NOT JUST ANY ARMY

The Israelites have an enemy named the Philistines. And the Philistines know that the Israelite army is a very special army because of the God they serve, for He enables them to be victorious in their battles. If only the Philistines could make the Israelite army forget that they are the army of God. And in I Samuel 17 it seems they have found just the right tool to make the Israelite army feel defeated, and this happened even before any physical battle has taken place.

The tool of the Philistine army is a giant named Goliath. He has the whole army of Israel convinced that they are only the servants of Saul and will never be able to win this battle. But then a young shepherd boy named David comes on the scene. He, too, sees and hears Goliath, but he is not impressed with his height or his sound, for he knows who this giant really is; he is nothing more than an uncircumcised Philistine. And how dare he defile the army of the living God! 

David then takes action by preparing his weaponry, which consists of five smooth stones and he kills Goliath with the very first stone, because his God is with him. And his actions make the Israelite army once again remember who they are; the army of the living God, so they go and defeat their enemies. Is this story relevant to you? Yes it is, for you too, as a believer, are part of the army of God. It is true you are not part a physical army and you do not have physical enemies. Nevertheless, you do have a real enemy. His name is Satan. Jesus teaches in John 10:10 what his aim is                                                           

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.

And Peter writes in I Peter 5:8 that Satan looks for those he can devour           

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking for someone to devour.  

So how can you be be victorious in your battles against your enemy? You will need to wear the right outfit.That outfit is described in Ephesians 6:10-17                                                                                                                                     Finally be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armour 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. Therefore, put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and, after you have done everything, to stand. 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.                                                                                 

No soldier goes to battle without the proper outfit. Likewise, you as a believer, need to make sure you are always clothed in the armour of God.The first part of that outfit is the belt of truth. According to John 14:6 Jesus says that He is the Truth                                                                                                                     Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”    

And in John 17:17 Jesus prays to the Father for His followers when He asks the Father to                                                                                                       Sanctify them by the Truth. Your Word is Truth.     

The next item is the breastplate of righteousness. Paul explains in II Corinthians 5:21 how you receive righteousness when he writes  

God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.    

Paul then speaks about the feet that are to be fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Jesus promises to give you His peace, as you can read in John 14:27                                                                                

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.

The following item is the shield of faith for you are saved by grace through faith, as you can read in Ephesians 2:8-9                                                      

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.

And Paul writes that he now lives by faith in the Son of God in Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Paul then speaks of the helmet of salvation. This helmet is to protect your mind. As a believer, you are to have a renewed mindset, as you can read in Romans 12:2                                                                            

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will.    

You renew your mind by changing the way you think. Your ways of thinking may have become very established and may be against the Word of God so changes may be necessary even though that can be very challenging. Paul calls this waging war against your thought life, as you can read in II Corinthians 10:3-5 where he writes                                                       

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8 the kind of thoughts you are to have   

Finally, brothers, 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 about such things. 

These thoughts are to be based on the truth in God's word. Therefore, you will need to spend much time in God's word in order for your mind to be changed. That is exactly what Paul has in mind when he writes to take up the Sword of the Spirit, or the word of God. In Hebrews 4:12 you can read how powerful God's word is                                                                              

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 

The reason it is so important for you, as a believer, to know the truth of God's word is because, as I have already mentioned, the enemy only wants to steal and kill and destroy and he tries to do that by putting his lies into your mind. However, when you know God's word you will recognise his lies for what they are and replace them with the right thoughts.

Furthermore, a change of mind will mean a change of actions. That happened to the Israelite army for they were able to successfully defeat their enemies as soon as they had changed their minds about whose servants they were; they were the servants of the living God and not the servants of Saul. And so it is for every believer for you too are to change your actions after you have changed your mindset, as you can read in Luke 6:27-38 

But I tell you who hear me: ”Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you. And if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?  Even "sinners" love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even "sinners" do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even "sinners" lend to "sinners," expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies. Do good to them. And lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great. And you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”   

So you too can be victorious each time the enemy tries to attack you by thinking thoughts that are pleasing to God and in line with His word and acting in a way that is pleasing to Him and in accordance with His word. This may well mean that you will have to think and act differently from the way you have thought and acted before and it may well mean too that you will have to think and act differently from those around you. Nevertheless, that is what you as a believer are to do, and with God's help you will be able to.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question 1: What is the name of the enemy of the Israelites?                            Answer: The name of the enemy of the Israelites is the Philistines.

