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Introduction 

In the closing verses of Ephesians 6, the apostle Paul sets before us one of the deepest paradoxes of Christian life: the dual calling to serve both as an ambassador and as a soldier for Christ. From his prison cell, Paul writes: “For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:20). This striking declaration immediately follows his description of the believer’s spiritual armor, making clear that diplomacy in ministry and conflict in spiritual warfare are not separate callings but inseparably bound together in the life of every disciple.

Through Paul’s Spirit-inspired words, we are presented with two roles that appear contradictory yet are divinely united in purpose. An ambassador represents peace, reconciliation, and the ministry of mediation. A soldier, by contrast, embodies warfare, conflict, and victory over hostile forces. Yet in God’s design these roles do not cancel one another; they complement and strengthen each other. We are called to be ambassadors of the Prince of Peace, while at the same time standing as soldiers in the army of the Lord of Hosts.

This twofold calling is grounded in Christ Himself, who came as both the suffering Servant and the conquering King. As Scripture testifies: “He came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh” (Ephesians 2:17, ESV). Yet the same Lord also declared: “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). The sword He spoke of was not an earthly weapon of steel, but the sharp division wrought when His light and truth pierce through the darkness of sin and error.

Grasping our dual identity as both ambassadors and soldiers is vital for faithful Christian living. Too often believers lean heavily to one side while neglecting the other. Some become so consumed with spiritual warfare that they lose sight of their diplomatic mission of reconciliation. Others, in seeking only peace, overlook the reality of the ongoing battles against spiritual forces of darkness. Scripture summons us to hold both callings together, maintaining the sacred balance that makes our testimony both powerful in conflict and compelling in peace.

The context of Paul’s words gives them greater weight. He writes of being an ambassador while bound in chains, proving that our standing before God is not lessened by earthly circumstances. He speaks of boldness even while restrained, revealing that true authority is spiritual and not confined by physical limitations. From this we learn that both our ambassadorship and our soldiership operate first and foremost in the unseen realm, even as they find expression in the visible details of our daily lives.

As we examine these complementary callings, Scripture will unfold the character of our ambassadorship, the nature of our warfare, and the harmony between the two in advancing the kingdom of God. The Old Testament foreshadows these roles, the New Testament brings them into clear light, and together they direct our gaze toward the final fulfillment when Christ Himself shall appear—both as the Prince of Peace to His redeemed and as the King of Kings who conquers every foe.

The Ambassador’s Commission: Representing Heaven on Earth

Paul directly names believers as ambassadors in his second letter to the Corinthians: “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). The Greek word presbeuō (G4243) means “to be older” or “to act as an ambassador” and carries the sense of one vested with dignity and authority. In the ancient world, such representatives spoke with the full power of the government that sent them, their words bearing the same weight as those of the sovereign himself.

The weight of this ambassadorial role cannot be overstated. In the ancient world, ambassadors carried immense authority. They did not speak on their own initiative but delivered the words of their sovereign with binding force. They could negotiate treaties, declare terms of peace or war, and represent the will of their nation in foreign courts. To insult or strike an ambassador was to insult or declare hostility against the very nation he represented.

Scripture shows that our ambassadorship rests firmly upon God’s eternal purpose of reconciliation. Paul explains the foundation of this commission: “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18–19). Through Christ, we who were estranged are restored, and now we carry the same ministry of reconciliation to others.

The ministry of reconciliation is the heart of our diplomatic mission. The term katallagē (G2643), translated “reconciliation,” means “exchange” or “restoration to favor.” It signifies that hostility has been exchanged for friendship, enmity for peace. Through Christ, God has reconciled us to Himself and entrusted us with the charge of extending this reconciliation to others.

This calling has its prototype in the Old Testament, where God sent prophets as His representatives both to Israel and to surrounding nations. Jonah illustrates this most clearly: “And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown” (Jonah 3:4). Jonah was sent not as a destroyer, but as a herald of warning and opportunity. The forty days of grace reveal the heart of our merciful God, who “is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). The number forty in Scripture often signifies testing or trial. Just as forty days of rain brought judgment and purification in the days of Noah (Genesis 7:17), and Israel was tried forty years in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2), so Nineveh was given forty days of trial—an appointed season to prove whether they would harden their hearts or repent and live.

When the Ninevites turned in true repentance, “God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not” (Jonah 3:10). This response reveals a sacred principle: our heavenly Father’s desire is always reconciliation, though His holiness is never compromised. The pattern seen in Jonah foreshadows the greater ministry we now carry as believers, for we are indeed “ambassadors for Christ.” The message remains consistent across both covenants—repent and live, or persist in rebellion and face judgment—yet always with God’s mercy extended toward those who will receive it.

The Authority and Duty of Spiritual Ambassadors

As ambassadors of Christ, we bear heavenly authority that rises above earthly rank or qualification. Jesus declared: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:18–19). This Great Commission is the foundation of our credentials. We go forth not in our own power, but in the authority of the One who has triumphed over death and the grave.

An ambassador’s authority is inseparable from the sovereign he represents. Our effectiveness as Christ’s ambassadors does not rest on natural skill or human standing, but on closeness with Him. Jesus affirmed this truth: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father” (John 14:12). It is through union with Him that heavenly authority flows.

With authority comes solemn duty. Ambassadors are charged to faithfully reflect their sovereign’s character, message, and intent. Paul grasped this when he wrote: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). Though we are fragile vessels of clay, the treasure of God’s glory and word has been placed within us.

The message of an ambassador is not self-made but received directly from the sovereign. Isaiah expressed this with clarity: “The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned” (Isaiah 50:4). Our speech must be God’s speech, our message His message, and our heart aligned with His heart.

Peter gives clear guidance on the exercise of this authority: “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:11). As Christ’s ambassadors, we are not to voice our own opinions or philosophies but to declare the very oracles of God.

The Old Testament abounds with types of ambassadorial authority. When Moses appeared before Pharaoh, he bore God’s absolute authority, declaring: “Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go” (Exodus 5:1). His authority did not rest in eloquence—he himself confessed to being “slow of speech” (Exodus 4:10)—but in the commission of the Almighty. Likewise, Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal under heaven’s authority, and fire fell from the Lord: “Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench” (1 Kings 18:38).

The Eternal Perspective of Ambassadorship

To rightly understand our role as ambassadors, we must view it from an eternal perspective. Paul reminds us: “Our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). The word politeuma (G4175) refers to citizenship or commonwealth. Thus, we are citizens of heaven, temporarily assigned to earth as diplomatic representatives of our eternal homeland.

Heavenly citizenship shapes how we respond to earthly conditions. Peter exhorts: “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11). Ambassadors do not conform to the culture of their station; they uphold the laws and values of their homeland. In the same way, we are called to embody the standards of heaven, even while living in a foreign land.

Other Old Testament examples gives us vivid pictures of ambassadorial calling. Abraham was summoned to leave his country and kindred to serve as God’s representative in a foreign land. The promise he received unveils the eternal scope of this mission: “And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:2–3). The Abrahamic covenant foreshadows our role as ambassadors through whom God’s blessing is extended to the nations.

Daniel stands as a model of ambassadorial character during his exile in Babylon. Though serving in a foreign court, he held fast to his loyalty to God and maintained a distinctly Hebrew identity. When pressed with conflicting loyalties, he chose obedience to God at any cost. His integrity and wisdom gained the respect of earthly rulers, while his steadfast faith revealed the surpassing wisdom of heaven. His prophetic ministry also shows the eternal scope of ambassadorship: he spoke not only to immediate issues but also of God’s kingdom that will one day prevail over all earthly powers: “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever” (Daniel 2:44).

The Soldier’s Warfare: Fighting Battles Not of This World

The Nature of Spiritual Warfare

Though we serve as ambassadors of peace, we are also enlisted as soldiers in a battle that rises above the physical realm. Paul describes this conflict plainly: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3–5).

The word translated “war” is strateuomai (G4754), meaning “to serve as a soldier” or “to engage in military service.” Paul uses military language with purpose: we are truly soldiers, but our battlefield is spiritual, not earthly. The “strongholds” we tear down are not stone fortresses but entrenched systems of deception, pride, and rebellion that exalt themselves against God.

Our adversary is clearly identified: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). Here Paul outlines a hierarchy of spiritual powers opposed to God’s kingdom. Knowing the true enemy guards us from wasting effort on fleshly conflicts or resorting to the wrong weapons.

The word “wrestle” (palē, G3823) speaks of close, hand-to-hand struggle rather than distant combat. This tells us that spiritual warfare is not occasional or abstract but personal and ongoing. We are engaged in continual close-quarters conflict with forces bent on undermining our faith, weakening our witness, and resisting God’s work in and through us.

The battlefield centers in the mind and heart. Paul speaks of “casting down imaginations” (logismos, G3053)—reasonings, arguments, and thoughts that oppose sacred truth. Satan’s chief weapon is deception, just as Jesus revealed: “He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44).

The Old Testament gives vivid examples of spiritual warfare. David’s victory over Goliath shows how God’s servants overcome seemingly invincible foes. David proclaimed: “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand” (1 Samuel 17:45–46). The victory was secured not by greater weapons, but by faith in the name and power of God.

