God’s Battle-Axe, becoming a weapon in God’s Hands
Good morning brethren, I would like to share a message titled, “God’s Battle-Axe, becoming a weapon in God’s Hands” (Jeremiah 51:20). In its original context, this chapter speaks of God’s judgment on Babylon. However, the spiritual principle applies to believers today God uses surrendered people as instruments to accomplish His will. Perhaps we should begin with a simple question: Are we willing to be used by God? We must understand that our warfare is spiritual. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10:3–4, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” He further explains in Ephesians 6:12 that our battle is not against flesh and blood. Our enemies are not people; our warfare is against sin, falsehood, spiritual darkness, injustice, and satanic forces. When David faced Goliath (1 Samuel 17), he boldly declared, “The battle is the Lord’s.” A believer becomes God’s weapon when he or she fights God’s battles in God’s way. A weapon has no agenda of its own, it does not choose its target or determine its timing; it simply yields to the hand that holds it. In Romans 6:13, Paul urges us to “present yourselves to God… and your members as instruments of righteousness.” The word “instruments” can also mean weapons. Consider Isaiah’s response when God asked, “Whom shall I send?” He answered, “Here am I! Send me.” That is the language of a weapon ready for the Master’s hand. It is the surrender that says, Not my will, but Yours. Not my agenda, but Yours. Not my glory, but Yours. Jesus modeled this surrender in Gethsemane (Luke 22:42). Holiness is essential to being God’s weapon. A dull weapon is ineffective; it cannot cut through spiritual darkness. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:20–21 that if anyone cleanses himself, “he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified and useful for the Master.” Holiness sharpens our spiritual edge, while sin dulls, compromises, and weakens us.
Consecration empowers effectiveness. God’s instruments must also exercise boldness through faith and courage. In Acts 2, after Pentecost, the once-fearful Apostle Peter stood boldly, and 3,000 souls were saved. Fear disarms even believers, but faith equips us. Just as no soldier goes into battle unarmed, a believer must carry spiritual weapons. Our primary weapon is Scripture. In Ephesians 6:17, Paul calls the Word of God “the sword of the Spirit.” During His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4), Jesus repeatedly declared, “It is written.” The Word of God breaks deception, exposes lies, destroys strongholds, and sets captives free. A believer who is empty of the Word will be ineffective in battle. We are also God’s weapons through love. Romans 12:21 instructs us, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” The greatest victory in history came through Christ’s sacrifice. Colossians 2:15 tells us that through the cross, He disarmed principalities and powers. When a believer forgives instead of retaliating, blesses instead of cursing, or serves instead of dominating, that believer becomes an instrument that dismantles hatred and builds the kingdom of God.
In conclusion, a battle-axe left in a corner may grow dusty and rusty, but a battle-axe in the Master’s hand can change history. Your availability matters. If you surrender, God will sharpen you. If you obey, God will use you. If you trust Him, He will fight through you. My prayer is that you and I will be found ready, consecrated, courageous, and faithful—God’s battle-axe and weapons of war for His glory. Service begins at 10:30am and special worker’s training begins at 10:10am. God’s blessings - Mike