Line Upon Line

The following is from Neil T. Anderson and Timothy M. Warner's book, The Beginner's Guide to Spiritual Warfare:

"The primary [spiritual] battle is between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of God, between the Antichrist and Christ, between the father of lies and the Spirit of truth; and we are in that battle whether we like it or not. The primary location of that battle is our minds. Either we believe the lies that keep us in bondage or we believe the truth that sets us free. So, we define spiritual warfare as the battle for the mind.

"Every action is just a product of our thoughts. 'For as he thinks within himself, so he is' (Prv 23:7, NASB). The will can only act on what the mind knows. Wrong information, lack of knowledge, or a faulty belief system can lead to undesirable and even destructive actions. Satan knows this, and this explains why deception is his primary tactic. This is also why...Peter tells us to 'prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled' (1 Pt. 1:13). He wants us to understand that if we can win the battle for the mind, we can win the battle against Satan as the deceiver." (The Beginner's Guide to Spiritual Warfare, Neil T. Anderson and Timothy M. Warner, Servant Publications, © 2000, pp. 39,39)

It's All in Your Mind

There is a ferocious battle being waged in this hour--it's a battle of thoughts, ideas, worldviews, and so-called "philosophies"--it's a battle for your mind. The apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians, warning them not to "let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ" (Col. 2:8 NLT). We'd do well to heed Paul's warning, too.

We are continually bombarded with messages that contradict and attempt to undermine the truth of God's Word. These messages come from the god of this world, through every form of media: newspapers, books, and magazines, and advertising and television programming (especially news, situation comedies, and talk shows). The only way to survive this onslaught, is to be "rooted and grounded in Christ." You simply must know the Word of God and have the mind of Christ for any hope of survival in this day. Lacking these, you'll be blown away.

God has given us His Word to counter the attacks of the enemy of our faith. It's not enough to have "good feelings" about Jesus and the promise of Heaven to come. You must be a student of God's Word. But you can't be a hearer only--you must be quick to obey. too.

"It is Written!"

When Jesus was in the wilderness forty days and forty nights, He answered every temptation Satan brought to Him with, "It is written...." Jesus fought back with the Word of God. You see, Satan has no answer for the Word! After taking his best shot, he left Jesus, and decided he'd wait for a "more opportune" time to launch his next attack (See Lk. 4:1-13).

If you don't know God's Word, you have nothing to fight with--you are on the battlefield without a weapon. Sadly, that's the condition of many of God's people--they've believed in Jesus, but they've never "come to the knowledge of the truth" (See 1 Tim. 2:4). Thus, they are at the Devil's mercy. (And just in case you haven't learned this yet, the Devil has no mercy--he is constantly on the prowl, seeking someone to devour.)

So, don't be left defenseless when the enemy attacks you (and he will). Be prepared--take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and declare, "It is written!"

think on these things...

2 Timothy 2:14-18 (NKJV)
Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV)
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.