The Arsenal of Spiritual Weapons

God has equipped His people with weapons perfectly suited for spiritual warfare, each designed to counter the enemy’s schemes. Paul outlines this arsenal in Ephesians 6:13–17: “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 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, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

The belt of truth holds the entire armor together, teaching us that truth is foundational to victory. Jesus declared: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). This truth is not limited to intellectual knowledge but is embodied in Christ Himself, who said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

The breastplate of righteousness shields the heart, the very core of life. This righteousness is both positional—our standing in Christ—and practical—our daily walk in obedience. Isaiah foretold of Messiah: “But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins” (Isaiah 11:4–5). Our strength in warfare rests in union with Him who is our righteousness.

The shoes of the gospel of peace give us a firm footing. The word hetoimasia (G2091) speaks of readiness and stability. Our ability to stand fast in battle and advance the kingdom rests upon being grounded in the gospel, which establishes peace between God and man. Isaiah foretold this sure foundation: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7).

The shield of faith extinguishes all the fiery darts of the wicked one. These darts (belos, G956) were flaming arrows, dipped in combustible pitch to ignite destruction. Likewise, Satan launches sudden, burning assaults—thoughts, doubts, fears, temptations—intended to inflame the heart. Faith becomes our shield, resting in God’s unchanging character and His sure promises despite every circumstance.

The helmet of salvation guards the mind, which is the chief battlefield. Salvation is not only a past event but an active, present reality that shapes our thinking. Paul writes: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). Isaiah also saw this covering: “He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head” (Isaiah 59:17).

The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is the believer’s chief offensive weapon. Jesus Himself wielded it in the wilderness, answering each temptation with “It is written” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). Scripture describes this weapon as “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). With this sword we guard against deception and advance the truth into enemy-held ground.

Prayer: The Communication System of Warfare

Paul concludes his description of the believer’s armor with the essential element of prayer: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18). Prayer is not simply one weapon among others; it is the very communication system that directs and coordinates every part of our warfare.

The command to pray “always” points to unbroken communication with our heavenly Commander. This does not mean we are perpetually bowed in posture, but that we cultivate a continual spirit of dependence and communion with God. On the battlefield, constant direction and intelligence from headquarters are essential. Paul expressed it simply: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Paul’s phrase “all prayer and supplication” speaks of variety in prayer. The word proseuchē (G4335) denotes general prayer, while deēsis (G1162) refers to specific petitions. Our communion with God is to include worship, confession, thanksgiving, intercession, and requests—each exercised as the Spirit leads and circumstances demand.

To pray “in the Spirit” is to pray in alignment with God’s will and by the Spirit’s enabling. Paul writes: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26). The Spirit both shapes our prayers and ensures their power.

Paul’s call to perseverance highlights the ongoing nature of spiritual conflict. Victories are not always immediate, and the adversary seeks to dishearten us with delays or apparent defeats. Jesus underscored persistence in prayer with the parable of the persistent widow: “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1).

Daniel’s persistence in prayer illustrates this truth with striking clarity. Though he received no answer at first, he continued fasting and seeking God for twenty-one days. At last Gabriel appeared, declaring: “Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me” (Daniel 10:12–13). This account shows that delays in prayer may stem from warfare in the unseen realm, underscoring the need for steadfast intercession.

The Unity of Our Dual Calling

The wisdom of God’s design is revealed when we see how ambassadorship and soldiership function together, not in conflict but in harmony. Both roles demand courage, though expressed in distinct ways. The ambassador shows courage by boldly declaring truth before hostile listeners, while the soldier demonstrates courage by holding firm against relentless spiritual opposition.

Paul’s ministry demonstrates this integration. As an ambassador, he reasoned with the philosophers of Athens, presenting the gospel with clarity, wisdom, and cultural understanding (Acts 17:17–34).

Luke records the encounter in full:

“Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.) Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed from among them. Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.” (Acts 17:17–34)

As a soldier, Philip’s ministry in Samaria directly confronted demonic powers through spiritual warfare. The result was deliverance, healing, and joy throughout the city (Acts 8:4–8).

Luke records:

“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city.” (Acts 8:4–8).

The work of the ambassador often provokes the need for the soldier’s warfare. When we faithfully represent Christ, the world system and demonic powers inevitably rise in opposition. Jesus warned: “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:18–19).

Conversely, victories won by the soldier open doors for the ambassador’s message. When Paul and Silas prayed and praised God at midnight, their chains fell off, the prison doors were opened, and the jailer was converted (Acts 16:25–34).

Luke describes:

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.” (Acts 16:25–34)

Both ambassador and soldier alike must submit wholly to Christ’s authority. Ambassadors must represent His message without compromise, and soldiers must obey His commands without alteration. In both roles, the guiding principle remains: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

The Strategic Integration in Ministry

True Christian ministry requires the deliberate integration of both ambassadorial and soldierly functions. When we meet those bound by sin or deception, we must first wage warfare against the unseen forces that hold them captive, and then, as ambassadors, extend the gospel of reconciliation to set them free.

Jesus Himself modeled this integration throughout His ministry. As a soldier, He cast out demons; as an ambassador, He proclaimed the kingdom of God. In the synagogue at Capernaum, He first rebuked an unclean spirit and then taught with authority, so that the people marveled at both His power over evil and His proclamation of truth (Luke 4:31–37).

Luke records the scene:

“And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.” (Luke 4:31–37)

The Old Testament also gives striking types of this integration. Joshua stood both as commander of Israel’s armies and as mediator of God’s covenant. He led them in battle and later summoned them to renew their covenant loyalty. His farewell address recounted God’s victories and called the people to choose whom they would serve (Joshua 24:1–18).

Scripture records:

“And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God. And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods. And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac. And I gave unto Isaac Jacob and Esau: and I gave unto Esau mount Seir, to possess it; but Jacob and his children went down into Egypt. I sent Moses also and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt, according to that which I did among them: and afterward I brought you out. And I brought your fathers out of Egypt: and ye came unto the sea; and the Egyptians pursued after your fathers with chariots and horsemen unto the Red sea. And when they cried unto the LORD, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and brought the sea upon them, and covered them; and your eyes have seen what I have done in Egypt: and ye dwelt in the wilderness a long season. And I brought you into the land of the Amorites, which dwelt on the other side Jordan; and they fought with you: and I gave them into your hand, that ye might possess their land; and I destroyed them from before you. Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you: But I would not hearken unto Balaam; therefore he blessed you still: so I delivered you out of his hand. And ye went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand. And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with thy sword, nor with thy bow. And I have given you a land for which ye did not labour, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat. Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods; For the LORD our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed: And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the LORD; for he is our God.” (Joshua 24:1–18).

David, too, embodied both callings. Though a warrior, he showed ambassadorial restraint when he spared Saul’s life, declaring: “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD’S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD” (1 Samuel 24:6). In that moment, David stood as both soldier, fully able to strike, and ambassador, appealing instead to God’s justice and reconciliation. Later, as king and psalmist, he gave voice to God’s purposes for the nations in words fulfilled ultimately in Christ:

Psalm 2 declares:

“Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.” (Psalm 2).

The Balance of Grace and Truth

Our dual calling demands that we maintain the biblical balance of grace and truth. John testifies of Christ: “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). We likewise must display both qualities in our ambassadorial and soldierly roles. This harmony reflects the very nature of God, as revealed to Moses: “The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth” (Exodus 34:6). Grace without truth collapses into compromise, while truth without grace hardens into severity.

As ambassadors, we extend God’s invitation of reconciliation with grace, remembering that “the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance” (Romans 2:4). We are called to approach the lost with compassion, discerning that they are captives of deception rather than personal enemies. Paul instructed: “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24–25).

Yet as soldiers, we must hold fast to truth without compromise. There is no room to negotiate with evil or make peace with sin. Jesus showed gentleness to sinners yet remained unwavering in His opposition to sin itself. He welcomed tax collectors and outcasts but condemned the hypocrisy that hindered people from God. Our battle is not against men and women themselves, but against sin, Satan and his demons, the carnal mind, and the lies that enslave.

This balance shines in Christ’s encounter with the woman taken in adultery (John 8:1–11). He extended grace by refusing to condemn her, yet upheld truth by saying, “Go, and sin no more.” In one moment He silenced her accusers with divine wisdom and offered the woman both pardon and the call to transformation.

John explains the progression of God’s revelation: “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). The law unveiled God’s holy standard and humanity’s nature; Christ brought both the grace that forgives and the truth that transforms. As His ambassadors and soldiers, we must mirror both realities—extending forgiveness through the gospel and at the same time calling all to true repentance and transformation.

Practical Applications for Daily Living

Walking in Ambassadorial Authority

Understanding our ambassadorial calling should reshape how we engage in daily life and ministry. We no longer represent ourselves but the King of Kings, and therefore our words, attitudes, and actions bear eternal weight. Every conversation becomes an opportunity to serve as a channel of heaven’s diplomacy.