Question 2: Do the Philistines know that the Israelite army is a very special army?                                                                                                                      Answer: The Philistines know that the Israelite army is a very special army.

Question 3: Why is the Israelite army a very special army?                                 Answer: The Israelite army is a very special army because the God they serve enables them to be victorious in their battles.

Question 4: What do the Philistines wish they could do in relation to the Israelite army?                                                                                                                Answer: The Philistines wish they could make the Israelite army forget that they are the army of God.

Question 5: What may the Philistines have found in I Samuel 17?                    Answer: In I Samuel 17 the Philistines may have found the right tool to make the Israelite army feel defeated.

Question 6: Has any physical battle taken place before the right tool has been found by the Philistines to make the Israelite army feel defeated?                                                                                                     Answer: No physical battle has taken place before the right tool has been found by the Philistines to make the Israelite army feel defeated.

Question 7: Who is the tool of the Philistine army?                                                Answer: A giant named Goliath is the tool of the Philistine army.

Question 8: What has the giant Goliath been able to convince the army of Israel of?                                                                                                                       Answer: The giant Goliath has been able to convince the army of Israel that they are only servants of Saul.  

Question 9: Will the Israelite army be able to win any battle as servants of Saul?                                                                                                                Answer: The Israelite army will not be able to win any battle as servants of Saul.

Question 10: Who comes on the scene?                                                     Answer: A young boy named David comes on the scene.

Question 11: Does David see and hear the giant Goliath?

Answer: David sees and hears the giant Goliath.

Question 12: Is David impressed with the height and the sound of the giant Goliath?                                                                                                                  Answer: David is not impressed with the height and the sound of the giant Goliath.

Question 13: Why is David not impressed with the height and the sound of the giant Goliath?                                                                                                            Answer: David knows who this giant Goliath really is.

Question 14: Who is this giant Goliath really?                                               Answer: This giant Goliath is nothing more than an uncircumcised Philistine who dares to defile the army of the living God.

Question 15: Does David know who the Israelite army really is?                           Answer: David knows that the Israelite army really is the army of the living God.

Question 16: What action does David take?                                                       Answer: David prepares his weaponry by taking five smooth stones.

Question 17: What does David do with just one of these stones?                           Answer: David kills Goliath with just one of these stones.

Question 18: Why is David able to kill Goliath with the very first stone?                                                                                                          Answer: David is able to kill Goliath with the very first stone because his God is with him.

Question 19: What do David’s actions make the Israelite army once again remember?                                                                                                   Answer: David’s actions make the Israelite army once again remember that they are the army of the living God.

Question 20: Is the Israelite army as the army of the living God able to defeat their enemies?                                                                                               Answer: The Israelite army as the army of the living God is able to defeat their enemies.

Question 21: Is this story relevant to you?                                                    Answer: This story is relevant to you.

Question 22: Why is this story relevant to you?                                                    Answer: This story is relevant to you because you too, as a believer, are part of the army of God.

Question 23: Not being part of a physical army, do you have physical enemies?                                                                                                       Answer: Not being part of a physical army, you do not have physical enemies.

Question 24: Do you have a real enemy?                                                       Answer: You do have a real enemy, his name is satan.

Question 25: What does Jesus teach us in John 10:10?                              Answer: Jesus teaches us in John 10: 10 that the enemy’s aim is to steal, kill and destroy.

Question 26: What does Peter write in I Peter 5:8?

Answer: Peter writes in I Peter 5:8 that satan looks for those he can devour.

Question 27: How can you be victorious in your battles against yourenemy?                         Answer: You can be victorious in your battles against your enemy by wearing the right outfit.

Question 28: Where is the right outfit described?                                                 Answer: The right outfit is described in Ephesians 6:10-17.

