Spiritual Warfare

Mark Blackburn / General

 

Spiritual Warfare

You have been drafted. You are in a war. There is no demilitarized zone, no neutral ground. Whether you want to fight or not, you are a warrior in the battle of the ages. At the moment of your natural birth you were placed on one side of the battle line. At the moment of your spiritual birth you crossed over to the other side. Now, as a soldier of Jesus Christ, you are commissioned to engage the battle.

SCRIPTURE TEXT:

1 Timothy 6:12 NKJV

¹² Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Ephesians 6:11–18 NKJV

¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

¹⁴ Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

¹⁵ and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

¹⁶ above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

¹⁸ praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

I. A BATTLE ON THREE FRONTS

A. The first part of our spiritual warfare is an battle – against our old, carnal nature.

• Romans 7:23 “23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.”
• Galatians 5:17 “17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.”

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B. The second part of our spiritual battle is an battle – against the opposition and hindering efforts of people who oppose our walk with God – (not against people, but against their efforts).

2 Corinthians 4:8–9 NKJV

⁸ We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—

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C. The third part of our spiritual battle is an battle – against ”unseen forces,” spirits, and powers of darkness.

Ephesians 6:12 NKJV

¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

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D. We must expect to face attacks on all three fronts, and we must be prepared and empowered to overcome each attack.

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II. YOUR MILITARY COMMISSION

A. In our scripture text, Ephesians 6:11-18, we read our military orders. The apostle Paul, who was very familiar with the Roman army, compared our spiritual warfare with the armament and procedures of the Roman soldier.

B. NLT version of Ephesians 6:11-18:

Ephesians 6:11–18 NLT

¹¹ Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

¹² For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

¹³ Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.

¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.

¹⁶ In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.

¹⁷ Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

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C. Mission Outline: (This is what we have been commissioned to do.)

1. Put on the whole armor of God.
2. Stand against the wiles (strategies) of Satan.
3. Wrestle against spiritual wickedness in high places.
4. Withstand (survive) in the evil day. [quality of our strength]
5. Stand. (continue, remain, survive) [quantity of our strength]
6. Pray.

D. Armor Inventory: (This is the equipment we have been given to accomplish the mission.)

1. Belt of Truth
2. Breastplate of Righteousness
3. Greaves (Brass Boots) of the Preparation of the Gospel
4. Shield of Faith
5. Helmet of Salvation
6. Sword of the Spirit

 

III. THE SPIRITUAL ARMORY

• Ephesians 6:11 “11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
• Ephesians 6:13 “13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

A. The first order in our is to put on the “whole armor of God.”

1. The apostle Paul states that the armor of God consists of six separate pieces. It is not sufficient to “put on” just certain pieces of the armor – we must have it all. Unless we have the whole armor of God, we are still unguarded and vulnerable in some areas of our lives.

B. The armor of God is also called the “armor of .”

2 Corinthians 6:4–7 NKJV

⁴ But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,

⁵ in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings;

⁶ by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,

⁷ by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

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C. Spiritual warfare requires weapons – it cannot be accomplished with weapons.

2 Corinthians 10:3–4 NKJV

³ For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.

⁴ For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

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D. Ephesians chapter 6 gives three major purposes for utilizing the whole armor of God (panoply):

#1. To over Satan’s schemes and strategies (Ephesians 6:11)

• 1 Peter 5:8 “8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
• 2 Corinthians 2:11 “11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

1. Just as Satan desired to “have” the apostle Peter (Luke 22:31), so he schemes to trap and deceive us today.
2. We must have the armor of God to gain victory over Satan’s assaults and onslaughts.

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#2. To all attacks “in the evil day” (Ephesians 6:13)

1. The Bible speaks of different types of evil days that we may have to face: a day of trouble (Psalm 86:7), a day of battle (Job 38:23), a day of calamity (Psalm 18:18), a day of temptation

(Hebrews 3:8), a day of vengeance (Proverbs 6:34), a day of adversity (Ecclesiastes 7:14), a day of grief and sorrow (Isaiah 17:11), and a day of affliction (Jeremiah 16:19).

