In Ephesians 6, we have a listing of the weapons that are available for believers to wage their battles. None of the weapons reflect anything physical. In this time and age, it is not uncommon to see overzealous people carry guns and cutlasses in their claim to fight spiritual battles. Nothing reeks of ignorance better than this. The weapons available to the children of God include the word of God, the name of the Lord, and the Blood of Jesus. Realizing the potency of these forces is the starting point of victory. It is worth stressing that having these weapons will not automatically translate into victory. Obedience is the helm that holds everything together. Apostle Paul made it clear to the Corinthians that though our weapons are mighty through God for pulling down all strongholds; they are only effective when our obedience to the Lord is complete.

…victory or failure is not determined by the size of battle we face. Small battle without God on our side is doom; big battle with the Captain of the Hosts is a walk-over.

Our text is a good illustration of how important obedience is in spiritual battles. Joshua’s first campaign was a huge success. Following the instructions of God, the massive wall that shielded Jericho came crashing down, and they defeated the country. But when they faced a small, little known city called Ai, they suffered a defeat. The reason was because they had disobeyed God; Achan took of the stuff that God had forbidden them from touching. We understand from here that victory or failure is not determined by the size of battle we face. Small battle without God on our side is doom; big battle with the Captain of the Hosts is a walk-over.