Kick the devil out of your Marriage
Some of us are used to chaos in our marriages. It is normal to fight daily and to struggle with communicating regularly. For many, the enemy has a space in your bed, a seat in your car and is welcomed into your home by way of several types of media. The devil is that third person in some relationships and we do not even recognize him. Well, I do not know about you, but I do not want him anywhere close to me or my marriage! The good news is that if we have a relationship with Jesus Christ, we have authority over the enemy even in our marriages.
We need to kick the devil out! Our weapons against the enemy are clearly delineated in scripture. Contrary to popular opinion within and without the church, counseling is not a cure. More money will not bring more peace. Another spouse is not the answer either. You will face the same battles with any person with which you align yourself in matrimony. In Ephesians 6, we see all the pieces of the armor:
The Helmet of Salvation
The Sword of the Spirit
The Breastplate of Righteousness
The Girdle of Truth
Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace
The Shield of Faith
and
Prayer !!
These are God-given weapons or resources. We have these resources, this currency, in the spirit that we may not be using.
You may have to exchange your old ways of handling these battles with God's way, just like a currency exchange in world markets. You cannot keep using the same old ways of managing life or you will keep getting the same results, right? Our old weapons (yelling, deception, stealing, the silent treatment, bribery) do not deter the forces of evil at work in your house. Try something different with a guaranteed outcome and a bonafide victory.
Prayer
In Matthew 21:13, Jesus says that His house will be called a house of prayer. If you are a child of God, and all that you have is His, then your house is His house. Prayer is one of the first lines of defense against the enemy in your home. It is literally how you put on the rest of the armor. Renounce and repent of your old sins and ask the Lord to show you how to arm yourself and your marriage with His weapontry. You will need spiritual eyes and ears to "see" and "hear" in the spirit. It is not spooky, it is actually more real than you can imagine.
Shield of Faith
The Word of God has power to change your marriage. We do not use it because we do not believe it. We do not ask, seek and knock because we can trust God with smaller things than our relationships sometimes. It may seem too big. It's been too long. It has always been this way and we have no hope for change. Well, that my friend is a lack of faith! The reason that faith is a shield is because it guards you from fear of the past, present or future status of your marriage.
The enemy loves to tempts people with worry and stress. Faith speaks life instead. The enemy loves to get you with that guard down so that he can insert apathy - when you just don't care anymore. We encourage you to hold up the shield of faith again. Know who your God is and that His Word is quick and powerful in your marriage. Just because you do not see the enemy's arrows or how the Lord quenches them does not mean that it is not happening! Where is your shield? Where is your faith? Even a mustard seed of faith will do.
Gospel Shoes
You will need gospel footwear to kick the enemy back to where the sun don't shine. The power of the gospel has a tremendous affect on your marriage. You may not have thought of this before. We named this blog "Walking Together Towards God" with this in mind. We are to walk out, live out and be an example of, Jesus and His Church to the world. Our lasting relationships speak loudly of the love that God has for the world (John 3:16, kjv). When we allow the enemy to come between us, we distort that beautiful picture. It warps God's masterpiece. We should never be fighting against each other, but with each other. Run quickly to maintain peace in your relationship! Resolve disagreements as soon as possible. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, leave peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18, kjv).
Girdle of Truth
The truth will always set you free. When we have invited the enemy in, we have to be the ones to kick him out. Nothing works better than the truth. For every lie your or your spouse have spoken, you can use a scripture to combat it. Post them over your bed. Put the Word on your desk at work. Play music with scripture that is tailored to combat the lies that you tell yourself. We are quick to believe in what is false. Train yourself in using this piece of armor. Whatsoever things are true...think on these things (Philippians 4:8, kjv).
Breastplate of Righteousness
There is a big difference between what is right and what is wrong. Unfortunately, our hearts cannot discern this well for us because they are deceitfully wicked. This is what the breastplate is for. This armor covers our vital organs and does not leave our unrighteousness exposed to the elements. This right standing with God is ours when we receive Jesus as Lord. The enemy loves to tell us how wrong we are. That is called condemnation. He may tell you that your bad marriage is your fault. "You caused your spouse to act like this". "You are the reason that the love is gone". Refuse to allow him to blame you, remind you of your sin or make you feel insignificant.
Of course we should repent of any sin that we are aware of immediately, but do not allow the battle of guilt to continue in your mind. Set your mind on things above and walk in victory.
