Ephesians 6:17-18
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand that you don’t win a war with defensive equipment. The armor is very important to keep the enemy from killing you, but if you are going to win the battle you have to take the fight to them. You have to be pro-active.
I remember when we were going to attack Saddam Hussein’s Army after they had invaded Kuwait, the TV news was trying to figure out how our troops were going to accomplish the task. The Iraqi army dug in and the famed Republic Guard was looking for the attack from a certain direction.
General H. Norman Schwarzkopf fooled everyone and did an end around and caught them off guard and got the edge on them. Every weapon available was used and it wasn’t long before the Allied troops won the victory. The war was not won with defensive armor.
In last week’s CHALLENGING CONCEPTS we looked at the armor that was designed to protect the soldier. Each one of the protective pieces had a significant task. The Christian soldier would not think of going into battle without all the armor.
2. Notice The OFFENSIVE Equipment
We read in Ephesians 6:17-18 “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”
It is very important that the soldier be ready to go on the offensive. God equips him to be victorious on offense, but the weapons must be used. They do no good whatsoever if they go unused.
The two offensive weapons mention here are two very simple things. We all know them. In fact, most of us have known them since we were children in Sunday school. They are known by all of us and they are simple, but they are neglected so much by believers who are in a battle daily. Let’s take a look at them:
A. Sword Of The Spirit – The sword Paul is referring to here was the short, straight sword that was carried by every Roman soldier. This sword was very, very effective when in hand to hand combat. It was very vital to the survival of the soldier. He had defensive equipment to help keep him safe, but to win the battle he had to depend upon the use of his sword.
You and I, as Christian soldiers have the Word of God to use against our adversary. And it will do the job. The writer of Hebrews penned in 4:12 “For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
We also read in Jeremiah 23:29 “Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces.”
It’s the Word of God that enables us to conquer the Devil in every battle we face. It’s very important for the believing soldier to be skilled in the use of this weapon. That’s why the Apostle Paul wrote in II Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
The primary Greek word for the Word of God is “logos.” This word is used whe the totality of the Word of God is meant. But, the word Paul uses here in our text is “rhema,” which refers to just the right sword for the battle at hand. For example, if you’re facing the temptation to overeat, remember and cling to Luke 4:4 “And Jesus answered him, saying It is written That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” If you are down in the dumps, remember and cling to II Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” It doesn’t matter what your need is, God’s Word is sufficient for the need.
B. Suplication to God - Prayer is the Christian soldier’s communion with command headquarters. The greatest offensive weapon the believer has is the ability to call on the God when he is in the thick of the battle. The fight against the flesh, the world and especially the Devil needs advice and guidance from God. If a soldier does not keep in touch with headquarters, then he’s on his own. Being on his own is doubly important for the believer in spiritual warfare.
F. B. Meyer, one of the great Bible teachers of the years gone by, said, "The great tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer but un-offered prayer." A Christian soldier is missing one of the greatest weapons available to him by not praying. The ultimate victory is in the hands of the Lord and the believer must take his requests for help to God Himself. We read in Jeremiah 33:3 "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."
We are exhorted in Hebrews 4:16 "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." God makes an invitation for us to come to him in this special way. Aren’t you glad that God included prayer in His design for our life? This is vitally important when it comes to spiritual warfare.
You and I should never be guilty of neglecting the awesome power of prayer! Prayer brings you into the presence of God and it allows the Lord to work through you in a remarkable way. Prayer unleashes the power of God in the life of the believer!
As believers, you and I are engaged in spiritual warfare with unseen wicked forces. For us to overcome the enemy in God’s power, we must remain resolute in our confidence in God and making a determination in our confidence in God and determine never to accept defeat.
God has provided both DEFENSIVE EQUIPMENT and OFFENSIVE EQUIPMENT. Let’s make sure we are utilizing both in our daily spiritual warfare.
That’s my view; how about you?
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
DEFENSIVE EQUIPMENT
Ephesians 6:13-17 ”Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”
During World War II there were many, many places affected by the war. One such place was London, England. If you lived there, you knew you were in a war. Every air raid siren announced the fact that you were in a war. When that siren sounded people all over the city made a mad dash for the shelter. You could walk down the street of that city and see destroyed homes and it would be a reminder that you were in a war and the enemy was real. You could try to deny it; act like it was happening, but no matter what you did to try to escape, you were in a war.
There are some today who try to go through life as if there is not a spiritual war going on, but they are badly fooled. In fact, as believers we face an enemy far greater than any human foe. We are at war with Satan and he is out to get the believer. He knows that he cannot get the soul of the believer but he is trying to make the believer ineffective for the Lord.