Question 29a: According to Ephesians 6:10-17 why do you have to put on the full armour of God?                                                                                                    Answer: According to Ephesians 6:10-17 you have to put on the full armour of God so you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Question 29b: According to Ephesians 6:10-17 is your struggle against flesh and blood?                                                                                                                  Answer: According to Ephesians 6:10-17 your struggle is not against flesh and blood.

Question 29c: According to Ephesians 6:10-17 who is your struggle against?                   Answer: According to Ephesians 6:10-17 your struggle is against the authorities, against the rulers, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Question 29d: According to Ephesians 6:10-17 how are you to stand firm?

Answer: According to Ephesians 6:10-17 you are to stand firm 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.

Question 29e: According to Ephesians 6:10-17 what are you to take up?

Answer: According to Ephesians 6:10-17 you are to take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Question 29f: According to Ephesians 6:10-17 what are you to take?

Answer: According to Ephesians 6:10-17 you are to take the helmet of salvation and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Question 30: Does any soldier goes to battle without the proper outfit?

Answer: No soldier goes to battle without the proper outfit.

Question 31: As a believer, do you need to make sure you are always clothed in the armour of God?

Answer: As a believer, you need to make sure you are always clothed in the armour of God.

Question 32: What is the first part of that outfit?

Answer: The first part of that outfit is the belt of truth.

Question 33: What does Jesus say about Himself in John 14:6?

Answer: In John 14:6 Jesus says of Himself that He is the Truth.

Question 34a According to John 17:17 for whom does Jesus pray?

Answer: In John 17:17 Jesus prays to the Father for His followers that they will be sanctified by the Truth.

Question 34b: According to John 17:17 what does Jesus say is Truth?

Answer: According to John 17:17 Jesus says that God’s Word is Truth.

Question 35: What is the next item of the armour of God?

Answer: The next item of the armour of God is the breastplate of righteousness.

Question 36a: According to II Corinthians 5:21 who became sin for you?

Answer: According to II Corinthians 5:21 Christ, who had no sin, became sin for you.

Question 36b: According to II Corinthians 5:21 why did Christ, who had no sin, become sin for you? Answer: According to II Corinthians 5:21 Christ, who had no sin, became sin for you so that you might become the righteousness of God in Christ.

Question 37: What does Paul speak about next in relation to the armour of God?

Answer: Paul next speaks about your feet that are to be fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

Question 38a: According to John 14:27 what does Jesus promise to give you in John 14:27?

Answer: Jesus promises you to give you His peace in John 14:27.

Question 38b: According to John 14:27 is the peace that Jesus gives the peace that the world gives?

Answer: According to John 14:27 the peace that Jesus gives is not the peace that the world gives.

Question 38c: According to John 14:27 what does Jesus tell you in relation to any fears you may have?

Answer: According to John 14:27 Jesus tells you not to let your heart be troubled and not to be afraid.

Question 39: What is the next item of the armour of God?

Answer: The next item of the armour of God is the shield of faith.

Question 40a: According to Ephesians 2:8-9 how are you saved?

Answer: According to Ephesians 2:8-9 you are saved by grace through faith.

Question 40b: According to Ephesians 2:8-9 Who gives you salvation?

Answer: According to Ephesians the gift of salvation is God’s gift to you.

Question 40c: According to Ephesians 2:8-9 can you work for your salvation?

Answer: According to Ephesians 2:8-9 you cannot work for your salvation.

Question 40d: According to Ephesians 2:8-9 can you boast about your salvation?

Answer: According to Ephesians 2:8-9 you cannot boast about your salvation.

Question 41a: According to Galatians 2:20 who has been crucified with Christ?

Answer: According to Galatians 2:20 Paul has been crucified with Christ.

Question 41b: According to Galatians 2:20 who does no longer live?

Answer: According to Galatians 2:20 Paul no longer lives.

Question 41c: According to Galatians 2:20 who lives in Paul?

Answer: According to Galatians 2:20 Christ lives in Paul.

Question 41d: According to Galatians 2:20 how does Paul live in his body?

Answer: According to Galatians 2:20 Paul lives in his body by faith in the Son of God who loved him and gave Himself up for him.

Question 42: What does Paul speak of next in relation to the armour of God?

Answer: Paul next speaks of the helmet of salvation.

Question 43: What is this helmet to do?

