2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (ESV), “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”

Ideas, words, doctrines have great power. It is our thoughts and words which can either proclaim truth or create lawlessness. History has shown how words can incite acts of great violence, or acts of great courage that can change the course of history.  Violence comes easily to us.  Courage and heroic action by Christians that can stand against untruth comes from the study God’s word. We  internalize God’s truths and apply them to our hearts. The first spiritual weapon is God’s truth as revealed in the Bible.

Another important spiritual weapon is our begettal by the Holy Spirit. John 15:26 (HNV), “When the Counselor (the Holy Spririt) has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will testify about me.” It is the Holy Spirit which opens our minds to understand God’s word and destroys errors. 1 Corinthians 2:10 (NKJV), “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”

Prayer, although not a weapon, is essential to understanding how to apply the Bible truths to our warfare. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 (NKJV),  “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified . . .and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men…”

The Apostle Paul wrote about our spiritual weapons and armor. “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:11-12 (NIV) 

Then Paul continued to elaborate upon our armor. Ephesians 6:13-18 (NIV), “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground . . . Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests…”

Note: the only offensive weapon Christians have is the sword of the Spirit – the word of God.

Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1129: “How Can I Be a Giant Slayer Like David? Warriors of God Series”
The courage, faith and focus of David as a very young man
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

For children, parents and Bible class teachers:
Animated video: What is the armor of God?