9. What spiritual armor do we need in order to combat materialistic inclinations, and how can this armor protect us?

⁹ In our fight to keep wicked spirits from cultivating in us materialistic inclinations, we need armor, spiritual armor. We need to have on “the breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS,” which means we must do what is right in God’s sight. (Ephesians 6:13, 14) And the right thing for us to do now is ‘to disown ourselves and follow Christ’s example,’ because as Jesus went on to say: “What benefit will it be to a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:24-27; compare Matthew 6:33.) Another very important piece of armor is “the large shield of FAITH.” (Ephesians 6:16) We must genuinely believe in God’s coming new system and not be looking to this old system to satisfy our desires. Never forget that soon it will end, along with all its riches.​—1 John 2:17; Ezekiel 7:19.

10. What piece of armor is especially important in combating materialistic inclinations, and why?

¹⁰ But to fight against subtle forms of materialism, we especially need the next-mentioned piece of armor, namely, “the helmet of SALVATION.” Another apostolic letter says we must have on “as a helmet the HOPE OF SALVATION.” (Ephesians 6:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:8) Having the “hope of salvation” means looking forward to the payment of the reward by God and not looking for the reward of a life of ease in this system of things.

11. How did Moses show that he had on “as a helmet the hope of salvation”?

¹¹ Moses had on this helmet, “the hope of salvation.” Even though he was raised as the son of the daughter of Pharaoh, he refused to choose “the temporary enjoyment of sin” in the royal household or to pursue “the treasures of Egypt.” Why? “For he looked intently toward the payment of the reward.” Moses meditated, or thought deeply, about the things that Jehovah had promised. It was not simply that Moses had heard or read about Jehovah. The Bible says that “he continued steadfast as seeing the One who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:24-27) Jehovah was real to Moses and so were His promises of everlasting life. If we are to resist Satan’s attacks successfully, our hope of living forever must be just as real to us.

Fight Against Sexual Immorality

12. What have wicked spirits created in order to mount a successful attack against many Christians?

¹² As noted in the previous article, one of the main ways wicked spirits inflict battle casualties is by getting Christians to engage in sexual immorality. They seek to corrupt our God-given sexual desire​—meant to be satisfied only within marriage. Practically everywhere today the wicked spirits have succeeded in creating an environment, as well as situations, wherein Christians are tempted into having sexual relations outside the marriage arrangement. What armor will help us fight this attack of wicked spirits?

13. How did Joseph show that he had on “the breastplate of righteousness”?

¹³ Having on “the breastplate of righteousness” is vital. We need to be determined at all times to do what Jehovah says is right. (1 Corinthians 6:18) Joseph had on this armor. When the sex-mad wife of Potiphar kept begging him day after day, “Lie down with me,” Joseph said: “How could I commit this great badness and actually sin against God?” (Genesis 39:7-12) As did Joseph, we also need to think of the consequences of engaging in the immoral conduct that our ‘treacherous heart’ may desire.​—Jeremiah 17:9.

14. What should we consider that will help us to avoid becoming involved in sexual immorality?

¹⁴ First, we should consider how God is affected if we break his law. Satan has taunted Jehovah, claiming that under test humans will not be faithful to Him. So Jehovah urges: “Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me.” (Proverbs 27:11) Think about it: Will you break God’s law and make Satan glad and God sad? (Psalm 78:38-41) If you really love Jehovah, how could you do such a thing? Consider, too, what is the wise thing to do. Only Jehovah can give you everlasting life. So is it not wise to do his will?​—1 John 5:3; Romans 6:23.

15. What viewpoint do those who become involved in sexual wrongdoing fail to have in mind?

¹⁵ Christians who succumb to Satan’s attack really lose their spiritual vision. Their lack of spiritual sight can be compared to the situation of Elisha’s attendant. Recall how Elisha prayed for him: “O Jehovah, open his eyes, please, that he may see.” And the attendant saw, “and, look! the mountainous region was full of horses and war chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:15-17) Do you see who is watching us? Jehovah is, and so are Christ and the angels. (Psalm 11:4; 34:7; Hebrews 1:14; Matthew 18:10) We are on a theatrical stage, as it were. (Compare 1 Corinthians 4:9.) Having this Scriptural viewpoint, how could a person, knowing that his very actions are being watched from above, engage in sexual wrongdoing?

16. What further matters, if considered, will help us to avoid engaging in sexual immorality?

¹⁶ Also, if you were to pursue an immoral course, consider the reflection it would have on the Christian congregation. Outsiders may conclude that Jehovah’s Witnesses are not any different from the world, and, as a result, these observers may fail to respond to the life-giving message. (2 Peter 2:2) Think, too, of the grief such an immoral course could cause your family members. (Proverbs 10:1) And, if you are married, ask yourself: “How could I do such a cruel thing to my mate? What kind of person am I?” When we take everything into consideration, is not engaging in sexual immorality a completely selfish, short-sighted, foolish thing?

17, 18. (a) What lifelong battle did the apostle Paul have, and how was he able to win? (b) For us to be fully armed, what is vital, and how must we follow it up?

¹⁷ True, it is not always easy to avoid wrongdoing. The apostle Paul himself had a lifelong battle against the wrong desires to which he had once been a slave. He wrote: “I [beat] my body and lead it as a slave, that, after I have preached to others, I myself should not become disapproved somehow.” (1 Corinthians 9:27; Titus 3:3) Paul ‘got tough’ with himself. He would force himself to do what was right, even when his body desired to do wrong. You must do the same if you are to wage a successful fight.

¹⁸ In order to be fully armed you also need regularly to pray to God for help. (Ephesians 6:18) Yet you cannot pray for help and then read immoral literature, go to immoral movies or daydream about or flirt with one of the opposite sex. You must work for what you request in prayer!

21. (a) How only can we win in our fight? (b) What must we never forget, and so what kind of life do we now need to lead?

²¹ When we consider the mighty spirit forces who are fighting against us, we must acknowledge that on our own we could not possibly win. Yet with God’s backing, and with the help and support of his organization​—our worldwide association of brothers—​we cannot lose. (Psalm 118:6-12; 1 Peter 5:9) However, we must never forget that we are in a spiritual war, and that wartime is no time to be relaxing, enjoying only leisure and the pleasures of life. Rather, it is the time for vigorous training, alertness and self-sacrifice. The enemy has been able to get some from among us to relax their guard, and these have become battle casualties. May this never happen to us! It will not if we keep on “the complete suit of armor from God” and “stand firm against the [crafty acts] of the Devil.”​—Ephesians 6:11, 12.