Answer: This helmet is to protect your mind.

Question 44a: According to Romans 12:2 what are you not to comform to?

Answer: According to Romans 12:2 you are not to conform to the pattern of this world.

Question 44b: According to Romans 12:2 what needs to happen to you?

Answer: According to Romans 12:2 you are to be transformed.

Question 44c: According to Romans 12:2 how will you be transformed?

Answer: According to Romans 12:2 you will be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Question 44d: According to Romans 12:2 what will you be able to test when you have a renewed mind?

Answer: According to Romans 12:2 when you have a renewed mind you will be able to test and approve what God’s good, pleasing and perfect will is.

Question 45: As a believer, how do you renew your mind?

Answer: As a believer, you renew your mind by changing the way you think.

Question 46: Has your way of thinking become very established?

Answer: Your way of thinking may have become very established.

Question 47: Is your way of thinking against the Word of God?

Answer: Your way of thinking may be against the Word of God.

Question 48: If your way of thinking is against the Word of God are changes necessary?

Answer: If your way of thinking is against the Word of God then changes may be necessary even though that can be very challenging.

Question 49: What does Paul call changing your way of thinking?

Answer: Paul calls changing your way of thinking “waging war against your thought life.”

Question 50a: According to II Corinthians 10:3-5 do you wage war as the world does?

Answer: According to II Corinthians 10:3-5 you do not wage war as the world does.

Question 50b: According to II Corinthians 10:3-5 are the weapons you fight with the weapons of the world?

Answer: According to II Corinthians 10:3-5 the weapons you fight with are not the weapons of the world.

Question 50c: According to II Corinthians 10:3-5 do the weapons you fight with have divine power to demolish strongholds?

Answer: According to II Corinthians 10:3-5 the weapons you fight with have divine power to demolish strongholds.

Question 50d: According to II Corinthians 10:3-5 what are you to demolish?

Answer: According to II Corinthians 10:3-5 you are to demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.

Question 50e: According to II Corinthians 10:3-5 what are you to do with every thought?

Answer: According to II Corinthians 10:3-5 you are to take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.

Question 51: According to Philippians 4:8 what kind of thoughts are you to have?

Answer: According to Philippians 4:8 you are to think whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, whatever is excellent or praiseworthy.

Question 52: What are these thoughts to be based on?

Answer: These thoughts are to be based on God’s Word.

Question 53: What will you have to do in order for your mind to be changed?

Answer: You will have to spend much time in God’s Word in order for your mind to be changed.

Question 54: What does Paul desire for you when he writes for you to take up the Sword of the Spirit, or the Word of God?

Answer: Paul desires for your mind to be changed when he writes for you to take up the Sword of the Spirit, or the Word of God.

Question 55a: According to Hebrews 4:12 how powerful is God’s Word?

Answer: According to Hebrews 4:12 the Word of God is living and active.

Question 55b: According to Hebrews 4:12 what does the Word of God divide?

Answer: According to Hebrews 4:12 the Word of God divides between soul and spirit, joints and marrow.

Question 55c: According to Hebrews 4:12 what does the Word of God judge?

Answer: According to Hebrews 4:12 the Word of God judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Question 56: What does the enemy wants to do in your life?

Answer: The enemy wants to steal and kill and destroy you.

Question 57: In what way does the enemy try to steal and kill and destroy you?

Answer: The enemy tries to steal and kill and destroy you by putting his lies into your mind.

Question 58: How will you be able to recognise the enemy’s lies for what they are?

Answer: You will be able to recognise the enemy’s lies for what they are when you know God’s Word.

Question 59: When you know God’s Word how will you be able to deal with the enemy’s lies?

Answer: When you know God’s Word you will be able to replace the enemy’s lies with the right thoughts.

Question 60: Will a change of mind mean a change of actions for you?

Answer: A change of mind will mean a change of actions for you.

Question 61: What happened after the Israelite army changed their minds about how whose servants they were? Answer: The Israelite army was able to successfully defeat their enemies as soon as they had changed their minds about whose servants they were; they were the servants of the living God and not the servants of Saul.

Question 62: Are you, as a believer, to change your actions after you have changed your mindset?