• Psalm 34:19 “19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

1. Regardless of which evil days we face, if we are equipped with the armor of God, we can successfully withstand all the attacks.

#3. To quench the fiery darts of (Ephesians 6:16)

• 1 Peter 4:12–13“12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”

1. Fiery darts, called “falarica,” were combustible, burning arrowheads that set fire to fortifications and strongholds.
2. These flaming arrows can be Satan’s attempts to ignite our own carnal lusts, desires, passions, emotions, evil thoughts, and intense temptations.
3. Fiery darts can also be burning trials and difficult situations through which Satan attempts to make us fall.
4. If we are going to prevail over Satan’s schemes, quench his fiery darts, and survive the evil days, then we must be well protected by the whole armor of God.

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IV. THE 5 DEFENSIVE WEAPONS: PROTECTION

A. The Helmet Of :

• Ephesians 6:17 “17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;”

1. The soldier’s helmet was designed to protect or secure the brain, the mind, the “command center” of the warrior.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:8 “8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.”

2. The helmet protects our thinking processes – it allows us to “think straight.” It protects what we know. The Biblical meaning of “hope” is better understood as confidence or expectation.
3. When we are confident in our hope of salvation, our priorities, attitudes and thinking are anchored and secure.

• 2 Timothy 1:12 “12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.”
• Hebrews 6:19 “19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,”

B. The Belt of :

• Ephesians 6:14 “14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,”

1. The purposes of the belt:
   1. To bind the flowing garments that would hinder the soldier’s movements in battle
   2. To hold the soldier’s weapons close to the body
   3. To give support, strength, and protection to the middle body during the fatigue of war
2. The belt is symbolic of truth – there are two types of truth to consider here.
   1. Doctrinal truth: protects us from false doctrines and ideologies of men and devils.

• • • Proverbs 23:23 “23 Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”
    • 1 Timothy 4:16 “16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
    • 2 Thessalonians 2:10 “10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.”

b.  Personal truth: inner sincerity, honesty and integrity which protects us from corruption.

• • Psalm 51:6 “6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.”
  • John 4:24 “24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.””

3. In the fatigue and weariness of battle, our doctrinal truth and personal integrity with God will provide strength and support.
4. If we lose either our doctrinal truth or our personal honesty with God, we lose our support and will eventually lose the battle.(MULTILINE)

C. The Breastplate of :

• Ephesians 6:14 “14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,”

1. This piece of armory, the breastplate, protects the vital organs of the torso. The full Roman breastplate (cuirass) came in two pieces – one part to cover the chest, one to cover the back.

• • 1 Thessalonians 5:8 “8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.”

2. In Ephesians the breastplate is called “righteousness”; in 1 Thessalonians the breastplate is labeled as faith and love – faith and love incorporate all the virtues of righteousness.

• • By faith we are bound to Jesus Christ
  • By love we are bound to each other (the brotherhood)

3. When we wear the breastplate of righteousness, we are faithful in our relationship with God (faith) and faithful in our correct behavior towards our brothers and sisters (love) – that is righteousness!
4. The breastplate was a shining, glistening weapon. It was usually made of brass, bronze, gold or some other reflective metal. It was often highly polished to reflect the light and dazzle, blind, and confuse the enemy.

• • Romans 13:12 “12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” (light: Greek, phos, to shine, especially by rays; luminousness, fire light)

• • 2 Thessalonians 2:8 – “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall…destroy with the brightness of his coming.”

5. The brightness of the glory of Jesus Christ, which is reflected in us, shall ultimately destroy all the enemies of God. The more His righteousness shines through us, the more our enemies are defeated.

D. The Greaves, (Brass Boots) of the Preparation of the :

• • Ephesians 6:15 “15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;”

1. The soldier’s “greaves” were used to provide protection for the feet and shield the front of the legs. Gall-traps (poison) and sharp sticks were often hidden along pathways to injure the legs and feet of enemy warriors. These were primitive versions of “land mines.” Without the “greaves” a soldier was extremely vulnerable.
2. The greaves are called the “Preparation of the gospel,” which means being equipped, primed, and ready to obey and proclaim the gospel of making peace with God.

