In this life, we will have to fight. When Yeshua came out of forty days of fasting, the first thing He had to do was wage a spiritual battle with the enemy.
The enemy tempted him three times and each time, Yeshua used the Tanakh to fight him. He could have pulled out all kinds of shiny heavenly weapons, even called down legions of powerful angels, but He didn't. And in using the written Word, He showed us how to battle when our times come.
In the end, angels did come to minister to Him, but that was after He'd already been victorious in that fight.
In Ephesians, Sha'ul/Paul wrote that believers are to put on the "full armor of G-d."
"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." Ephesians 6:13
Anyone who has fought in the physical knows that one's survival and victory depends on having weapons, having quick access to them, knowing how to use them, and being mentally ready to do so.
Sha'ul goes on to explain what the Armor of G-d is.
The full Armor of G-d consists of offensive and defensive elements. Other than maybe the Feet of Peace which move one forward to spread to Good News of the Messiah, all of the elements are defensive, meaning they are meant to defend and protect one's life and position.
The main offensive weapon believers have is the Sword of the Spirit, the living and true Word of G-d. We know from how Yeshua wielded it that the Tanakh and B'rit Hadashah/New Covenant are not simply motivational books full of history, they are alive, powerful, and contain the Spirit of G-d. Yeshua is described in Yochanan/John 1 as being the Word in flesh.
For the word of G-d is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
If we could see with our spiritual eyes, the Bible would probably be bright and aflame, sparking as we read and speak it in our lives, hearts and against the enemy and his agents. If we could see it with our spiritual eyes we would probably never put it down.
The Sword of the Spirit is the weapon in the full armor of G-d that takes ground and makes kills. Enemies and foes are sent away and/or destroyed by it. Strongholds are pulled down it. Curses are broken by it. Souls are set free by the Sword of the Spirit.
The Breastplate of Righteousnesses, the Helmet of Salvation, the Shield of Faith, the Belt of Truth, and the Feet of Peace all protect, edify and preserve the believer and their mission as they walk in this life with enemies prowling, but it's the Sword that engages the enemy where he stands.
If on a battlefield one has a shield, helmet- all the best armor- but no sword (or any offensive weapon), they would have to remain either hidden or in a crouched position behind their shield as they endured attack after attack. It's only by standing up and engaging the enemy head on that a person in battle can be victorious and one needs a weapon to do that.
Shields assist you. They give rest between blows or help if you're enduring more than one attack at a time from different directions. Helmets protect from dangerous debris and assaults you may not see coming. Breastplates protect your vital organs from attacks that slip past your shield. All armor is important as it protects your life while you fight, but it's only the Sword that takes ground.
One can only move forward in power if whatever is standing before them is engaged and it's the Sword of the Spirit, the G-d breathed alive Word...Yeshua, that equips the believer to do that.
Yes, it's G-d who fights our battles, but we know by Yeshua's examples whether with the enemy after forty days in the desert or with the religious authorities who constantly tried to tear down His ministry is that we are expected to be able stand up and fight under direction from the Ruach HaKodesh and with His help.
"So we may boldly say: “The L-rd is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” -Hebrews 13:6"
Here are five verses to wield as very real weapons against whatever comes against you or your life.
Lie #1: "I'm defeated."
Truth: "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." -Romans 8:37
Lie #2: "I'm too far gone for G-d."
Truth: "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of G-d which is in Yeshua our L-rd."
Lie #3: "Yeshua isn't with me."
Truth: "And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." -Mattityahu/Matthew 28:20
Lie #4: "This problem is too big, it'll never be solved."
Truth: "But Yeshua looked at them and said to them, 'With men this is impossible, but with G-d all things are possible.'" -Mattityahu/Matthew 19:26
Lie #5: "This situation cannot be redeemed."
Truth: “We know that G-d works all things together for good for the ones who love G-d, for those who are called according to his purpose.” -Romans 8:28
Maybe you're asking yourself, "How do I become a disciple of Yeshua the Messiah? How can I be saved and learn to fight?"
Yeshua said, "If you confess with your mouth the L-rd Jesus and believe in your heart that G-d has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
In this time in the world where evil is taking its last stand, it's more important than ever to know what your weapons are and use them. Keep the Word in your heart. When you do, you'll notice the Ruach HaKodesh/Holy Spirit brings you the perfect verse or story at the right time.
I pray that He guides you. He goes before us and fights alongside us always. We never do it alone.
“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”
-Psalm 91:14-16
This is just wonderful Todah