There’s a saying that goes “stay ready so you don’t gotta get ready” and honestly I think that’s what apostle Paul meant when he told Timothy to “…be ready in season and out of season…” ~ 2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV). Last month we talked about our spiritual basic training. In this blog post, we will discuss how to stay ready for spiritual combat in and out of season (so we don’t gotta get ready). Let’s dive in!

Our relationship with the Lord has to mean something to us. It has to be something we’re willing to fight to preserve. Jesus couldn’t have said it more simply, “…if they persecuted me, they will also persecute you…” ~ John 15:20 (ESV). This, therefore, should prime our minds that persecution and spiritual warfare WILL come, so we need to be ready to face it and grow through it. Additionally, it should be noted that persecution isn’t about the person or thing we see but the spirit driving that person or thing persecuting us.

Now that we know we will have combat, how do we make sure we are always ready for it? “Put on the WHOLE armor of God, that you may be able to STAND AGAINST the schemes of the devil.” ~ Ephesians 6:11 (ESV). “Be sober-minded: be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, SEEKING SOMEONE TO DEVOUR.” ~ 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV). Immediately we see that we have to put on the armor of God and we have to be sober-minded and watchful. Now what is the armor of God you ask? Well let’s get into it!

The thing about combat is you need both offensive and defensive gear and that is exactly what the armor of God provides. “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” ~ Ephesians 6:14-15 (ESV). The belt holds all our war garments together as well as all the little tools we might need. The breastplate protects our torso and heart. And obviously, we need shoes and, in this case, peace.

“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” ~ Ephesians 6:16-17 (ESV). A shield can be used to block attacks and for hiding. The helmet protects our minds which helps us focus on the task at hand. A sword is used to attack the opponent and in this case is the only offensive tool mentioned. This shows us the importance of KNOWING God’s word for ourselves. “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” ~ Ephesians 6:18 (ESV). Praying for ourselves is just as important as praying for others. When we cover each other in prayer, we help strengthen the body of Christ as a whole!

In conclusion, we need to make sure we are well equipped for combat AT ALL TIMES. We need the truth with us (gospel), be in right standing with the Lord (righteousness), bring peace into whatever situations we find ourselves in, have faith to sheild us from the enemy’s attacks, consistently work on our salvation to protect our minds, know the word of God for ourselves so that we can swing back whenever the enemy swings at us and lastly, pray so that we can stay in constant communication with our commander-in-chief (Jesus Christ).

This isn’t a comprehensive view of these scriptures. I recommend spending time in the Lord’s presence with these scriptures and asking Him for fresh revelation. I believe when we do that, we will continue growing 2gether. Grace and peace:)