• • Psalm 119:101 “101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Your word.”
  • Psalm 119:133 “133 Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me.”

3. In scripture, a person’s “walk” is an allegory for his or her way of life. Our feet and our steps should be well-schooled in the gospel – the gospel must be our “way of life.”
4. When we are prepared and skilled in the gospel, we are protected from Satan’s traps which try to cripple us or cause us to stumble.
5. When we are protected with the “preparation of the gospel of peace,” our feet can carry us to spread the Word of God.

• • Romans 10:15 “15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!””

E. The Shield of :

• • Ephesians 6:16 “16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”

1. The soldier’s shield was used as a movable buckler or a cover that protected the soldier from an opponent’s weapons regardless of the direction of the attack.
2. The shield of faith is the most important defensive weapon of all: “… above all, taking the shield of faith.”
3. It has been appropriately said, “In the hour of attack, in the time of temptation, faith is all in all.”
4. Faith is the only shield that can extinguish and smother the flaming arrows of the enemy – passions, lusts, emotions, etc.
5. Faith is mobile and adaptable. It is versatile to any attack. With the shield of faith we can turn in any direction necessary and ward off the attack from any quarter.
6. Notice how versatile and adaptable the weapon of faith is. In Hebrews 11 we read “By faith…”:

• • We understand the creation
  • Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice
  • Enoch was translated
  • Noah prepared an ark
  • Abraham went out into an inheritance
  • Sara received strength to conceive
  • Abraham offered up Isaac
  • Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau
  • Jacob blessed the sons of Joseph
  • Moses was hid of his parents from Pharaoh
  • Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh
  • Moses kept the Passover
  • The Israelites passed through the Red Sea
  • The walls of Jericho fell down
  • The harlot Rahab perished not
  • They subdued kingdoms
  • Wrought righteousness
  • Obtained promises
  • Stopped the mouths of lions
  • Quenched the violence of fire
  • Escaped the edge of the sword
  • Out of weakness were made strong
  • Waxed valiant in fight
  • Turned to flight the armies of the aliens
  • Received their dead raised to life again

7. Faith conquers the world. Regardless of the attacks we encounter, faith is sufficient to bring us victory over each one!

• • 1 John 5:4 “4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

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V. THE OFFENSIVE WEAPON

A. The Sword of the , The Word of God:

• • Ephesians 6:17 “17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;”

1. This powerful offensive weapon is used to strike the enemy with an overwhelming blow.
2. This is not an ordinary sword – it is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.
3. The Word of God, the Sword of God, is unlimited in its power.

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

4. Jesus Christ Himself wielded the sword of the Word and defeated Satan’s onslaught of temptation by saying, “It is written…” (Matthew 4:4, 6, 7, 10)
5. The Word of God, hidden in our hearts, will impale and slaughter the lust, pride, malice, envy, and all other corruptions that might be hidden there.

• • Psalm 119:11 “11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.”

6. Sample sword tactics:

• • confusion / turmoil:

Isaiah 26:3 “3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”

• • fatigue / weariness:

Matthew 11:28 “28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

• • temptation:

1 Corinthians 10:13 “13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

• • grief:

Psalm 23:4 “4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

• • fear:

Psalm 56:3 “3 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” 

7. It is advisable that you learn to practice using your “sword” until you become skillful with this powerful offensive weapon.

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VI. MILITARY PROCEDURES AND PROTOCOLS

A. Not only does our commission order us to be suited in the whole armor of God, it also instructs us on how to use the armor and engage in battle.

B. The Military Discipline of Prayer.

• Ephesians 6:18 “18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—”

1. After the scripture catalogs our spiritual armor, it calls for us to engage in prayer. Prayer is the discipline, the exercise, the regimen, the perpetual habit of the soldier.
2. Without prayer a soldier is weak, feeble, and unable to manipulate the armor effectively. It is through prayer that we build up our strength.