Answer: As a believer, you are to change your actions after you have changed your mindset.

Question 63a: According to Luke 6:27-38 how does Jesus wants you to treat your enemies?

Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 Jesus teaches you to love your enemies.

Question 63b: According to Luke 6:27-38 how does Jesus want you to treat those who hate you?

Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 Jesus teaches you to do good to those who hate you.

Question 63c; According to Luke 6:27-38 how does Jesus want you to treat those who curse you?

Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 Jesus teaches you to bless those who curse you.

Question 63d; According to Luke 6:27-38 how does Jesus want you to treat those who mistreat you?

Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 Jesus teaches you to pray for those who mistreat you.

Question 63e: According to Luke 6:27-38 what does Jesus want you to do if someone strikes you on one cheek?                                                                                                                         Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 Jesus teaches you to turn the other cheek also to the person who strikes you on one cheek.

Question 63f: According to Luke 6:27-38 what does Jesus want you to do for the person who takes your cloak?                                                                                                                           Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 Jesus teaches you that you are not to stop the person who takes your cloak from taking your tunic.

Question 63g: According to Luke 6:27-38 what does Jesus want you to do with regards someone who has taken what belongs to you?

Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 Jesus teaches you that you are not to demand back what belongs to you.

Question 63h: According to Luke 6:27-38 what does Jesus want you to do to others?

Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 Jesus teaches you that you are to do to others as you would have them do to you.

Question 63i: According to Luke 6:27-38 do “sinners” love those who love them?

Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 even “sinners” love those who love them.

Question 63j: According to Luke 6:27-38 are “sinners” good to those who are good to them?

Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 even “sinners” are good to those who are good to them.

Question 63k: According to Luke 6:27-38 do “sinners” lend to “sinners”?

Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 even “sinners” lend to “sinners” expecting to be repaid in full.

Question 63l: According to Luke 6:27-38 what does Jesus expect of you?

Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 Jesus teaches you that you are to love your enemies, do good to them and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.

Question 63m: According to Luke 6:27-38 what will be the consequence when you love your enemies, do good to them and lend to them without expecting to get anything back?

Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 your reward will be great when you love your enemies, do good to them and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.

Question 63n: According to Luke 6:27-38 Whose sons will you be when you love your enemies, do good to them and lend to them without expecting to get anything back?

Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 you will be sons of the Most High when you love your enemies, do good to them and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.

Question 63o: According to Luke 6:27-38 why will you be sons of the Most High when you love your enemies, do good to them and lend to them without expecting to get anything back?

Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 you will be sons of the Most High when you love your enemies, do good to them and lend to them without expecting to get anything back because God is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.

Question 63p: According to Luke 6:27-38 what are you to be?

Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 you are to be merciful as your Father is merciful.

Question 63q: According to Luke 6:27-38 why are you not to judge?

Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 you are not to judge so that you will not be judged.

Question 63r: According to Luke 6:27-38 why are you not to condemn?

Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 you are not to condemn so that you will not be condemned.

Question 63s: According to Luke 6:27-38 why are you to forgive?

Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 you are to forgive so that you will be forgiven.

Question 63t: According to Luke 6:27-38 why are you to give?

Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 you are to give so that it will be given to you.

Question 63u: According to Luke 6:27-38 when you give what will be poured into your lap?

Answer: According to Like 6:27-38 when you give a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap.

Question 63v: According to Luke 6:27-38 what measure will be used?

Answer: According to Luke 6:27-38 with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Question 64: Can you be victorious each time the enemy tries to attack you?

Answer: You can be victorious each time the enemy tries to attack you by thinking thoughts that are pleasing to Good and in line with His word and by acting in a way that is pleasing to God and in accordance with His word.

Question 65: Does that mean you may have to think and act differently from the way you have thought and acted before?

Answer: It may well meant that you will have to think and act differently from the way you have thought and acted before.

Question 66: Could it mean that you have to think and act differently from those around you?

Answer: It may well mean that you have to think and act differently from those around you.

Question 67; Is that what you as a believer are to do?

Answer: It is what you as a believer are to do.

Question 68: With Whose help will you be able to think and act differently?

Answer: You will be able to think and act differently with God’s help.

Chapter 7