Hey Idle Hands, I want to dive into Pastor P’s message. The Idle Hands community thrives because you live life together, meeting in small groups and Bible studies, dragging your sins into the light to battle them together. This week’s message was titled "The Art of War."

The Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-17 (ESV):

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 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. 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.

Drawing Parallels with Sun Tzu's "The Art of War"

There's a famous book, "The Art of War," written by Sun Tzu around 500 BC. This book, still relevant today, teaches strategies of war, including the importance of mental preparation. It’s so effective that it's used in military academies worldwide.

Think about it: a book that has been preparing people for physical war for over 2000 years. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we had a similar book for our spiritual battles? Well, we do. It's called the Bible—a compilation of 66 books written over 1500 years, full of guidance for the war we face every day.

The Greatest Strategy Book

Sadly, many people don't study the Bible as diligently as military students study "The Art of War." The devil thrives on this, manipulating those who are unprepared. If you aren’t familiar with the Bible, the devil has an advantage because he knows it well and uses it against you.

One of the powerful statements in "The Art of War" is, “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.” This means preparation is key. Similarly, to win our spiritual battles, we must prepare by studying the Bible. It’s our roadmap to victory and a guide to avoid the mistakes of those before us.

Standing Firm in the Faith

Ephesians 6 tells us to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against the devil’s schemes. This armor includes:

  • The belt of truth

  • The breastplate of righteousness

  • The shoes of the gospel of peace

  • The shield of faith

  • The helmet of salvation

  • The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

This armor prepares us to stand our ground, knowing that the battle has already been won through Jesus Christ.

Brothers and sisters, we are at war with the devil, who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. If you aren’t reading and studying the Bible, you are at a disadvantage. Equip yourselves with God’s armor and stand strong in His might. Remember, the war has already been won on the cross. Stand firm, and let’s fight this battle together.

Stay strong and vigilant, Idle Hands Family. You are in this together.

Blessings