In football, the goal of every good team is to win. For years I played football in school, and I wondered why our team often stunk. I played defensive center, which technically is one of the most aggressive positions on the field, smack dab in the middle of the lineup. But, no matter how hard I played, we still lost games and for one reason: a defensive can only restrain the enemy, but the offense takes ground which conquers the enemy.

Likewise, this is true of the Christian faith... with one resounding difference; we know we have already won the game with Christ, but yet we are called to play to win. Therefore, our advantage is great, knowing that when we go on the offense we will take ground, and that ground is won for eternity.

If we wait for the attacks to come, just as in football, we will lose yards; we could have the best defense in the NFL and still lose yards. In fact the most effective offense is to take only three or four yards at a time and most often it is not the big plays that win, but it is getting those few yards, every time, that wins games. The enemy knows that this is how he’ll eventually defeat the defense.

The defense, meanwhile, is losing three or four yards, which doesn’t seem like much until the offense scores.

In a believer’s life, the enemy is continually on the offensive. Although the enemy sometimes seems to score big, generally he defeats slowly, and steadily, exhaustively strong-arming his opponent.

So, how does the Scripture say to fight this enemy?

"10. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Eph. 6:10-18)

The Scriptures speak here of putting on armor; now, this armor is not defensive only, but is designed to defend and attack. There are six specific pieces of armor mentioned:

When fighting the enemy, girding up our loins or loose clothing with Truth is essential, that we don’t get pulled down in battle by hypocritical living, or otherwise loose clothing that is easily grabbed.

In putting on the breastplate of righteousness, in obedience to the Lordship of Christ, we are protected from fatal blows.

Having shod our feet with the Gospel of peace, we may stand firm, knowing that we are at peace with God.

The shield of Faith; faith that knowing our sins are forgiven, that we will spend eternity in the Kingdom of God and that we are doing the will of the Father by preaching the Gospel of Christ; as we offensively move into battle, the fiery darts of the enemy are continually deflected off this shield.

With the helmet of salvation we know we are positionally righteous before the holy God, through the atoning blood of Christ, that we have been saved from destruction, death and the fires of hell; thus protected from blows to the head, we are confidant in battle and look forward to the Kingdom.

Up until this point, Paul speaks of defensive armor; but, one does not need defensive armor if he is not going to battle. The defense was made merely for the support of the offense; having no defense is to be conquered.

The one and only weapon that all believers possess is "the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God", the Bible; it stands as the most effective, accurate and powerful weapon. Jesus Himself is the author and administrator of this weapon, constantly referring to ‘what does the Scripture say’, even using it to rebuke the devil. This is an offensive weapon, designed to tear down the enemy strongholds and lead men to salvation. We, as believers, are commanded at the end of all four gospels to use this weapon, to preach the Gospel to all people, in every nation.

This weapon is the very power of God, more powerful than a hurricane or an atom bomb, more powerful than all the combined energy in the universe and these things Jesus said would pass away, but that His word would never pass away.

Thus, the Scriptures are the greatest peril of the enemy, for in them speaks of the enemy’s own judgment and damnation. The enemy’s offense is to diminish the effectiveness of the Sword, for that is his only chance to attempt to deceive the brethren and drive sinners away from Christ, pulling them into his own eternal torment.

Therefore, in a believer’s life the only defense is the offense.

So, now, what are you going to do? You know the enemy did not take a vacation this week, nor did he stop his attacks, but yet is  determined to tear down The Church, and lead sinners to hell.

The enemy’s chief offensive strategy is apathy.

Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.Jude 1:3

- Steven

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