Sword of the Spirit
Whether you are ignorant of satan's tactics or you, conversely, blame him for everything, you still need a good offense against him in your marriage once you recognize that this is not a physical battle. Flesh can fight flesh, but spirit needs to fight spirit. You cannot fight spirit in the flesh. It is a losing battle. The Bible tells us that the sword of the spirit is the Word of God. It is the Lord's very words that chase the devil out of your marriage. Stop using your words and start rehearsing His! Here are just a few verses that you can use:
But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:14,15, kjv)
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosperk (Isaiah 54:17, kjv)
Submit yourselves therefore unto God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7, kjv)
Helmet of Salvation
The last piece of armor is what you have to put on first. Salvation is for those who agree with God that they are sinners in need of saving. They accept the abundant life that Jesus offers through his substitutionary death on their behalf. They know that the battle in their marriage is real. Your marriage can be saved, but God will have to do it. Our thoughts are not His thoughts. We need a changed mind and heart in order to tap into the victory of overcoming the enemy of our souls and our relationships.
A helmet covers the major senses (sight, hearing, smell, and taste) while the remainder of the armor covers what you feel. We have to learn to sense God. See Him. Hear Him. Smell when things are different and taste and see that the Lord is good. Marriage is not about how you feel, it is a relationship that represents Christ and His Church. The enemy is relentless to destroy it. It is the most attacked union on earth.
Kicking the devil out of your marriage is a must. He will attack you. He will attempt to make you weary, bitter, doubtful of God's direction and apathetic to the whole thing. BUT, the victory is won and we really just need to suit up and let God fight this battle for us. Perhaps you feel alone in the fight. We would suggest that you gather others who are fighting the same fight. Stand together. Believe together. Kick the devil out together. Remember, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4, kjv).
We need to kick the devil out! Our weapons against the enemy are clearly delineated in scripture. Contrary to popular opinion within and without the church, counseling is not a cure. More money will not bring more peace. Another spouse is not the answer either. You will face the same battles with any person with which you align yourself in matrimony. In Ephesians 6, we see all the pieces of the armor:
The Helmet of Salvation
The Sword of the Spirit
The Breastplate of Righteousness
The Girdle of Truth
Feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace
The Shield of Faith
and
Prayer !!
These are God-given weapons or resources. We have these resources, this currency, in the spirit that we may not be using.
You can be a christian and not be using all the resources that God has put at your disposal in your marriage.
You may have to exchange your old ways of handling these battles with God's way, just like a currency exchange in world markets. You cannot keep using the same old ways of managing life or you will keep getting the same results, right? Our old weapons (yelling, deception, stealing, the silent treatment, bribery) do not deter the forces of evil at work in your house. Try something different with a guaranteed outcome and a bonafide victory.
Prayer
In Matthew 21:13, Jesus says that His house will be called a house of prayer. If you are a child of God, and all that you have is His, then your house is His house. Prayer is one of the first lines of defense against the enemy in your home. It is literally how you put on the rest of the armor. Renounce and repent of your old sins and ask the Lord to show you how to arm yourself and your marriage with His weapontry. You will need spiritual eyes and ears to "see" and "hear" in the spirit. It is not spooky, it is actually more real than you can imagine.
Shield of Faith
The Word of God has power to change your marriage. We do not use it because we do not believe it. We do not ask, seek and knock because we can trust God with smaller things than our relationships sometimes. It may seem too big. It's been too long. It has always been this way and we have no hope for change. Well, that my friend is a lack of faith! The reason that faith is a shield is because it guards you from fear of the past, present or future status of your marriage.
The enemy loves to tempts people with worry and stress. Faith speaks life instead. The enemy loves to get you with that guard down so that he can insert apathy - when you just don't care anymore. We encourage you to hold up the shield of faith again. Know who your God is and that His Word is quick and powerful in your marriage. Just because you do not see the enemy's arrows or how the Lord quenches them does not mean that it is not happening! Where is your shield? Where is your faith? Even a mustard seed of faith will do.
Gospel Shoes
You will need gospel footwear to kick the enemy back to where the sun don't shine. The power of the gospel has a tremendous affect on your marriage. You may not have thought of this before. We named this blog "Walking Together Towards God" with this in mind. We are to walk out, live out and be an example of, Jesus and His Church to the world. Our lasting relationships speak loudly of the love that God has for the world (John 3:16, kjv). When we allow the enemy to come between us, we distort that beautiful picture. It warps God's masterpiece. We should never be fighting against each other, but with each other. Run quickly to maintain peace in your relationship! Resolve disagreements as soon as possible. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, leave peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18, kjv).
Girdle of Truth
The truth will always set you free. When we have invited the enemy in, we have to be the ones to kick him out. Nothing works better than the truth. For every lie your or your spouse have spoken, you can use a scripture to combat it. Post them over your bed. Put the Word on your desk at work. Play music with scripture that is tailored to combat the lies that you tell yourself. We are quick to believe in what is false. Train yourself in using this piece of armor. Whatsoever things are true...think on these things (Philippians 4:8, kjv).