Living as ambassadors begins with cultivating the character that reflects our Sovereign. Paul describes it: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22–23). These fruits give credibility to our witness and beauty to our message.

We must also grow in our ability to present God’s message clearly and persuasively. Peter commands: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). The word apologia (G627) signifies a reasoned defense, like a legal argument. We should be ready to explain the gospel intelligently and convincingly.

Ambassadorial authority is exercised not only through proclamation but also through intercession. Moses exemplified both. He declared God’s word before Pharaoh: “Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go” (Exodus 5:1). He warned of judgment: “Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood” (Exodus 7:17). Yet he also interceded on Pharaoh’s behalf: “And Moses cried unto the LORD because of the frogs which he had brought against Pharaoh” (Exodus 8:12). Again he promised: “I will intreat the LORD for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, tomorrow” (Exodus 8:29). True ambassadors both deliver the sovereign’s word and plead for mercy, always hoping for repentance.

The life of an ambassador should mirror citizenship in a higher kingdom. The prophets modeled this when sent to foreign nations as God’s messengers. In the same way, our distinct lives—marked by integrity, purity, and love—become visible testimonies of our heavenly homeland, while our words carry the authority of our Sovereign.

Engaging in Effective Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual warfare is not optional for the believer—it is an unavoidable reality of following God in an unrighteous world. Yet our warfare must be waged according to Scripture, not human emotion or strategy. The foundation of victory lies in knowing our position in Christ and walking in the authority He has entrusted to us.

Daily warfare begins with deliberately putting on the whole armor of God. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). This is not a single act but a continual practice—choosing truth over deception, righteousness over compromise, and faith over fear. Paul stressed this when he wrote: “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6:14). Each piece of armor represents a conscious decision to align our minds and hearts with God’s character and promises. Thus he also urges: “Be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:23), and again: “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2).

Practical warfare involves continual examination of our thoughts. Paul commands us to bring “into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). This discipline requires us to measure our thoughts against Scripture and reject every pattern that contradicts God’s truth. When Satan whispers doubt, fear, or condemnation, we must swiftly counter with the sure promises of God’s Word.

Prayer stands as the believer’s chief weapon in warfare. Paul writes: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18). James affirms: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). This includes not only personal prayer but also united intercession with other believers. Jesus promised: “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:19–20). The early church lived this reality when they prayed for Peter’s release: “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him” (Acts 12:5). God answered as an angel appeared: “And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands” (Acts 12:7). When Peter arrived at the prayer meeting, “they were astonished” (Acts 12:16)—a testimony to the power of united prayer.

We must also grow in discernment of the enemy’s strategies. Jesus warned: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Satan seeks to strike through circumstances, relationships, or subtle thoughts meant to discourage, deceive, or divide. The more clearly we recognize his schemes, the more effectively we can resist and counter them. James exhorts: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

Spiritual warfare is not only defensive but also offensive. We advance the kingdom by proclaiming truth with boldness, demonstrating God’s power through prayer, and establishing strongholds of righteousness wherever He has placed us. Every soul won to Christ is territory reclaimed from the dominion of darkness and transferred into the everlasting kingdom of God.

Living with Eternal Perspective

Both our ambassadorial and soldierly callings demand that we keep an eternal perspective, one that rises above temporary trials. Paul reminds us: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17–18).

Such an eternal perspective transforms how we direct our time, energy, and resources. As ambassadors, we labor for things that advance God’s kingdom rather than building temporary success. As soldiers, we engage in battles that hold eternal weight, not petty struggles of the moment. Paul reminds us: “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:4). Jesus likewise set the priority: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

To live with eternal perspective is to recognize that present struggles are temporary, but victory in Christ is everlasting. Paul triumphantly writes: “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37). This assurance enables us to endure hardship with joy, knowing that “your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Eternal perspective also means remembering that we are part of a vast story stretching from eternity past to eternity future. Our individual roles as ambassadors and soldiers are woven into God’s grand design to display His wisdom to the heavenly realms: “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God” (Ephesians 3:10). This truth gives weight and dignity even to the smallest act of obedience or service.

Finally, an eternal perspective points us to our ultimate destiny. John’s vision in Revelation portrays the church both as Christ’s bride (ambassadorial role) and as His heavenly army (soldier role): “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean” (Revelation 19:11–14). Even now we are being prepared for eternal service where both callings will merge in perfect harmony. The more faithfully we grow in these roles today, the more fruitful we shall be in that everlasting ministry.

Conclusion: The Crown of Our Calling

As we conclude our study of the dual calling to be both ambassadors and soldiers for Christ, we see that these roles find their perfection in Him who embodies both. Jesus came as the Prince of Peace, reconciling God and man, yet He also came as the Lion of Judah, conquering sin, death, and hell through His cross and resurrection.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

“And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” (Revelation 5:5)

The life of Paul shows the seamless union of these callings. From prison he wrote of being an “ambassador in bonds” (Ephesians 6:20), revealing that earthly chains cannot diminish spiritual authority. He testified that his captivity actually advanced the gospel: “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear” (Philippians 1:12–14). What seemed a defeat for the soldier became a triumph for the ambassador.

Paul’s example shows us that effectiveness in both roles does not depend on favorable circumstances but on faithful obedience. Whether in persecution or prosperity, adversity or opportunity, our charge remains unchanged: to represent Christ’s message as ambassadors and to resist the powers of darkness as soldiers of His kingdom. As he declared elsewhere: “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 creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39).

The eternal weight of our dual calling cannot be overstated. Every soul reconciled as the fruit of ambassadorship is a life transferred from darkness to light. Every victory won through spiritual warfare weakens the enemy’s grip and strengthens the advance of God’s kingdom. We are participants in the great conflict between good and evil, light and darkness, truth and deception.

Our comfort is this: the outcome of the war has already been decided. Christ’s victory at Calvary sealed Satan’s defeat, though the final manifestation awaits His return. Until that day, we serve as both ambassadors and soldiers—representing our triumphant King and enforcing His victory in enemy-occupied ground.

Peter reminds us of our identity: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Here both roles appear—ambassadors who declare His praises and soldiers set apart to serve His holy purposes.

The blending of these callings prepares us for eternity, where we will reign with Christ as both His beloved bride and His victorious army. Every faithful act of ambassadorship, every courageous stand in battle, shapes us for the glory yet to come.

As we face the challenges and opportunities ahead, let us embrace both aspects of our calling with renewed dedication. May we represent our heavenly homeland with dignity and grace while standing firm against every attack of the enemy. May our lives demonstrate the perfect balance of truth and grace, courage and compassion, that marks those who serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

The crown of our calling awaits those who faithfully fulfill both roles until Christ returns. Paul could say at the end of his life: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

May this same testimony be ours as we serve faithfully as ambassadors and soldiers for Christ, advancing His kingdom through diplomatic ministry and spiritual warfare until that day when “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11). In that day, the ambassador’s mission will be complete, the soldier’s warfare finished, and we shall reign with Him forever in the kingdom that has no end.

“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:50–55).

Rev 12:7-9 – Part 2 – There Was War In Heaven

[Study Aired Dec 15, 2024]

Rev 12:7  And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
Rev 12:8  And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
Rev 12:9  And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

We paused our last study with the intent of contrasting the function of the archangel, Michael, who we are told wars against the adversary for us, with the function of another archangel, Gabriel. Both are called ‘archangel’ because both of these angels perform very important functions in fulfilling the plan and purpose of God as the Lord continues to “work all things after the counsel of His own will” (Eph 1:11)

Here are the verses which reveal what the archangel, Michael, does in service to the Lord:

Dan 10:13  But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

Dan 10:21  But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

Dan 12:1  And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Jud 1:9  Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

Rev 12:7  And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

Here are some verses which reveal the function which the archangel, Gabriel, performs in service to the Lord:

Dan 8:8  Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.
Dan 8:9  And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.
Dan 8:10  And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.
Dan 8:11  Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.
Dan 8:12  And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.
Dan 8:13  Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? [Rev 11:1-2]
Dan 8:14  And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.
Dan 8:15  And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.
Dan 8:16  And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.

Gabriel was sent to cause Daniel to understand the vision of the two-horned ram being attacked by the he-goat with one horn which horn was broken and replaced by four lesser horns out of which came a little horn which became great and caused the daily sacrifice to be taken away and cast down. Gabriel appears again in the next chapter of Daniel where he is again sent to “give Daniel skill and understanding of the vision of the seventy weeks prophecy” which leads again to the casting down of the daily sacrifice and to the same abomination of desolation. Gabriel causes Daniel to see that the visions “are one” (Gen 41:26).

Dan 9:21  Yea, whiles I [was] speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.
Dan 9:22  And he informed [me], and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.
Dan 9:23  At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

Those who are “greatly loved” are given to understand the mind and words of God. This is the function of the archangel, Gabriel.

We learn more about Gabriel’s function in the invisible realm of the spirit in Luk 1, where he is once more sent to make Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist to understand, “and show [Zacharias] glad tidings”.

Luk 1:18  And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
Luk 1:19  And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

The last time Gabriel is mentioned is in this same first chapter of Luke where he is sent to inform Mary of the impending birth of Christ.

