Jun 10 • General discussion
Weapons of the Enemy
The Bible frequently uses the imagery of arrows, darts, missiles, snares, and weapons to describe the attacks of Satan, evil spirits, wicked people, and spiritual opposition. These attacks can be directed against the mind, emotions, faith, body, relationships, reputation, and spiritual walk.
The "Fiery Darts" of the Wicked One
The clearest reference is found in Paul's description of spiritual warfare:
"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." (Ephesians 6:16, KJV)
What are fiery darts?
In ancient warfare, arrows were often dipped in pitch, set on fire, and shot into enemy camps to spread destruction and panic.
Spiritually, fiery darts may include:
- Thoughts of fear
- Doubt and unbelief
- Condemnation
- Temptation
- Discouragement
- Accusations
- Anxiety
- Offense and bitterness
- False doctrine
- Despair and hopelessness
Notice that Paul does not say believers will never be shot at. He says faith extinguishes the darts.
The attack may come, but it does not have to penetrate.
Arrows by Day and Terror by Night
Psalm 91 speaks extensively about spiritual protection:
"Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day." (Psalm 91:5)
The "arrow" here represents attacks that are launched against a person.
Some scholars see this as:
- Open attacks (arrow by day)
- Hidden attacks (terror by night)
The believer is promised divine protection even when under assault.
The Enemy as an Archer
Throughout Scripture, arrows are often symbolic of enemies seeking to wound God's people.
"The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy." (Psalm 37:14)
"They bend their tongues like their bow for lies." (Jeremiah 9:3)
Sometimes the arrows are:
- Lies
- Slander
- Accusations
- False reports
- Words intended to wound
Not every arrow is demonic in origin; some come through people whom the enemy influences.
Satan's Primary Weapon: Accusation
The devil is called:
"the accuser of our brethren" (Revelation 12:10)
One of his most effective darts is accusation.
Examples:
- "God doesn't love you."
- "You've failed too many times."
- "Your prayers aren't working."
- "You'll never fulfill your calling."
- "Nothing is changing."
These thoughts often arrive suddenly and repeatedly, like arrows.
Satan Shoots at Faith
When Jesus warned Peter, He said:
"Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat." (Luke 22:31)
Notice Jesus did not say Satan wanted Peter's ministry, money, or position.
He said:
"But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not." (Luke 22:32)
The enemy often targets faith because faith connects us to God.
This aligns perfectly with Ephesians 6:16: the shield of faith is the defense against fiery darts.
Arrows of Fear
Fear is one of Satan's favorite weapons.
Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly tells His people:
- Fear not.
- Be not afraid.
- Be strong and courageous.
Fear attempts to persuade us that God is absent, powerless, or unwilling to help.
Faith declares the opposite.
Arrows of Discouragement
Consider Elijah after his victory on Mount Carmel.
One threat from Jezebel caused him to:
- Run
- Isolate himself
- Desire death
- Lose perspective
The enemy often attacks after major victories.
Discouragement can be a fiery dart intended to make us abandon our assignment.
Arrows of Temptation
Jesus Himself experienced direct attacks from Satan in the wilderness.
The enemy shot darts of:
- Appetite
- Pride
- Presumption
- Compromise
Jesus responded with:
"It is written..."
The Word of God became both shield and sword.
God's Protection Against Arrows
1. The Shield of Faith
Faith extinguishes fiery darts before they can spread.
2. The Armor of God
Ephesians 6 teaches believers to wear:
- Belt of truth
- Breastplate of righteousness
- Gospel shoes
- Shield of faith
- Helmet of salvation
- Sword of the Spirit
3. Prayer
Immediately after describing the armor, Paul says:
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit." (Ephesians 6:18)
Prayer keeps the armor engaged.
4. God's Presence
Psalm 91 repeatedly emphasizes dwelling in God's presence as a place of safety.
A Powerful Observation
The Bible never says the devil's darts cannot be fired.
It says they can be quenched.
This means:
- Attacks may come.
- Thoughts may come.
- Temptations may come.
- Accusations may come.
But they do not have to take root.
A fiery dart only becomes destructive when it is received, believed, and nurtured.
Faith extinguishes what the enemy ignites.
A Teaching Point for Your Audience
There is a difference between being attacked and being defeated.
Even Jesus was tempted.Even Peter was sifted.Even Paul faced opposition.Even David was hunted.
The presence of arrows does not mean the absence of God.
In fact, Psalm 91 suggests that God's protection is often demonstrated while arrows are flying, not merely when there are no arrows.
The question is not, "Am I under attack?"
The question is, "Am I holding up the shield of faith?"
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Weapons of the Enemy
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