My relatives and friends have served in our country’s military, and I am grateful for their service. America has been involved in a number of wars throughout our history. Soldiers have fought and died for the freedoms that we as Americans enjoy today. They went to battle to protect our country.
As believers, we are in a battle against the evil and spiritual forces of the world. Ephesians 6:12 NLT says,
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
We can’t see our enemy, yet the Bible warns us that he exists. Paul tells the church in Ephesus to suit up and to stand against this unseen enemy.
By God’s strength
Because this is a spiritual battle, we can’t fight it ourselves. We need God’s power and strength. In verse 10, Paul says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”
We can do nothing in our own strength. We are helpless. In Philippians, Paul tells us where his strength comes from when being content in his circumstances (Philippians 4:10 – 14). When it comes to fighting the devil, all power comes from God.
God’s Armor
When you read Ephesians 6:12-13 it tell believers to put on God’s armor. It says “put on” and “take up” the whole armor of God.
The armor we are to use belongs to God. His armor will protect us from the devil and his schemes. This should remind us that we are helpless without God. Only God can give us the protection we need as He helps us withstand the devil’s attacks. Also, notice that we are to put on and take up the armor of God. These are actions we are to take to be ready for battle. God provides the protection. Our protection is through the Lord Jesus Christ.
You could say that the armor of God is a picture of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is our truth (John 14:6), righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21), peace (Eph. 2:14), our salvation (Luke 2:30) the Word of God (John 1:1, 14). (Wiersbe, 2007)
When we are given the faith to believe in Christ and accept it, we are taking hold of and putting on Christ (Rom. 13:14).
Standing firm
Another thing to notice in this passage is that Paul notes four times that the believer is to stand. They are to stand firm and hold their ground. We can see it in verses 11, twice in 13 and 14. (You can see it in the ESV translation).
We are to stand our ground. We need help to do it. It is God’s power and strength that holds us up against the attacks of the devil. We have nothing to fear because we have the protection of God. The Holy Spirit indwells us as believers (1 Cor 6:19)
How are we to live right now
We live in a fallen world where the devil is using spiritual forces to try to derail the plans of God and the people of God.
I Peter 5:8-9 says,
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers worldwide is going through the same kind of suffering you are.” (NLT)
Over the next couple of weeks, we will be looking at the armor of God referenced in Ephesians 6. How are believers to fight the battle against the devil? I encourage you to go back and read Ephesians 6:10- 20. Keep reading as we dive into how we are to fight the battle against the devil.
References
The Wiersbe Bible Commentary by Warren W. Wiersbe (2007)
I’m excited to learn.