Luk 1:24  And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
Luk 1:25  Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on [me], to take away my reproach among men.
Luk 1:26  And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
Luk 1:27  To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
Luk 1:28  And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

It is Gabriel who is sent to “give skill and understanding”, whereas Michael is the archangel who “stands up for [and fights for the Lord’s] Israel”. It would appear that both angels are very busy serving the Lord and His Christ.

Rev 12:8  And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

There is no doubt about the outcome of the battle for those who are called with Christ to partake in this war in the heavens.

Rom 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Rom 8:29  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Rom 8:30  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Rom 8:31  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Rom 8:32  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Rom 8:33  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? [It is] God that justifieth.
Rom 8:34  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

God’s elect are known only to Him, and His Son in whom we are all called. Nevertheless their victory in this war in the heavens is as sure as the rising of the sun, and was known to God and Christ before times eonian, or “before the world began”.

2Ti 1:9  Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Tit 1:2  In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

This is the comfort of the scriptures for those who are given to believe that they are of those who were “called with a holy calling which was given in Christ before the world began”. So Paul continues with this very comforting message for those who are given that calling.

Rom 8:35  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom 8:36  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Rom 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Rom 8:38  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Satan is doomed to lose the war in our heavens:

Rev 12:9  And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

“The great dragon… that old serpent called the Devil and Satan”. Here we have another example of how often “the dream is one” is demonstrated to be true in scripture. This “war in heaven” was first revealed in Genesis, and the destruction of the dragon, that old serpent called the Devil and Satan was revealed right there at the beginning.

Gen 3:14  And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:
Gen 3:15  And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

“He was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him”, is Satan’s inevitable end in his war with the Lord’s saints. Just as the first Adam was created to be destroyed so, too, this great red dragon was created to be destroyed, and it is in the destruction of this great dragon that the principalities and powers in the heavens will be made to be at one with God through Christ, along with all things in the earth.

2Pe 3:10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Eph 1:10  That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

Col 1:15  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Col 1:16  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:17  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Col 1:18  And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Col 1:19  For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
Col 1:20  And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say,whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Col 1:21  And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
Col 1:22  In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
Col 1:23  If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

As we have demonstrated so many times, “The day of the Lord” is “the day of judgment”, and the melting of the elements in fervent heat is the fiery trials of that “day of the Lord”. This is not in another age, if we are in Christ. It is ours, and it is now. We are the first to be judged and if we are judged first then we will have no part in the “great white throne judgment/ lake of fire/ second death”.

1Co 3:21  Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;
1Co 3:22  Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;

Rev 2:10  Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Rev 2:11  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Rev 20:4  And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Rev 20:5  But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Rev 20:6  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

It is because it is here and now and it is ours, that we are told “the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up”. The Lord comes “as a thief in the night” to us all. “All things… things present and things to come, are ours”. But there are some things which are ours first, never to be repeated, such as “the second death”. It is only after we have begun to be judged in this age that we can then live these words:

1Th 5:4  But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

Truly, “The sum of thy Word is Truth”. (Psa 119:160)

“He was cast out into the earth and his angels were cast out [of heaven] with him” is the cleansing of the heavens referred to in this verse:

Heb 9:23  It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
Heb 9:24  For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

What was it that cleansed “the patterns of the things in the heavens”? It was “the blood of bulls and goats”.

Heb 9:13  For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

What “holy places made without hands [did] Christ enter into”? Christ has entered into the consciousness of our hearts and minds to “purge it from dead works to serve the living God” instead of the dying flesh, which is the food of “our [first] father the devil”. It is into our conscience that Christ has entered and that is “the heavens themselves”, which have been purged and cleansed by the blood of Christ. It is our hearts and minds of which the carnal temple is a “pattern of the things in the heavens”, and that is where God’s throne is and where He dwells.

Heb 9:14  How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

1Co 3:16  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1Co 3:17  If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

We are also that “cloud of witnesses” which signified “receiving Christ out of the sight” of His yet carnal disciples.

Act 1:9  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Where did Christ go when “a cloud received him out of their sight”? Christ tells us where He went and where He is at this very moment.

Mat 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world [Greek, aion – age]. Amen.

In other words, Christ and His Father are very near us, and just as Christ Himself did not need to move one inch to be “in heaven… [we also are] seated with His Father on His Father’s throne”.

Deu 30:14  But the word [Christ] is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

Isa 51:16  And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.

Act 17:27  That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
Act 17:28  For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Eph 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Eph 2:7  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

It is Christ and His words being in us, in our hearts and minds, which “places us in the heavens” which are within us.

Yes, it is true that the resurrection has not yet occurred outwardly, but it is also true at the same time that “in earnest”, in down payment form, we have been raised up with Christ to be seated with Him in the heavens, just as Christ was simultaneously in heaven and on this earth.

Joh 3:13  And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

Eph 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus:

The word ‘places’ is in brackets because it is not in the original Greek manuscripts from which our modern translations come. We are now, at this very moment, seated with Christ in the heavens in earnest or in a spiritual, down payment form.

Eph 1:11  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Eph 1:12  That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Eph 1:13  In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Eph 1:14  Which is the earnest [Greek, down payment] of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Here is the Old Testament prophecy of this “cleansing of our heavens” which is also called “the earnest [down payment] of our inheritance”.

Eze 36:25  Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
Eze 36:26  A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh [a new spirit].
Eze 36:27  And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
Eze 36:28  And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.
Eze 36:29  I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.
Eze 36:30  And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.
Eze 36:31  Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.

As those who have been cleansed, we will be physically nauseous of “our own evil ways … and our iniquities… and shall loath [them]selves in [their] own sight”.

Summary

Rev 12:7  And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

We have seen in this study that this “war in heaven” is a life-long war, and that in spiritual terms “the sword will never depart” from our house. We have seen that this war begins in earnest when we are given to “eat the little book” which is the doctrines of Christ. What we have seen is that Christ’s Words and His doctrines are what produce this struggle within us, which is called in spiritual terms, a “war in heaven”. We have seen the scripture which defines our weapon of choice, and which calls God’s words “the sword of the spirit”,

Eph 6:17  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

It is the entering of this “sword of the spirit” into the very belly of our old man that becomes bitter when we finally realize what Christ meant when He said that He had not come to send peace but He had come to send a sword, and to make our enemies those of our own spiritual household.

Mat 10:34  Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Mat 10:35  For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Mat 10:36  And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.

Who Is Michael?

We have seen that there really is a spiritual realm which is populated with spiritual hosts and multitudes and armies. We have seen and read the scriptures which reveal that these heavenly multitudes are governed by princes and captains, three of whom are the great red dragon, Michael and Gabriel. We saw that it is the function of the great red dragon to be that old serpent, the devil and Satan, to withstand God and the Lord’s words and to “deceive the whole world”.

We saw the scriptures which call Michael “the prince of thy people”, which tell us that it was Michael who came to help Christ who was being withstood by the Prince of Persia, and we see here in Rev 12:7, that it is Michael who “makes war with the dragon”.

We have also seen the scriptures which named Gabriel as an angel whose function it is to make us skilled in understanding visions and dreams, and who brings good tidings of both the coming of Elijah before Christ, as well as the coming of Christ Himself.

Rev 12:8  And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

We have seen that the expulsion from our heaven, and in due time from all heavens of all men, is as sure as the rising of the sun. What we saw is that “all things [really] are working together for good to them who love God and are called of God according to His purpose”, which purpose has been predestinated to be worked in “all things… after the counsel of His own will” (Eph 1:11). We saw that this predestination was from “before the world began”, and that those who are given the calling to be in that “blessed and holy first resurrection” will not be hurt of the second death, and will be there by God’s own sovereign decree, and cannot be separated from the love that God has for those who are His “very elect”.

Rev 12:9  And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

We have seen that this “war in heaven” and this “casting out of the great red dragon and his angels” is the cleansing of our heavens from all of the lies and false doctrines, and character assassinations which are the words and doctrines of the great red dragon and his angels. Here is what this dragon does in our lives.

Dan 8:12  And an host was given him [the little horn] against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.

It is the lies of the dragon and his angels which have defiled our heavens, and which require that “the heavens themselves be cleansed” with better sacrifices than the blood of bulls and goats.

Heb 9:23  It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
Heb 9:24  For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

God has “planted the heavens” within us by making us eat the little book and placing His words in our mouths to “prophecy before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings” within our own hearts and minds, before we will be either worthy or prepared to do so, before those without. That is what “plant the heavens” by “putting His words in our mouths” means.

Isa 51:16  And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.

Rev 10:10  And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.
Rev 10:11  And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

Next week, Lord willing, we will see why the woman is not seated with Christ in His throne, along with the manchild she brings forth, and we will also see how those who make up that manchild win this war in heaven. We will then see that we have reason to rejoice that we have been given to see that “all things present and things to come are ours” here and now, and that we are blessed to have this war being fought here and now instead of later.