• • Jude 20“20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,”

3. Effectual, fervent prayer is the means by which we activate the power to properly use the armor that we have been given. (We will study prayer in greater depth in a separate lesson.)

C. The Military Discipline of

• Ephesians 6:13 “13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

1. The phrase “to stand” is a military term that means after we have conquered one enemy, stand ready and prepared to conquer the next.

• • 1 Corinthians 16:13 “13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.”

2. We must always be prepared to fight the good fight of faith – always ready to defend the gospel, to stand against all attacks from within and without.

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D. The Military Discipline of Endurance

• • Ephesians 6:18 “18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—”

1. The final instructions given to us in our commission tell us that as soldiers we must persevere, persist, and endure. It is not enough to begin the fight, we must also finish it!

• • Mark 13:13 “13 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”
  • Endure (Gr. hupomeno) – to remain, to have fortitude, to persevere, to hold out.

 

2. As Warriors of the Word we are called to endure many things:

• • endure afflictions:

2 Timothy 4:5 “5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

• • endure hardness:

2 Timothy 2:3 “3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

• • endure persecution:

2 Timothy 3:12 “12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

• • endure chastening and correction: Hebrews 12:7 – “If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?”

• • endure grief:

1 Peter 2:19–20“19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.” 

• • endure temptation:

James 1:12 “12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

• • endure all things:

1 Corinthians 13:7 “7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

VII. THE REWARDS OF WINNING THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE

A. The second and third chapters of Revelation reveal that great rewards will be given to those soldiers who faithfully endure and overcome. He that overcomes:

• Shall eat of the tree of life
• Shall not be hurt of the second death
• Shall eat the hidden manna
• Shall receive a new name
• Shall receive power over the nations
• Shall be clothed in white raiment
• Shall have his name in the book of life
• Shall be a pillar in the temple of God
• Shall sit with Jesus Christ in His throne

 

B. Nothing that we suffer or endure here as soldiers of Jesus Christ can begin to compare with the reward that we shall receive.

• 2 Corinthians 4:17 “17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,”
• Romans 8:18 “18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
• 2 Timothy 4:7–8“7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

VIII. SPIRITUAL WARFARE – MISSION POSSIBLE

A. The fight may be fierce, but we are guaranteed the victory if we stay faithful to our Commander In Chief.

 

• Isaiah 41:10 “10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’”
• Jude 24 “24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,”

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B. Whom He calls – He – whom He qualifies – He .

Romans 8:35–39 NKJV

³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

³⁶ As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

³⁷ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,

³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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A SOLDIER IN THE ARMY OF GOD

I am a soldier in the army of my God!

The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer! The Holy Bible is my code of conduct!

Faith, prayer and the word are my weapons of warfare!

 

I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience,

Tried by adversity and tested by fire!

I am a volunteer in this army, I am enlisted for eternity! I will either retire in the rapture or die in this Army,

But I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out!

I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable!

 

If my God needs me, I will be there!

If He needs me to teach children, work with the youth, Help adults, assist the disabled, teach Bible studies, Clean the church, feed the poor, pray for the sick,

Or just sit and learn, He can use me, because I will be there!

 

I am a soldier! I am not a baby!

I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up, perked up, or pepped up!

 

I am a soldier! No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me or lure me!

I am a soldier! I am not a wimp!

I am in my place, saluting my King, obeying His orders,

Praising His name and building His kingdom!

 

No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy or give me handouts!

I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for or catered to!

 

I am committed! I am determined.

I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around!

I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside! I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit!

 

When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing! If I end up with nothing,

I will still have more than I started with!

I will win! My God will supply all my needs!

 

I am more than a conqueror! I will always triumph! I can do all things through Christ!

Devils cannot defeat me! People cannot disillusion me! Weather cannot weary me! Sickness cannot stop me! Battles cannot beat me! Money cannot buy me!

Governments cannot silence me and HELL CANNOT HANDLE ME!

 

I am a soldier! Even death cannot destroy me!

For when my commander calls me from this battlefield,

He will promote me to a captain and bring me back to rule this world with Him!

 

I AM A SOLDIER!

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