VB029 Becoming a Watchman
Becoming a Watchman
[Eph 6:14-18; 1Thess 2:18; 1Pet 5:8; 2Cor 2:11]
There are constant headlines of the enemy advancing on every front. We need to know our enemy and his strategies, or we will lose these battles. If you don’t think there is a spiritual war going on, then you are already a POW (prisoner of war).
We must learn to identify the enemy behind the human power and initiatives. You must know that the real enemy is not the bogus politicians, terrorists, or any other human adversaries.
I am convinced the condition of our country is in direct relation to the condition of the church. Satan has distracted and infiltrated the “church,” and now he has taken many positions in our government. We must stand up to our enemy and force him back!
Eph 6:14-17 (NASB) –Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil [one.] [17] And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Historians tell us that Roman soldiers carried seven pieces of armor; girdle (belt), breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, sword and lance.
This is one of Paul’s most famous lists (or outlines). Put on the full armor of God. As you read Ephesians 6:14-17 you see the belt of truth, 2. breastplate of righteousness, 3. gospel shoes, 4. shield of faith, 5. helmet of salvation, 6 sword of the spirit. Now where is number seven? We know it takes all the armor to effectively stand against the wiles of the devil (v.11)!
We know the truth, we are righteous, share the gospel, and quench fiery darts with our shield. We have the helmet protecting our thoughts and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God, but that’s only six. The historians tell us of the most obvious weapon of battle – the lance. Where is the lance (or spear) in Paul’s list?
Paul knew there were many types of lances. The soldier carried multiple short lances for close combat, with various shapes of sharp points, and one with a long heavy shaft (we would call this one a spear) which was very effective at longer distances.
The first six pieces of armor are products (or the fruit) of the Word of God. Truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. This is what you have in your spirit, because of the Word of God – the incorruptible seed.
The lance or spear comes in verse 18. This shows us how to use our faith in the Word, by speaking the Word of God.
Eph 6:18 (NIV) –And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Just as there are many types of lances for various situations, God has given us various kinds of prayer. We deploy and enforce our God-given power and authority through our prayers and decrees. Paul says to use all kinds of prayers. There are six kinds of prayer 1. consecration, 2. petition, 3. authority, 4. thanksgiving, 5. supplication, and 6. intercession.
We use the sword of the Spirit, and we pray in the Spirit: the Holy Spirit empowers us to win various kinds of battles. You might use a short lance while laying hands on someone to heal them. You may launch a long-range spear of prayer, to remind the principality of a distant city, that Jesus is the head over all things (Eph 1:21; Col 2:10).
Then Paul says to be alert. A watchman should never be surprised by the enemy. However, you can be watchful and smack-dab in the middle of God’s will and still be hindered.
1Thess 2:18 (NASB) –For we wanted to come to you–I, Paul, more than once–and Satan hindered us.
Many people don’t think Satan has the power to hinder anything if an individual is in the center of God’s will as Paul was. They mistakenly think that everything going smoothly is a sign of God’s direction. Any problems believers encounter must mean they missed God. That is not what Paul was describing here. We don’t know, but it was probably ungodly people operating under Satan’s influence.
The devil is full of hindrances. He gives us thoughts and ideas to make us ineffective in battle, but our shield of faith is able to quench all those fiery darts. He is not visible, he is not persuadable, yet he must be resisted! The enemy hindered Paul, and he will hinder whoever else attempts to be aggressive for the kingdom of God. He mainly operates through people. Sometimes through friendly but incompetent advisers.
Christian soldiers must pray with their eyes open. “Watch and pray” is God’s secret for overcoming the world (Mk 13:33), the flesh (Mk 14:38), and the devil (Eph 6:18). We should also “watch and pray” for opportunities to serve Christ (Col 4:2-3).
Protection from the attacks of our enemy – even for believers – is not automatic. There is a part for us to play. Though God is sovereign, this does not mean He is literally in control of everything that happens. He has left much to the decisions and actions of humankind.
Just as it is His will for all to be saved – some are not. Protection from the enemy has been provided, but we must take hold of the promises by faith and activate our protection (James 1:22). We must decide to follow laws of the spirit realm and obey His Word. It is our responsibility to be watchful for ourselves and others.
1Pet 5:8 (NIV) –Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Since God said not to be unaware of Satin’s tactics, He must be willing to make us aware of them. If He says to be on the alert, this must mean that if we are on alert, He will alert us. God will not tell us to do something without enabling us to carry out the command.
2Cor 2:11 (NASB) –so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
Satan will do anything to keep us from Christ. He knows spiritual life will not thrive on anything but Christ. The enemy will substitute anything else for the soul to focus upon. And when this is done, we are weakened spiritually. Many may even sink into a miserable, spiritless formality. Many have been taken advantage of, and side-tracked from faith, out of not knowing this device of the enemy!
We must be alert – remain watchful – or we will not be aware of God’s attempts to warn us of Satan’s attacks and strategies. Attacks are random and sneaky, so alertness is essential. How long must the church rely upon her blind watchmen (Isa 56:10). We must do more than gaze; it’s time pay attention! We must be alert and watch! Ignorance is NOT bliss, ignorance will get you killed (Hos 4:6)!
Satan has taken a lot of territory in America and the church. If we deny the reality of spiritual war, we can count on disaster for our country. We must realize the enemy has advanced, and we must be determined to take back our territory!
All of the armor of God – SPEAKS:
- Truth is spoken (Ps 15:2; Pr 8:7; 12:17),
- The righteousness of faith speaks (Rom 10:6),
- The gospel is preached (Lk 4:18; 9:6; etc.),
- Faith is spoken to mountains (Mk 11:21-24),
- Salvation comes by declaring, “Jesus is Lord.” (Rom 10:9-10)
- The sword of the Spirit, is the Word of God (Eph 6:17)
- And ALL kinds of prayer (Eph 6:18, etc.)
Proclamation:
I am thankful that I can communicate with God! I know the reason of my being is to have a close relationship with Him. There would be no relationship and no knowing, without spoken words. I thank God for speaking with me every day. I love to pray and listen to Him.
The Father created the universe with spoken words, and I was created in His likeness. I therefore speak and create (or change) my circumstances. My provision, protection, and safety are in His Word.
The enemy hates my relationship with the Father. The devil wants to separate me from the love of God, but he can’t do it. God has given me armor (His Word) for protection and defensive action against the enemy. All I have to do is stand and resist the enemy with the Word of God!
The Holy Spirit teaches me to be a watchman, I am not ignorant of my adversary’s devices and I do not fear him – I know his character and methods.
My decrees, proclamations, and prayers contain God’s Word! His Word goes forth to accomplish His purpose (Isa 55:11; Jer 1:12). In the Name of Jesus!
God bless you my friend,