Rev 12:10  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Rev 12:11  And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Rev 12:12  Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
Rev 12:13  And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

Rev 12:7-9 – Part 1 – There Was War In Heaven

[Study Aired Dec 13, 2024]

Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
Rev 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Introduction

Spiritual warfare is a way of life which has been being waged and lived out in the lives of the Lord’s elect since His death and resurrection. This 12^th chapter is, by design, placed between the introduction of the seventh trumpet in chapter 11 and the pouring out of the seven vials, which are that seventh trumpet in chapter 16.

Rev 11:15  And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Rev 16:1  And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

So war in heaven is not a one-time experience which is all done and over with in just a few days, weeks, months or years. The “war in the heavens” has been being waged in the lives of the Lord’s Christ for the past 2000+ years.

Here is Paul discussing the war we all wage against the great red dragon in every generation since Christ:

2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
2Co 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; )
2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

“Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” reveals that this is a life long struggle against the “principalities and powers in the heavens”.

Eph 6:12 (ALT) Because our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world-rulers of the darkness of this age, against the spiritual forces of the wickedness in the heavenlies [or heavenly  realms].

Eph 6:12 (BBE) For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against authorities and powers, against the world-rulers of this dark night, against the spirits of evil in the heavens.

Eph 6:12 (CEV) We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world.

We will be fighting this war in the heavens of our hearts and minds as long as we live in these “earthen vessels”. This ‘war’ is a struggle against all the lies of the rulers, and authorities, in the heavens of our hearts and minds. It is a war against the devil, and his angels in our heavens, until the day we die. That is why the seventh trumpet, which this chapter along with the next three chapters is preparing us to hear and receive, is introduced to us in this manner:

Rev 10:7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.
Rev 10:8 And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.
Rev 10:9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.
Rev 10:10 And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.
Rev 10:11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

It is “in the days of the voice of the seventh angel” that we are given the eyes that see and the ears that hear the words of this “little book”. The words of this “little book” are the doctrines and weapons with which we will win this war in the heavens of our hearts and minds. The words of this little book are the doctrines which are subscribed to by the “little flock”, who have been given the kingdom that was given to Christ. It was the kingdom of heaven.

Where is that kingdom?

Luk 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Matthew uses the phrase “the kingdom of heaven” while Luke uses “the kingdom of God”. The kingdom of heaven is the kingdom of God and both “[are] within you”.

Mat 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Luk 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

Whether we call it the kingdom of heaven or the kingdom of God, that kingdom is within us, and it has been given to us by the Father.

Luk 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Luk 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;

This is where the war in heaven is being waged, and it is not against flesh and blood. Flesh and blood are subject to the powers of the heavenly spiritual realm. The war taking place in our heavens is against the powers in the heavens where the dragon and his messengers are warring against Michael and his angels:

1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Yes, this verse in 1Pe 5:8 calls the devil our adversary, but we are all still His children, “of our Father the devil… the children of disobedience… walking according to the prince of the power of the air” long before we become children of God, simply because we must “live by every word…”

Mat 4:4  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Joh 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

It is we who are all “murderers from the beginning” and are first “children of disobedience… children of wrath, even as others”, meaning “others” may never in this age be given the grace we are given to wage this war in heaven.

Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Eph 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

So all of the lying doctrines of Babylon notwithstanding, the scriptures teach that we are all first “shapen in iniquity and conceived in sin”, and are “by nature children of wrath” who have all in time past walked in the lust of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind of the natural man.

Psa 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Flesh is “by nature… shapen in iniquity and conceived in sin”. All doctrines that say otherwise are but a part of the adversary’s “war in the heavens”. The Lord has given our flesh as food for the adversary:

Gen 3:14  And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:

Gen 2:7  And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

Is flesh itself sin? Besides Rom 7:18, what else do the scriptures teach about our flesh? Is all flesh really just “by nature… corruptible”? Are we really all “by nature children of wrath”? Here is what we are told:

1Co 15:47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
1Co 15:48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
1Co 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
1Co 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

So all of the doctrines of Babylon, warring to the contrary against The Truth, the fact is that “the first man Adam” was not created as a perfected man. He was rather deliberately and by design created “corruptible… incapable of inheriting the kingdom of God and marred in the hand of the Potter Himself” (Jer 18:4), and this was all done for the express purpose of causing us all to participate in a war in which “the first man, Adam”, was predestined to be destroyed and replaced by a completely new and different man, who the scriptures call “the last Adam”.

1Co 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
1Co 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
1Co 15:46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

So Adam and Eve were “sown a natural body… of the earth, earthy… incapable of inheriting the kingdom of God… marred in the hand of the Potter… corruption”, for the purpose of fighting a war which would culminate in being “buried with Christ by baptism into death, and raised in newness of life”.

Jer 18:4  And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

“Made it again” is in the Hebrew Qal stem, and should read ‘Is making it again’, because mankind is incomplete and is in the process of being completed.

Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

This seventh verse of Rev 12 is a theme of our entire walk in Christ. “The sword will never depart from our house” because that sword is God’s Word, and “the sword will never depart from your house” are words which we are, were and will be living, simply because Christ and His words are that sword which words tell us, “we all had our conversation in times past” “despising” God and His Word. Christ is that Word, and He did not come to send peace, but a sword. That is what “there was war in heaven” means. When His Words come into our heavens, this “war in the heavens” begins in earnest.

2Sa 12:10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.

We have all “taken the wife of Uriah”, because we have all despised Christ and His words. “The sword will never depart from our house”, and when that sword comes into our lives, then our enemies will also become “they of [our] own household” (Mat 10:36).

2Sa 12:11 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.

Christ came into this world to judge this world. In doing that He tells us that He “came to send a sword, and to make our foes “they of our own house.” But Christ will “begin the judgment” of this world within His elect “first”. He is now, right this very moment, judging us for despising Him and committing adultery against Him.

1Pe 4:17  For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
1Pe 4:18  And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

Joh 9:39 And Jesus said, For judgment am I come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

Mat 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Mat 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Mat 10:36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.
Mat 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Mat 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
Mat 10:39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

“A man’s foes shall be they of his own household”. Again, what did Nathan tell King David?

2Sa 12:11 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.

Like the woman at the well, we have all had many husbands, and we have all despised our own Lord, who should be our one and only husband who we are to honor and obey.

Joh 4:16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
Joh 4:17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
Joh 4:18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.

Five, as we have already seen, always infers a work of grace and faith.

https://www.iswasandwillbe.com/numbers_five/

Having five husbands is an essential part of this spiritual warfare, which is also referred to as “chastening grace” (Tit 2:11-23 and Heb 12:6). This “war in heaven” must of necessity be taking place before we can be brought to surrender to our Lord, as both King David and as this Samaritan woman both did.

2Sa 12:13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.

Joh 4:21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
Joh 4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the [inward, spiritual, Rom 2:28-29] Jews.
Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Joh 4:25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
Joh 4:26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
Joh 4:27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?
Joh 4:28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,
Joh 4:29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

“I that speak unto thee… am the Messiah… which is called Christ”. Christ is His Word, and when He finally does “speak to us”, then Jesus Christ becomes those in whom His Word rules.

Act 22:8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.

Here is Christ in Joh 4 telling this Samaritan woman that true worshipers will not worship at physical Jerusalem, but will worship in spirit and in Truth. Here is Christ in Act 22 telling all Israel, through the apostle Paul, that you and I are Jesus of Nazareth. Until we are given this spiritual knowledge, the spiritual battle hasn’t even begun in our heavens, and we are still spiritually “at rest” in Babylon.

Dan 4:4 I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace [in Babylon]:
Dan 4:5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.

You and I are Nebuchadnezzar, and there is no “war in heaven” until we are in some way “made afraid” and are spiritually “troubled”. No one goes to battle who is not apprehensive of losing his life in that war (Mat 10:39).

Here is what “made afraid and troubled” means. Here are those who are called to “come out of” Babylon, and to follow Christ in “this present time” (Rom 8:18):

1Sa 22:2 And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him [King David]; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men.

A captain leads his soldiers into battle, and Christ, our captain, like King David, is familiar with our distress, debts and being discontented.

Heb 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

Those who are “at rest”, and are not “suffering”, are certainly not at war.

Who Is Michael?

“Michael and his angels fought…” Is Michael just another name for Christ, or are there various captains of the hosts of heaven, spiritual hosts which are just as real as the physical hosts of the armies of this earthly realm? Here is what we are told of how we are to understand the invisible spiritual realm.

Rom 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made,even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

This “war in heaven” is an invisible world that is “clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made”. The armies of the nations of this world, have over them captains of their hosts, and there are spiritual principalities and authorities, and captains over the armies in the heavens of our hearts and minds. The scriptures refer to us as “soldier[s] of Jesus Christ”:

2Ti2:3  Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
2Ti2:4  No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

Michael is mentioned four times in scripture. Let’s look at those four sections of God’s Word and see if we can learn something about the battle which is taking place in the heavens within us.

Dan 10:5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:
Dan 10:6 His body also [was] like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
Dan 10:7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.
Dan 10:8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.
Dan 10:9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.
Dan 10:10 And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and [upon] the palms of my hands.
Dan 10:11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.
Dan 10:12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
Dan 10:13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
Dan 10:14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.

