praise of His glory. In other words, as we live our lives in fellowship with God, we are living in a state of prayer to Him, simply “being” with our Father as we walk through each day.

There is a need for times of intentional prayer; times where we bring our concerns to the Lord, and to hear His thoughts about them. Paul said it like this to Timothy.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV)

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

A weapon that keeps us a peace is quite a powerful weapon. It reminds me somewhat of the Cold War between the US and USSR. We both had nuclear weapons. Knowing the other had megatons of firepower kept either from attacking. I believe, in a similar way, when we exercise our privilege of prayer we keep the enemy at bay because we remain in close communion with our God. The closer we stay to Father the further the enemy will remain from us.

When praying, there is a place to make requests. Paul used the word “supplications.” Unfortunately, many Believers stop with this type of prayer. The second type of prayer Paul mentioned is simply “prayers.” The Greek word here means “oratory.” In other words, we are to spend time simply talking to the Lord. We should share with Him what is on our mind. He already knows, but praying these things will help us.

The third type of prayer mentioned in 1 Timothy 2 is “intercessions.” This is where we come to God on behalf of another. I have found that I can have more faith praying for others than I can for my own needs. That is the power of intercession. The final type of prayer Paul instructed Timothy to practice is “thanksgivings.” This is self-explanatory, but often is overlooked or forgotten, just like the nine leapers that were healed but did not return to give thanks. Jesus asked the one who returned, “Where are the other nine?” Never neglect thanksgiving to God. We have so many reasons to give thanks.

There is much more that could be said about prayer. This is not the forum for an in-depth look. Just be sure to use prayer in your life as a Believer. It is essential to survive spiritual warfare.

Weapons for the Christian: 5 – The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Weapons for the Christian: 5 – The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

According to Paul, there are weapons of warfare.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (ESV)

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

We are considering ten weapons that the Believer has at their disposal. We looked at the first four in previous posts. If you haven’t read them I encourage you to do so.

The next weapon on the list is another list. These are referred to as The Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (ESV)

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

5. Be a conduit for the gifts of the Spirit: Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Faith, Gifts of Healing, Working of Miracles, Prophecy, Discerning of Spirits,

Different Kinds of Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues. Nine gifts. All are given by the Spirit. This is part of what Jesus promised before ascending to heaven. He said He would send another comforter; One that would remain with us forever.

The Holy Spirit works these gifts in the life of the Believer as He wills. Their purpose is to empower the Believer to be a witness to his world. Not to trivialize them in any fashion, they resemble the “tools” on Batman’s belt. It seems that regardless of how bizarre the situation, of how highly improbable the situation, Batman always had the exact tool needed for the moment.

This is exactly the way the Gifts of the Spirit operate. It makes sense, because the name God chose for Himself is “I AM,” which is interpreted, “I will be what I will be.” God is always what is needed in the moment. His gifts given through the Holy Spirit operate the same way. You can readily see how these make amazing weapons of warfare for the Believer. Because we wage war in the spirit, spiritual gifts are the most appropriate way in which to fight.

When our faith intersects with the Spirit’s power, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished in those moments.

There is not time in this forum to look into each gift in detail. Perhaps later. But, here is a brief look at the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in case you have never seen them. There are nine gifts list by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12. Traditionally these have been divided into three groups: The Power Gifts, The Revelation Gifts, and The Speaking Gifts.

            The Power Gifts:                  Faith (or special faith, as some have described it)

                                                            Gifts of Healing (the only plural gift)

                                                            Working of Miracles

            The Revelation Gifts:          Word of Wisdom

                                                            Word of Knowledge

                                                            Discerning of Spirits

            The Speaking Gifts:                        Prophecy

                                                            Tongues

                                                            Interpretation of Tongues

The Power Gifts do something, The Revelation Gifts reveal something, and the Speaking Gifts say something.

Faith – every Believer has faith. This is faith given by the Holy Spirit to believe for things beyond normal Christian life.

Romans 12:3 (ESV)

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

Gifts of Healing – it is plural, implying that different gifts manifest different healings, perhaps for a specific ailment or disease.

Working of Miracles – a miracle is anything that happens contrary to the natural laws given by God at creation.

Word of Wisdom – a direct word from the Holy Spirit with information that is not naturally obtainable. Jesus told Peter to go catch a fish that would have a silver coin in its mouth to pay their taxes. That was a Word of Wisdom.

Word of Knowledge – a direct word from the Holy Spirit with information that is naturally obtainable, but unknown to the speaker. Jesus told the woman at the well all of her past. This was natural information supernaturally revealed to Him.

Discerning of Spirits – a direct word from the Holy Spirit revealing the spirit behind a person’s behavior. Jesus knew which spirit was motivating men: God or the devil.

Prophecy – a direct word from the Holy Spirit that brings edification, exhortation, or comfort to one(s) being addressed.

Tongues – a direct word from the Holy Spirit delivered by the speaker in a language other than their own, or one previously learned.

Interpretation of Tongues – a direct word from the Holy Spirit of the meaning of the tongues spoken, delivered by someone that did not know the language spoken. The message given by the interpretation brings edification, exhortation, or comfort to the one(s) being addressed.

You can see that having these “tools” available during day-to-day life, the Believer would be well-equipped to handle any situation that might arise. This is not “Fantasy Island” stuff. This is the real work of the Holy Spirit. Read the text again. Allow the Jesus to show you what He has provided when He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell you. It will greatly assist any spiritual battle you encounter.

Weapons for the Believer: 4 – The Fruit of the Spirit

Weapons for the Believer: 4 – The Fruit of the Spirit

According to Paul, there are weapons of warfare.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (ESV)

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

We are considering ten weapons that the Believer has at their disposal. We looked at the first three in previous posts. If you haven’t read them I encourage you to take time to do so.

The next weapon on the list is in itself a list. These are referred to as The Fruit of the Spirit.

Ephesians 5:8-11 (ESV)

… Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light (KJV says Spirit) is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

Galatians 5:19-24 (ESV)

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Weapon #4: Bear the fruit of the Spirit – love: joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

I have seen this list presented a little differently, as I typed it in the statement above. It asserts that the Fruit of the Spirit is love. Then, after inserting a colon, the remainder of this list is given as the Fruit of Love. I don’t believe it would be wrong to consider this notion. I began contemplating this and came up with the following:

The Fruit of the Spirit is love.

Joy is love’s emotion.

Peace is love’s guide.

Patience is love’s behavior.

Kindness is love’s demeanor.

Goodness is love’s action.

Faithfulness is love’s testimony.

Gentleness is love’s approach.

Self-control is love’s constraint.

As I stated at the outset of this study, I believe God has given us principles by which to live our lives that will keep us from most reasons to fight. This weapon is no different. When we allow the Fruit of the Spirit, which is simply the life of Jesus being manifested in us, we will extinguish most fires before they reach an unmanageable state. When the enemy comes to provoke us, to get us to lash out at others in an unseemly way, our response will determine the outcome.

Considering love to be the Fruit of the Spirit, the indwelling presence of God, makes sense to me. The first 2 weapons considered were: 1) Love God. 2) Love others as you love yourself. Then the third weapon was: 3) Speak the truth in love. This is one of the reasons Jesus came to earth; to reveal the Father’s heart for us. God is love, and His heart is to show His love through you and me.

So, love. Be joyful. Follow peace. Live with patience. Display kindness. Respond with goodness. Remain faithful. Act in gentleness. Stay true to the mission. We are the Body of Christ in the earth. Let others see Jesus through you.