Fishers Of Men Study

Preparing For The Attack As we prepare to begin this Bible study next week it is vital that we fully understand what we are truly engaging in….  Spiritual Warfare  As Christians we often here the term Spiritual Warfare but I don’t know that we truly believe in it or maybe we simply don’t understand it. Consider this, if you were in the US Military stationed in Afghanistan or Iraq would you go out on the battlefield unarmed? Would you go out to battle never having been trained or prepared for battle?  Would you wander into enemy territory alone? Would you go out to battle without any means of communication? What do you think would happen if you did?  In these scenarios it is very easy for us to say Absolutely Not! But yet many of Christians have done just that, gone onto the battlefield unarmed, untrained and without communication. Brothers I want you to fully understand what you are doing by joining this Bible study. The Bible says….    

2Co 10:3-5  For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (4)  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) (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; 

1. The battle is not physical we must understand this point. Though the enemy may use physical means to attack us, the battle it self is not about the physical.
2. The weapons of our warfare therefore are not physical; but they ARE mighty through God. (see Eph 6:10-18)
3. The intent of the weapons are to bring the thoughts ( the mind) into obedience to Christ

4. The War is serious and it is hard work; don’t go onto the battlefield without being fully aware this fact and fully committed to the fight.
5. There is an enemy and it is not another human being. Though humans may be used by the enemy the enemy is the Devil
6. The enemy is committed; he will not hold anything back; he has no second thoughts about the battle he is looking for those who he can devour swallow up and destroy. This is important because those who become deeply rooted and grounded in the truth of God’s Word are mighty warriors in the hand of the all mighty God, and that is the last thing the enemy wants.      

 Eph 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.(11)  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12)  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. (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.(14)  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15)  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16)  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (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, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

7. Don’t forget your armor … in the battle every piece of the armor is essential. We will learn more about each piece of the armor when we get to this chapter in our study. For now it is important to understand that it is the Word of God that has the power to change lives!

 Why take the time to write all this? Brothers I want you to be prepared for when the enemy attacks. Notice I did not say IF the enemy attacks but WHEN! He will, because he knows that if you begin to grow in the knowledge and truth of God’s Word you will begin to impact your wives, children, friends, family, co-workers, and anyone you come into contact with, for the cause of Christ. You will be a threat to his plan.  I will be sending out a group e-mail to all of those who have signed up for this Bible study. In the e-mail I will be asking for prayer request. Please reply to this e-mail with anything we (as a Bible study group) can be in pray about. Most of us are aware of the areas of weakness in our lives. Areas that draw us away from God, temptations or sins that are particularly difficult to deal with, pressures of life at home or in the work place that cause us to stress or worry or any other thing that is on your heart. I will then list those prayer request in a separate e-mail and send them back out to the group so we can be praying for each other. An active and consistent prayer life is essential when you are on the battlefield!  Let us pray one for another!  

Your brother in Christ,

Brian