We know from our study of Revelation one, that Christ is the man who is described in the first verses of this section of scripture. It is Christ who was being withstood by “the prince of Persia” for three weeks before “Michael, one of the chief princes” comes to help Christ. But there is more to learn about the invisible realm of the spirit and “one of its chief princes [named] Michael”.

Dan 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

So “Michael, one of the chief princes” comes to help Christ against the prince of Persia, in Dan 10, and here in Dan 12 Michael is referred to as “the great prince who stands for the children of your people”. What else can we learn about this “prince which stands for the children of thy people”?

Jud 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

Here Jude tells us that Michael is an “archangel” who uses the authority of the name of his captain, Christ, to rebuke the devil.

Finally we come to today’s verse in Rev 12:7, where Michael is once again “standing for the children of thy people at the time of the end”, just as Daniel had prophesied Michael would do. So Rev 12:7 is the end time fulfillment of Dan 12:1.

Dan 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels

But Christ told Daniel that Michael was just “one of the chief princes”. Is Michael the only angel whose name we are given? No, he is not. Another angel who is sent to reveal God’s will is named Gabriel.

We will pause our study at this point and learn about the function of another archangel named Gabriel in our next study. We will contrast Gabriel’s function as an archangel with the function of Michael, “the prince of thy people” who stands up for and fights for the Lord’s people:

Dan 10:13  But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

Dan 10:21  But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

Dan 12:1  And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

The Weapons of Spiritual Warfare

[Study Aired Sept 10, 2024]

Introduction: The Weapons of Spiritual Warfare

As believers, we engage in a battle that transcends the physical realm. The Apostle Paul brings this reality to light in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

Paul, writing to the Ephesians, uses the metaphor of a Roman soldier’s armor to illustrate the spiritual tools God provides for this warfare. This imagery effectively communicates the reality and seriousness of spiritual warfare, while providing a memorable framework for understanding our spiritual defenses and weapons.

Romans 1:20 reveals that the physical world reflects spiritual realities:

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”

This scripture reveals that the physical world serves as a reflection of spiritual realities, allowing us to understand God’s nature and the principles of His kingdom through observing creation. Thus, the physical armor Paul describes points to spiritual truths and realities.

The primary battlefield for this warfare is within us, as Jesus teaches in Luke 17:20-21. To effectively engage in this spiritual battle, we must rely on the spirit’s teaching, as Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 2:13.

Luke 17:20-21 “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”

1 Corinthians 2:13 “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”

As we examine each piece of spiritual armor, we will explore how these spiritual truths apply to our daily lives, drawing insights from both scripture and the physical world that God has created as a testament to His invisible attributes and spiritual principles.

Here is the scripture under review for this study:

Ephesians 6:14-20 “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, (NIV belt of truth buckled around your waist) and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 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, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. “

II. The Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14a)

Ephesians 6:14a states: “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth“

The New International Version (NIV) renders this as: “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist“

In ancient times, soldiers used a belt or girdle to gather and secure their loose garments around the loins (waist and hips), providing freedom of movement and serving as a foundation for other pieces of armor. Spiritually, a belt represents the truth that serves as our foundation, securing all other aspects of our faith and practice.

Central to understanding the belt of truth is recognizing that Jesus Christ Himself is the embodiment of truth. He declares in John 14:6

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Christ, as the Truth, and the prophets and apostles provide the solid foundation upon which all other aspects of our spiritual armor and life are built.

1 Corinthians 3:11 “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 2:20 “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;“

The Word of God, which testifies of Christ, is also truth, as affirmed in two key verses:

Psalm 119:160 (ASV): “The sum of thy word is truth; And every one of thy righteous ordinances endureth forever.”

John 17:17: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

The belt of truth involves immersing ourselves in and being secured by the whole counsel of God’s Word. This immersion in truth provides a solid foundation for our spiritual lives, Which is Jesus Christ as illustrated in Matthew 7:24-25

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.”

Old Testament references illuminate the concept of girding:

– Exodus 12:11 – Preparation for the Passover: “And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’S passover.”

– Isaiah 11:5 – A Messianic prophecy: “And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.”

These passages associate girding with readiness, righteousness, and faithfulness – all aspects of being secured in truth. They foreshadow the coming of Christ, who perfectly embodies these qualities and secures us in truth.

The belt of truth, with Christ as its essence, secures all other aspects of our spiritual armor. It serves as the foundation for our faith, prepares us for spiritual battles, and equips us to recognize and resist falsehood.

This individual commitment to truth, centered on Christ, is supported by the church, as 1 Timothy 3:15 reminds us:

“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.“

The church plays a crucial role in upholding and reinforcing the truth, always pointing back to Christ as the foundation, that we as individuals gird ourselves with.

III. The Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14b)

Ephesians 6:14b states: “and having on the breastplate of righteousness;”

In ancient armor, the breastplate protected vital organs, particularly the heart. Spiritually, the breastplate of righteousness guards our heart – the center of our emotions, will, and character.

Isaiah 59:17 provides an Old Testament reference to God Himself wearing righteousness as a breastplate: “For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.”

Righteousness in Scripture has two key aspects:

– Imputed Righteousness: This is the righteousness of Christ credited to us by faith. Romans 4:5 says, “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 further elaborates: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

This imputed righteousness is our primary protection, establishing our right standing before God and rendering Satan’s accusations powerless.

– Practical Righteousness: This refers to right living flowing from a relationship with God. 1 John 3:7 and Philippians 1:11 encourage this aspect.

1 John 3:7 states, “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.”

Philippians 1:11 encourages this: “Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”

Practical righteousness is our active participation of God’s work in us, as we “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” according to Philippians 2:12-13.

The Interplay of Imputed and Practical Righteousness in Spiritual Warfare:

Imputed righteousness provides the secure position from which we fight, while practical righteousness represents the actual fighting itself. They work together in the following ways:

– Foundation and Action
– Identity and Behavior
– Assurance and Vigilance
– Power and Application

Proverbs 4:23 highlights the importance of this dual protection: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” The breastplate of righteousness, comprising both imputed and practical aspects, guards our hearts in spiritual warfare.

In spiritual warfare, the breastplate of righteousness:

– Guards against accusation: When Satan accuses us, we stand in Christ’s perfect righteousness Revelation 12:10-11 “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

– Protects our integrity: Righteous living keeps us from falling into sin that could compromise our witness Psalm 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

– Maintains our communion with God: “Righteousness and peace have kissed each other” Psalm 85:10, indicating that righteousness facilitates our peace with God.

– Empowers our prayers: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” James 5:16.

As we put on the breastplate of righteousness, we’re reminded of Christ’s words in Matthew 6:33, emphasizing the pursuit of God’s righteousness as our primary focus.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.“

IV. Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15)

Ephesians 6:15 states: “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;”

In Roman military gear, soldiers wore sturdy sandals or boots, providing stability, protection, and readiness for long marches or combat. Spiritually, this equips us for the challenges of our faith journey and for sharing the good news of Christ.

The Connection to Spiritual Warfare:

– Standing Firm: The gospel of peace gives us a firm foundation to stand against spiritual attacks. Romans 5:1 states, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” This peace with God is our unshakeable ground in spiritual conflicts.

– Mobility in Battle: It enables us to navigate the spiritual battlefield with confidence. Philippians 4:7 promises, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” This peace guards our inner being as we face spiritual challenges.

– Advancing Against the Enemy: The gospel is not just defensive but offensive. As we share it, we push back darkness. Romans 10:15 declares, “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Our feet, fitted with the gospel, carry us into enemy territory to liberate captives.

– Overcoming Division: The gospel of peace counters this by reconciling us not only to God but to each other. Ephesians 2:14 says, “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;”

– Inner Calm in External Conflict: While spiritual warfare rages around us, the gospel gives us inner peace. John 16:33 reminds us, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Key aspects of this piece of spiritual armor (shoes) include:

– Readiness to share the gospel: Isaiah 52:7 declares, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”

– Peace with God as a part of the foundation of our spiritual warfare Romans 5:1, as mentioned earlier, establishes our peace with God through faith in Christ

– Peace of God: Philippians 4:7, also mentioned above, shows how God’s peace protects our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, essential for withstanding spiritual attacks.

– Firm Footing in our faith 1 Corinthians 16:13 exhorts, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”

– Empowerment to be witnesses and advance God’s kingdom. Acts 1:8 states:
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

The preparation of the gospel of peace enables us to stand firm against spiritual attacks, move confidently through life’s challenges, and advance God’s kingdom by sharing Christ’s message of reconciliation with others.

V. The Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16)

Ephesians 6:16 states: “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

In Roman warfare, the shield was crucial defensive equipment, large enough to protect the whole body. Similarly, in our spiritual warfare, faith acts as a protective shield against the enemy’s attacks.

