“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” 2 Corinthians 10:4
The Lord Jesus, speaking in the context of what would transpire in the “last days” before His coming, used several illustrations to communicate certain vital truths to the believer. In one of these illustrations, speaking on the subject of “watching,” He said: “But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken into.” (Matt. 24:43) Of what is the Lord speaking here? To Timothy, the Apostle Paul’s son in the faith, he would write: “That good thing which was committed to thee, keep by the Holy Spirit, which dwelleth in us.” (2 Timothy 1:14) Paul is speaking here of that which the Lord had committed to Timothy, which was essential to his service and ministry. This “good thing” Timothy had to keep, watch over it, defend it. This was because of the very real spiritual warfare that Paul knew and wrote about. In the book of Revelation, the Lord addresses the church at Philadelphia. He specifically writes: “Behold, I come quickly, hold fast that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” (3:11) This is not a question of the salvation of these believers, but of the spiritual rewards and blessings which one day they, in the form of crowns, will have to cast at the feet of the Lord Jesus, in thanksgiving, praise, and worship. So, we see that it is one thing to begin well with Christ, to be blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ in the heavenly places. It is quite another to keep that which has been entrusted to us. The enemy of our souls is a thief, liar, and a murderer. He will do all that he can to destroy the believer, rob him of his rewards, and thus dishonor Christ. Another illustration of this spiritual battle is found in Paul’s letter to the Colossians. He writes: “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels…” (2:18). Paul is writing basically of the same thing that the Lord was speaking of when He said that if the goodman of the house did not watch well, and take precautions, using his spiritual weapons well, then his house would be broken into, and he would be robbed. We forget sometimes, amid the multitude of the Lord’s blessings that our adversary is relentlessly like a lion, who prowls about seeking whom he may devour or destroy, or at least, to rob him of every eternal benefit and blessing. This is why the believer is called upon to watch diligently, walk circumspectly, and pray. If one’s personal sphere of responsibility, his home, or the ministry to which God has called him, is to be guarded, then he must pray earnestly, and effectively. With regard to fellow believers in Christ, Paul writes: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” (Eph. 6:19) What of the spiritual weapons that have been given to the believer to recognize the enemy, to prepare for any attack, and then to confront the enemy, victoriously overcoming him?
Probably the most powerful weapon that the believer possesses in confronting the enemy is the blood of Christ. How so? In the book of Revelation, we read: “And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (12:11) The blood of Christ is not only essential, and instrumental, in the cleansing from all sin, but it is the very eternal declaration of Christ’s perfect victory over sin, death, and Satan. The believing watchman today, who would effectively guard his house, is that one who would by faith, claim the blood of Christ upon the door posts of his home, defying the enemy, and denying him access to steal, kill, and to destroy.
Dear Father, Strengthen our hearts, and anoint our eyes, to watch well, using effectively the weapons You have entrusted to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.