A FOUR FOLD FOCUS OF WEAPONS OF WARFARE 

1. RENEWAL OF GOD'S PRESENCE AND FULNESS IN THE CHURCH
2. REDEMPTION OF THE LOST – THOSE NOT `IN FAITH`
3. RESISTANCE AGAINST THE ENEMIES SCHEMES
4. REFORMATION OF OUR SOCIETY, CULTURE

A wonderful answer to a pointed question – read Jesus' further statement -v18-19– the `Keys of the Kingdom` refers to the spiritual authority delegated to the disciples representing the Master's Kingdom on earth, with these `keys` the follower of Christ bears the awesome privilege of restraining evil and releasing the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit to build the church, one such `key` is the POWER OF THE WORD OF GOD. The following Scripture and titles will help to focus upon the `POWER` - the `DUNAMIS`, the AUTHORITY, RIGHTNESS, ENABLING POWER within the WORD of God.

The Bible declares itself to be the WORD OF GOD, which is quick and powerful, well able to accomplish that for which God caused it to be given. At the same time many Scriptures refer to Jesus as the WORD OF GOD – eg John 1:1. Jesus emphasised that "if a man love Me he will keep my words and ….", John 14:23. Our attitude towards God must be the same towards His Word – therefore – the reality is – God means as much to you as His Word means to you – just that and no more!!- so – the big question is – "what place does the Word have in our lives?"

The Bible claims power for itself – John 6:63 + 1 Thessalonians 2:13 – each refer to the fact that there is POWER – ENERGY – A DYNAMIC in and of THE WORD OF GOD i.e. God has supplied you and I with a weapon to use, there is LIFE – SPIRIT – ACTIVITY in the Word, which is "sharper than a two-edged sword".

EFFECTS OF THE WORD OF GOD

Note: - difference between the `LOGOS` and `RHEMA` when God speaks a `RHEMA` to our hearts by the power and presence of the Spirit – faith springs up within which enables us then to express to declare the WORD OF GOD which then goes out with the power of God Himself thus, the Word of God becomes a weapon. It is this `RHEMA` word of God spoken to us, converted into faith, transferred out of our mouths, that brings the power of God against temptation and strongholds of the devil.
Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13!!

RESISTING THE DEVIL

Satan does not flee from the presence of the Word of God in our minds, nor because we read the Bible, he flees when we RESIST!! Remember Matthew 4, Luke 4?? There has to be a time when we use the Word of God against the strongholds of the devil. WE must be resisting!! So …?

§                  When the devil says "you are no good", use 2 Corinthians 5:17

§                  When the devil says "you are not saved", use 1 John 5:11-12

§                  When the devil says "WORRY!" remind him – God says don't worry about anything.

§                  When he says "be sick!!" remind him of Isaiah 53

§                  When he says "be afraid!" remind him of Jesus' words "My peace I give unto you."

§                  When he says "you are defeated" tell him "we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us."

Use the `Word` and see how quickly Satan flees, he must as you seriously take the Word, stand in faith and speak it to him.

He knows our areas of weakness, so be prepared in these areas – KNOW HE WILL ATTACK AT THESE POINTS – so be ready. Read Galatians 5:19-21, be aware of any of these areas in your life, seek from the Spirit specific Scriptures that would be an answer when tempted to yield to them. Every time he attacks, bring God's Word against him. Use the Name of Jesus (remember the list given out in Sunday pm service?)

PRAISING WITH THE WORD

Praising God and singing out the Word of God when in the midst of family problems, financial difficulties, sickness, fear and discouragement has great power as it attacks the devil' s strongholds, when done by a congregation there is great effect, as corporate faith, conviction and spiritual energy is released. In 2 Corinthians 10 Paul says "our weapons …. are mighty". The Word of God on our lips can pull down strongholds. Praise and prayer times literally launch spiritual weapons against Satan, healings can result, deliverance can come as individuals are set free through the Power of the Word and the Spirit. Hebrews 13:5 teaches "by Him, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually ..", as we come together to worship, adore, honour Him, we bring our hearts in unity; we are set free through praise and worship, light shines in the darkness, thus strongholds must come down!!

Colossians 3:17 "whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the Name of Jesus" – THE LIVING WORD.