Turning Back The Battle

Isaiah 28:6 (NIV) “He will be a spirit of justice to the one who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.”

James 4:7 (NIV) “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Philippians 4:8 (NIV) “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think on these things.”

Joshua 1:9 (NIV): “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

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In Infusion Ministries, we say, “We are fighting from Victory, not for Victory!” Knowing that judgment and punishment were ALL finished at the death of Jesus on the cross, we walk humbly that our debt was paid. However, don’t misunderstand. We walk boldly in life in Christ because of His victorious resurrection! Jesus went to hell and disarmed Satan, taking back all authority that had been given over by Adam in the Garden. Jesus has it all, and, since we are in Jesus when we are saved, we have that delegated authority from Father God, too.

Yes, the devil is a liar, schemer, bully, and trespasser, but he doesn’t have authority and power. He has no right to come against a blood-redeemed saint of God. Like any bully, he just presses to see what he can get away with. His ultimate goal is to steal, kill, and destroy – stealing your faith, killing your dreams, and destroying your relationship with God. The good news is that Jesus has won the war, and you can win each battle!

There are many examples in the Bible of gatekeepers, watchmen, and official transactions taking place at the city gate. We are wise to keep our own gates protected – our eyes, ears, and minds. When we judge the volumes of information and sensations around us and keep our minds and the environment on sanctified things, we are stronger, more aware of God’s word in our hearts, and more courageous to face all circumstances.

We wear our spiritual armor (Ephesians 6), and look like Jesus when we use battle scriptures as our sword of the spirit. We lift our faith shield to take down all fiery darts – the lies the enemy tries to get us to believe so he has the upper hand. We know we have the mind of Christ, and our eternal salvation covers us like a helmet. We walk with Jesus to discern truth and rebuke lies. We trample on fear from the enemy. Since the battle is against our minds, the enemy must be turned back before he gets started developing ungodly footholds. This is the power that Jesus regained by the cross for us to live the abundant life!

Jesus Christ has won our Victory! He has equipped us with the Bible for every spiritual skirmish. He has sent us the Holy Spirit as our watchman who alerts and prepares us. He has exhorted us to be strong and courageous and confirmed that the Lord, our God, will go with us! We must be prepared and step in faith, knowing that Jesus is our Jehovah Nissi (Exodus 17:15), the Lord our banner of Victory!

As adapted from THE BONDAGE BREAKER and STOMPING OUT THE DARKNESS by Dr. Neil T. Anderson and Dr. Dave Park & The Infusion Ministries Team