Breastplate of Righteousness
There is a big difference between what is right and what is wrong. Unfortunately, our hearts cannot discern this well for us because they are deceitfully wicked. This is what the breastplate is for. This armor covers our vital organs and does not leave our unrighteousness exposed to the elements. This right standing with God is ours when we receive Jesus as Lord. The enemy loves to tell us how wrong we are. That is called condemnation. He may tell you that your bad marriage is your fault. "You caused your spouse to act like this". "You are the reason that the love is gone". Refuse to allow him to blame you, remind you of your sin or make you feel insignificant.
The blood of Jesus covers all of our shame and replaces our unrighteousness with His perfect righteousness. That is the power of the cross!
Of course we should repent of any sin that we are aware of immediately, but do not allow the battle of guilt to continue in your mind. Set your mind on things above and walk in victory.
Sword of the Spirit
Whether you are ignorant of satan's tactics or you, conversely, blame him for everything, you still need a good offense against him in your marriage once you recognize that this is not a physical battle. Flesh can fight flesh, but spirit needs to fight spirit. You cannot fight spirit in the flesh. It is a losing battle. The Bible tells us that the sword of the spirit is the Word of God. It is the Lord's very words that chase the devil out of your marriage. Stop using your words and start rehearsing His! Here are just a few verses that you can use:
But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:14,15, kjv)
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosperk (Isaiah 54:17, kjv)
Submit yourselves therefore unto God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7, kjv)
Helmet of Salvation
The last piece of armor is what you have to put on first. Salvation is for those who agree with God that they are sinners in need of saving. They accept the abundant life that Jesus offers through his substitutionary death on their behalf. They know that the battle in their marriage is real. Your marriage can be saved, but God will have to do it. Our thoughts are not His thoughts. We need a changed mind and heart in order to tap into the victory of overcoming the enemy of our souls and our relationships.
A helmet covers the major senses (sight, hearing, smell, and taste) while the remainder of the armor covers what you feel. We have to learn to sense God. See Him. Hear Him. Smell when things are different and taste and see that the Lord is good. Marriage is not about how you feel, it is a relationship that represents Christ and His Church. The enemy is relentless to destroy it. It is the most attacked union on earth.
Kicking the devil out of your marriage is a must. He will attack you. He will attempt to make you weary, bitter, doubtful of God's direction and apathetic to the whole thing. BUT, the victory is won and we really just need to suit up and let God fight this battle for us. Perhaps you feel alone in the fight. We would suggest that you gather others who are fighting the same fight. Stand together. Believe together. Kick the devil out together. Remember, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4, kjv).
This is a great post. I think most Christians rarely use all the spiritual equipment that God has given us. That holds true for so many aspects of our lives.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Dusty armor helps no one!
DeleteI'm not marrried but in a long term relationship. It does get crazy and chaotic sometimes. We try to take a step back and appreciate things more - that helps us realize most of the things are not important.
ReplyDeleteSo much is unimportant. God requires our relationship and commitment to Him most of all!
DeleteYup! So true. The Gospel can help us go even overcome ourselves. I try to read it everyday and to be closer to God is definitely a goal.
ReplyDeleteI love that goal!
DeleteThis is really awesome and very very true! One needs to transcend the small issues and look at the bigger picture.
ReplyDeleteChad
www.mosaicslab.com
Thanks for reading!
DeleteReally great post! The gospel is a great foundation for one's relationships and it's so powerful when navigating the ups and downs of married life!
ReplyDeleteWe have found this to be true. What would we do without Christ!!
DeleteI am not married, but I agree completely - this is a really great post, and I will share it with some of my friends!
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate the shares! Thank you!!
DeleteIt's a great top! i think a lot of Christians would like it. As for me it was super informative and now I understand Christians better
ReplyDeleteGreat! Thanks for reading.
DeleteThey say that the family that prays together stays together! I so believe this, prayer is so important to keep the family alive and the marriage happy
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
DeleteThis is a great post and one that many should read. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOur pleasure. Thank you for reading!
DeleteThis is a great post! If we build our families around God, life will not always be perfect but we will make it through everything :)
ReplyDeleteLife is far from perfect but with God, all things are possible.
DeleteThis is great! I’ve been in spiritual warfare lately over my marriage. I agree that a lot of Christians don’t use all the resources available to them, I’ve been guilty of that myself. But I am locked, loaded, and ready for the New Year. This was a great read!
ReplyDeleteAmen!!
DeleteI’m not married, but I think communication is key in any relationship. Listening is also very important.
ReplyDeleteYou are very right abput that. Two ears and one mouth right, lol?!
DeleteI just love the topic so much. This shows how marriage formed us in every family living. If God is the center of the relatioship it will grow and prosper.
ReplyDeleteFacts! It is so important to keep God central.
DeleteThis is so true! You need to step back and appreciate everything, because the chaos can sometimes be too much! Wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThis is such a powerful post! Everyone needs this reminder every now and again.
ReplyDeleteThanks! God bless you.
Delete