Key aspects of the Shield of Faith include:

– Definition of Faith: Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

– Source of Faith: Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing the word of God, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.“

– Protective Power: 1 Peter 5:8-9 instructs us to resist the devil, steadfast in faith. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”

– Overcoming Power: 1 John 5:4 declares that our faith is the victory that overcomes the world., “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

– Trust in God’s Faithfulness: Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us of God’s unfailing compassions and faithfulness. “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

The Shield of Faith is our defense against doubt, fear, and temptation – the “fiery darts” of the enemy.

Doubt:

– Questioning God’s love or goodness, especially during difficult times
– Uncertainty about one’s salvation or God’s promises
– Skepticism about the truth of God’s Word

Faith counters doubt by holding firm to God’s promises and character (Matthew 21:21, James 1:6).

Matthew 21:21 “Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.” 

James 1:6 “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”

Fear:

– Anxiety about the future
– Fear of failure or inadequacy
– Terror in the face of persecution or hardship

Faith overcomes fear by trusting in God’s presence, power, and promises.

Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Temptation:

– Enticement to compromise moral standards
– Lure of worldly pleasures or values
– Pressure to take shortcuts or act unethically

Faith enables us to resist temptation by trusting in God’s faithfulness and power to overcome.

1 Corinthians 10: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”.

By recognizing these “fiery darts” as attacks from the enemy and actively wielding our shield of faith, we can protect our inward man during spiritual battles.

VI. The Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17a)

Ephesians 6:17a states: “And take the helmet of salvation…”

In physical armor, the helmet protects the head, vital for a soldier’s effectiveness and survival. Spiritually, the helmet of salvation safeguards our mind, thoughts, and decision-making processes.

The Assurance of Salvation and Its Role in Spiritual Warfare:

1 John 5:13 “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” 

1 John 5:13 emphasizes that we can know we have eternal life. This assurance is crucial in spiritual warfare for several reasons.

– Protection Against Condemnation: Romans 8:1 declares, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Our secure standing in Christ shields us from guilt and shame.<

– Confidence in God’s Love: Assurance of salvation fortifies our minds against doubts and fears. Romans 8:38-39 “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 creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.“<

– Eternal Perspective: It helps us maintain focus on eternal realities amidst temporal challenges Colossians 3:1-2 “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” 

– Motivation for Holy Living: The certainty of our salvation inspires us to live righteously. 1 John 3:2-3 “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

– Power to Resist the Accuser: Our assurance, grounded in Christ’s blood, empowers us to overcome Satan’s accusations. Revelation 12:10-11 “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

– Peace of Mind in Trials: Knowing our eternal destiny is secure gives us peace even in the midst of spiritual battles. John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

By protecting our minds with the assurance of salvation, we are better equipped to resist the enemy’s attempts to introduce doubt, fear, or discouragement. This helmet guards our thoughts, allowing us to maintain a sound mind focused on God’s truth and our secure position in Christ, even in the heat of spiritual battle.

VII. The Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17b)

Ephesians 6:17b states: “…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”

Unlike the primarily defensive pieces of armor, the sword is both a defensive and offensive weapon. In spiritual warfare, the Word of God serves as our sword, enabling us to combat falsehood and advance God’s truth.

Key aspects of the Sword of the Spirit include:

– The Nature of God’s Word: Hebrews 4:12 emphasizes its power and discernment. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

– Jesus’ quoting Scripture in Matthew 4:1-11 demonstrates effective use in spiritual battles. “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

– Spiritual Nourishment: Matthew 4:4 shows it’s essential for spiritual sustenance. “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.“

– Guide for Life: Psalm 119:105 describes it as a lamp and light for our path. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

– Truth that Sets Free: John 8:32 reveals its power to liberate from deception. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

– Spiritual Growth: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 explains its role in equipping us for good works. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.“

Practical Application of God’s Word in Spiritual Warfare:

Consider the scenario of battling feelings of worthlessness:

– Recognize the Attack: Identify these thoughts as enemy attacks.

– Recall Relevant Scriptures: E.g., Psalm 139:14, Ephesians 2:10. 

Psalm 139:14 – “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

– Speak the Word: Declare these truths aloud.

– Meditate on the Truth: Reflect on their personal meaning.

– Act on the Word: Let it influence your actions.

– Share the Truth: Encourage others with these same truths. 2 Timothy 2:2 instructs: “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

This process can be applied to various spiritual warfare situations. The more familiar we become with God’s Word, the more effectively we can wield this powerful weapon.

Linking the Sword of the Spirit to Prayer:

Ephesians 6:17-18 connects these directly. Prayer sharpens our spiritual senses, helping us discern which Scriptures to apply. It invites the spirit’s power to make the Word alive and active in our battles. As we internalize God’s Word, it enriches our prayer life, aligning our prayers more closely with God’s will.

VIII. Prayer (Ephesians 6:18)

Ephesians 6:18 states: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

While not a piece of armor per se, prayer is essential in spiritual warfare, encompassing and empowering all other aspects of our spiritual armament. It serves as the divine thread weaving together all pieces of the armor.

Integration of Prayer with the Armor of God:

– Belt of Truth: Prayer aligns our hearts and minds with God’s truth. John 16:13 says, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.”

– Breastplate of Righteousness: Prayer maintains our righteousness in Christ. 1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.“

– Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: Prayer prepares us to share the gospel. We can pray as Paul did in Colossians 4:3, “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ.”

– Shield of Faith: Prayer strengthens our faith. Romans 10:17 reminds us, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

– Helmet of Salvation: Prayer reinforces our assurance of salvation. Colossians 3:2 exhorts, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

– Sword of the Spirit: Prayer sharpens our use of God’s Word. We can pray as David did in Psalm 119:18, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.“

Key aspects of Prayer in Spiritual Warfare include:

– Constant Communication: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.” This verse emphasizes the continual nature of our prayer life, keeping us in constant contact with our Commander-in-Chief as his soldiers.

– Praying in the Spirit: Romans 8:26-27 “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

– Watchful Prayer: Colossians 4:2 “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;”

– Perseverance in Prayer: Luke 18:1 “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;”

– Power of Righteous Prayer: James 5:16 declares, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.“

– Intercession for Others: 1 Timothy 2:1 “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;”

– Prayer for Boldness in Witness: Acts 4:29 “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,”

– Prayer for Understanding: Psalm 119:18 “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.“

Prayer maintains our communication with God, seeks His guidance and strength, and acknowledges His work in us. It’s through prayer that we effectively employ all other pieces of spiritual armor, aligning ourselves with God’s will and power in our spiritual battles.

IX. Conclusion

As we conclude our study on the Weapons of Spiritual Warfare, let us remember the overarching purpose of this spiritual armor as stated in Ephesians 6:13

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

Key points to consider:

– The Reality of Spiritual Conflict: Ephesians 6:12 This verse reminds us of the true nature of our spiritual battle. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.“ 

– The Completeness of God’s Provision: 2 Peter 1:3 assures us that God has provided everything we need. “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”

– Our Active Participation: James 4:7 calls us to actively resist the enemy, relying on God’s strength. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.“

– The Ultimate Victory in Christ: 1 Corinthians 15:57 assures our victory through Christ. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

– The Ongoing Nature of the Battle: 1 Peter 5:8-9 urges us to remain alert and steadfast. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.“

It’s crucial to understand that God’s armor is not a one-time gift, nor something we put on by our own effort. Rather, it’s an ongoing process of God’s work in our lives. Philippians 1:6 highlights this continuous nature of God’s work in us.

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

– God’s Ongoing Work of Truth: John 16:13 “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.“

– Growing in Righteousness: Philippians 3:9 “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.“

– Peace as a Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.“

– Increasing Faith: Luke 17:5 shows the disciples asking, “Lord, Increase our faith.”

– Deepening Assurance of Salvation: Romans 8:16 “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.“

– Growing in the Word: 1 Peter 2:2 encourages, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”

Hebrews 4:12 – Dividing Asunder of Soul and Spirit – Part 2

[Study Aired August 20, 2024]

IV. The Concept of the ‘Inner Man’

Paul often refers to the ‘inner man’, which encompass aspects of both soul and spirit:

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)

This concept of the ‘inner man’ being renewed suggests an ongoing process of spiritual growth and transformation.

Job also spoke of the inward and the heart.

Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart? (Job 38:36)

Psalms 64 tells us more about the heart.

“To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy. Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity: Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words: That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not. They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them? They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep. But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded. So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away. And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing. The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.” (Psalms 64:1-10)

“Who whet their tongue like a sword”, a two-edge sword, they use the word of God attempting to destroy Christ and his christs. “The heart is deep” is telling us how our ways as the old man are desperately wicked. The deep is the bottomless pit in which the beast ascends discussed in Revelation 11.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

“And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.” (Revelation 11:1-10)

The ‘inner man,’ which Paul speaks about is contrasted with the ‘outward man’ in 2 Corinthians 4:16:

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

This inner man is central to spiritual growth and transformation.

Again in Job 38:36 similar these concepts are mentioned:

“Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?”

This verse links the inward parts and the heart to wisdom and understanding. Here are the answers to these questions.

