Every soldier that goes to war must learn how to use his weapons. They will be of no use to him if he hasn't been taught. Let us learn from our "Captain" how to use these weapons for He will teach our hands to war and our fingers to fight (Psa. 144:1). We must always keep in mind though, that the weapons of our warfare are not "carnal," not the weapons that the world uses to fight with. We must use the weapons that God has given to us, and then they shall "be mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds" (II Cor.10:4). 

First let me tell you about a few of the weapons that soldiers carried and fought with many years ago. Then you may better understand the spiritual application of the word of God. 

Soldiers had a sword that they carried in a sheath; it rested on the thigh and was held in place by a girdle. It was lighter and shorter than our modern sword, and some were two edged. This weapon was only worn in time of war. 

Then there was the spear that a soldier, or a king, always kept close by. Saul kept it at his head while sleeping, in his hand when gathering soldiers, and leaned on it when dying (I Sam. 26:7, 22:6, 2 Sam. 1:6). 

Then there was the javelin, a lighter, easier to hold and maneuverable weapon that was carried on the back between the shoulders, and could be thrown long distances in a moment. The word ejaculation is derived from jaculum, "javelin." 

The sword is the word of God and, the spear and javelin are our prayers, shot out mightily, when prayed in the Spirit and by the help of the Spirit. These are our offensive weapons (Eph. 6:17-18). 

The Lord began His ministry with prayer, and as soon as He was baptized, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, and His Father said, "Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased" (Lk 3:21-22). Immediately He is led into the wilderness where for forty days He fasted and prayed, and was tempted by the devil. He answered the devil with the word of God, using His sword with great skill, and wounding the devil so severely that he had to leave Him for a time (Matt. 4:3-11). 

We see Him rising early in the morning to pray, to prepare His heart for service (Mk. 1:35). He seeks His Father to maintain the fellowship that was His from all eternity. He could do nothing from His own independent will, but only from His Father as they are One (Jn. 5:19,30, 8:28). He has His spear always at His head, or in His hand, ready to use it on all occasions. 

He prays, and throws His javelin for the life of others so that they may come alive, or stay alive (Lk. 22:31-32, 23:34, Jn. 11:41-44). 

When He is nearing His time to die, and is dying, He leans on His spear, takes out His sword, and throws His javelin for His loved ones, to kill their enemies and His. Then with a loud voice He cries out, "It is finished" (Lk. 23:46, Jn. 17, 19:30). He mounts up with wings as eagles, not defeated, but victorious. He has unsheathed His sword and killed His last enemy -- and ours -- DEATH. "Death is swallowed up in victory" (I Cor. 15:55-57). 

May we, as our Lord, take up our weapons daily, and cast out all human reasoning that contradicts the word of God, and the promises of God, and know that no weapon that is formed against us shall prosper (II Cor. 10:5, Isa. 54:17).