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions [dividing asunder of soul and spirit] of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest [ by dividing asunder of soul and spirit] to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily [dividing asunder of soul and spirit]. (Colossians 1:24-29)

Psalm 64 provided further insight into the heart’s nature. It describes those who “whet their tongue like a sword” (verse 3) and notes that “the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep” (verse 6). The psalm concludes with “The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory” (verse 10), showing a contrast between different heart conditions.

These passages collectively suggest that the ‘inner man’ or ‘heart’ is complex and is oriented towards both good and evil. It’s portrayed as a source of thoughts, words, and actions, and its condition is closely tied to one’s relationship with God.

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of this inner aspect of a person. As Proverbs 4:23 states,

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.“

This underscores the central role of the heart in determining one’s spiritual state and actions.

By comparing these scriptures, we see a consistent biblical theme of an inner spiritual reality that is distinct from, yet connected to, our physical existence. This inner man or heart is presented as the core of a person’s spiritual life and the focus of spiritual renewal and growth.

V. The Holy Spirit’s Role

The holy spirit plays a crucial role in the spiritual life of believers, interacting with and empowering our spirit:

(Romans 8:16) “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:”

This verse reveals an intimate connection between the holy spirit and our spirit. The holy spirit “bears witness” or testifies, confirming our identity as God’s children. This suggests a profound spiritual communion and alignment between God’s Spirit and our spirit.

Throughout Scripture, the holy spirit is depicted as the source of spiritual empowerment, wisdom, and transformation for believers. For example:

(Acts 1:8) “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Here, Jesus promises his disciples that the holy spirit will equip them with the necessary power to fulfill their calling as witnesses. The holy spirit is seen as the divine enabler, giving us abilities to carry out God’s purposes.

In 1 Corinthians 2:10-12, Paul further clarifies the Spirit’s role:

“But God hath revealed them (the princes of this world vs.8) unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.“

This passage highlights the spirit’s ability to reveal the “deep things of God” to our spirit, imparting God’s understanding and knowledge. The holy spirit is seen as the conduit through which believers come to know the things of God.

Additionally, the spirit is credited with the work of sanctification and transformation within the believer. It is through Christ that we receive the spirit of the Father which was given to Christ:

(John 14:10-1) “Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me.”

(2 Corinthians 3:18) “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

These verses indicate that the holy spirit actively works to conform believers into the image of Christ, a process of ongoing spiritual growth and maturation.

In summary, the biblical witness presents the holy spirit as intimately involved with our spirit, empowering, revealing, and transforming believers from within, as they cooperate with the spirit’s work. This underscores the essential role of the spirit in the spiritual life and development of God’s people.

VI. The Relationship Between Soul and Spirit and Body

In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Paul prays:

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.“

Paul distinguishing between spirit, soul, and body in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, it’s important to consider this in the broader context of his teachings, particularly 1 Corinthians 15:44-45:

(1 Corinthians 15:44-45) “It is sown as a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.”

Paul emphasizes the complete sanctification of believers, encompassing all aspects of their being – spirit, soul, and body. While Paul speaks of preserving the whole person “unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,” he’s not necessarily implying all believers will be alive at Christ’s return. Rather, he’s expressing the hope of Christ’s return as a present reality for all believers, whether alive or dead at that time.

In light of 1 Corinthians 15:44-45, we can understand that Paul recognizes both the present “natural body” and the future “spiritual body.” The prayer for preservation of the body in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 encompasses both the present physical body and the future resurrected body.

The reference to Adam as a “living soul” and Christ as a “quickening spirit” in 1 Corinthians 15:45 adds depth to our understanding of “spirit and soul” in 1 Thessalonians 5:23. It suggests a progression from the natural, soul-driven life to the spiritual, Christ-empowered existence.

(1 Thessalonians 5:23)”And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.“

Paul’s language implies both continuity (preservation) and transformation (sanctification) of the believer’s entire being in preparation for Christ’s return and the resurrection.

In conclusion, while 1 Thessalonians 5:23 does suggest Paul’s hope for Christ’s imminent return, it should be understood within the broader context of his teachings on resurrection and transformation. The verse expresses the desire for complete sanctification of believers in their current state, while also pointing towards their future glorified state at Christ’s return, whether they are alive or have died and will be resurrected.

Isaiah 26:9 provides a rich metaphor for the spiritual journey, illustrating the interconnected yet distinct roles of soul and spirit:

(Isaiah 26:9) “With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.”

The soul’s desire for God in the night represents an innate longing for the soulish (another Jesus) while full understanding is lacking.

(2 Corinthians 11:4) “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.”

This aligns with John 3:19-21, where darkness is associated with a state before coming to the light of truth.

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”

The spirit seeking God “early” or “at dawn” implies a more active, conscious pursuit of God as spiritual understanding begins to grow.

This mirrors 2 Peter 1:19, which speaks of heeding prophecy “as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:”

The verse suggests a progression from the soul’s desire to the spirit’s seeking, mirroring the journey from spiritual darkness to light.

This progression is reflected in Ephesians.

(Ephesians 5:8) “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.”

While distinct, soul and spirit work in tandem, reminiscent of how Psalm 119:105 describes God’s word as both “a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path,” guiding both immediate steps and overall direction.

“NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

The latter part of Isaiah 26:9 suggests that both soul and spirit respond to God’s self-revelation in the world.

“With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” (Isaiah 26:9)

This parallels 2 Corinthians 4:6:

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

The use of both soul and spirit emphasizes the holistic nature of spiritual experience, involving emotional, instinctive, and cognitive aspects of our being.

This holistic approach is seen in Romans 13:12:

“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.”

The metaphor of night and early morning represents the cyclical nature of spiritual life, with periods of lesser and greater understanding. Also, the separation of light and darkness is one of many symbols of “dividing asunder the soul and spirit”.

This cycle is reflected in Proverbs 4:18:

“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.“

In conclusion, Isaiah 26:9 illustrates the journey from spiritual darkness (night) to the beginning of understanding (dawn), mirroring the broader biblical theme of moving from darkness to light (Acts 26:18, Colossians 1:13). It shows how the soul is in darkness and cannot seek God and the spirit is engaged in seeking God, progressing from death, lack of spiritual understanding, to a more enlightened pursuit, ultimately leading to a state where, as Jesus said, “he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).

(Act 26:18) “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: (Colossians 1:13)

VII. The Division of Soul and Spirit

Returning to our key verse:

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

This verse presents God’s Word as capable of dividing soul and spirit. But what does this division mean, and why is it significant?

To understand this division, we must consider the principle of spiritual discernment:

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

The division of soul and spirit represents the process of distinguishing between natural, soulish, carnally minded inclinations and spiritual truths. It’s part of the transformative work of God’s Word in a believer’s life.

Jesus often spoke in parables, and Scripture contains symbolic meaning:

(Matthew 13:13) “Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.”

Viewing the division of soul and spirit through this lens, we understand it as a metaphor for the internal process of spiritual growth and discernment.

The Old Testament often presents types and shadows of spiritual realities:

“Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” (Colossians 2:17)

The concept of dividing soul and spirit should be seen as a “shadow” of the deeper spiritual work that God’s Word accomplishes in us.

VIII. The Interplay of Soul, Spirit, and Body

To fully grasp the complex relationship between soul, spirit, and body, we must consider Paul’s view in 1 Thessalonians 5:23:

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This verse suggests an intricate interplay between these three aspects of mankind, each playing a crucial role in our spiritual life and development.

Scripture presents the body as multifaceted in its spiritual significance:

Temple of the Holy Spirit:

(1 Corinthians 6:19) “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”

Instrument for God’s glory:

(Romans 12:1) “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

Subject to resurrection:

(1 Corinthians 15:44) “It is sown as a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.”

Venue for spiritual warfare:

(2 Corinthians 10:1-6) “Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”

(1 Corinthians 9:27) “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

The transformation of the body is intrinsically linked to the renewal of the mind and spirit:

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

This renewal process involves aligning our thoughts, attitudes, and actions with spiritual truths, demonstrating the interconnectedness of body, soul, and spirit.

The concept of offering our bodies as living sacrifices encompasses various aspects:

Yielding to righteousness:

(Romans 6:13) “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.“

Practicing self-control:

(1 Corinthians 9:24) “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”

Serving others:

(Galatians 5:13) “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.“

Maintaining purity:

(2 Corinthians 7:1) “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

Several passages suggest a strong connection between physical and mental/spiritual states:

(Colossians 3:1-7)  “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.”

This connection implies that the body can serve as a physical manifestation of our spiritual and mental state.

The interplay between soul, spirit, and body in Scripture reveals a holistic view of mankind’s nature. The body is presented as sacred, purposeful, and integral to spiritual life, serving as both a temple for God’s spirit and an instrument for His service. The transformation of the body is linked to the renewal of the mind and spirit, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these aspects. By presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, we engage in a process of aligning our entire being – body, soul, and spirit – with God’s will, demonstrating the profound unity of our physical and spiritual nature in the pursuit of holiness and service to God. Keeping in mind that “the soul that sinneth it shall die”. We must be born again into a new body with a new mind.

(1 Corinthians 15:35-49) “But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.”

Link to Hebrews 4:12 Part 1

Link to Hebrews 4:12 Part 3