Last week’s CHALLENGING CONCEPTS looked at Satan and his tactics. This week we are going to take a look at the equipment God provides for the believer so that he/she can realize victory.
Someone has said that a soldier is no better than his equipment. As I have watched the news recently I believe that is true. The freedom fighters in Libya are a rag-tag group of men. I’m not sure they are going to succeed in overturning the oppressive regime that is in power.
Paul has given a description of our enemy and now he gives us the equipment that God gives us for this spiritual warfare. Let’s take a look at those vital gifts:
1. Notice The DEFENSIVE Equipment
It’s very important that a soldier has his entire body protected. To the Christian soldier wrote in Ephesians 4:27 “Neither give place to the devil.” What Paul is saying here is that believer is not to leave any area unprotected. Don’t give old smutty-face a foothold.
Let’s examine our defensive equipment:
A. Girdle Of Truth – The girdle was fastened around the waist and serveed many functions: held much of his other equipment; stabilized the body; protected the mid-section; placed to restrain garment for mobility.
For the Christian warrior, this refers to knowing the “truth” of God’s Word. We read in John 17:17 "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." Notice also Ephesians 1:13 "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation:. . ."Remember, Satan is a liar and deceiver. The protection against lies and deception is truth. Knowing the Bible will stabilize, protect and keep the believer from being tripped up in the battle of life. Walking in the truth will keep us in the fight.
B. Breastplate Of Righteousness – The breastplate was a metal or leather body armor that was worn to protect the vital organs, especially the heart.
When the believer is converted, he is declared righteous (II Cor 5:21), but he is commanded to live a consistent daily walk with the Lord. Peter put it this way in I Peter 1:16 “. . . Be ye holy; for I am holy.” This kind of life leaves the believer less prone to attacks from the devil. If the heart of the believer is guarded and protected, the arrows shot by Satan cannot wound. The wise man wrote in Proverbs 4:23 “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Oh, the importance of the defensive equipment given by God.
C. Shoes Of The Gospel – The shoes of the soldier were important because the terrain was very rough, especially because there were no modern roads. In the midst of the battle the soldier needed sure footing. To ensure this, the soldier had nails driven through the soles of his sandals. There was no worry about his feet slipping in the heat of the battle because he was well-grounded.
The Christian warrior must be grounded in the things of the Lord. He must be assured of his own salvation and grounded in the fundamentals of the faith. This was a constant theme of the Apostle Paul. He wrote in Colossians 1:23 “If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, . . .“ This kind of foundation and sure-footedness will give the believer peace in the midst of conflict. With his prepared sandals the believer is ready for the battle. My life’s verse is II Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”
D. Shield Of Faith – The shield Paul is talking about here is not the little round shield which you have seen in some pictures. Paul is referring to the large, rectangular shield behind which a soldier could be safe from the fiery darts of the opposition. The leather covered shield could be soaked with water to better quench the flaming arrows that was shot by the enemy.
Paul says that it is vital for the Christian soldier to make sure that this shield is part of his defensive equipment. This shield of faith is able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. In fact, this shield must be soaked in the water of the Word of God. Paul wrote in Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” The shield of faith will never let the believer down. Why? Because faith allows the believer to stand in the battle and receive the victory no matter the odds.
Notice the first two words of verse 16 “Above all.” This is the most important defensive equipment. Without faith we cannot serve God nor even please Him. Notice Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” The Christian soldier must always be sure that faith is at hand.
E. Helmet Of Salvation – Whether it’s football, auto racing or a construction worker, the helmet is very important to protecting the head. This is especially true of the soldier. The Roman soldier wore the helmet to make sure that his brain was protected. No matter how well the rest of his body was protected, a blow to the brain rendered the entire soldier ineffective.
If the Christian soldier is to be effective in spiritual warfare, he must also protect his thinking. Of course it starts with a right mindset about salvation. There are so many different ideas and religious thoughts. Paul warns in Colossians 2:8 “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” We also read in Ephesians 5:6 “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.”
Satan attacks the mind of the believer. In the Garden of Eden he got Eve to question what God had really said. His tactics are the same today. That’s why Paul encouraged the young preacher, Timothy, in II Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Only the growing, mature believer can stand against Satan’s all-out attack. That’s why Paul emphasized filling the mind with the Word of God because we read in II Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
God has given us everything we need to defend against the attacks of Satan in our lives. This is not an exhaustive study but may give you some thoughts that might help you in your spiritual warfare.
In next week’s CHALLENGING CONCEPTS I want to point out the OFFENSIVE EQUIPMENT we have at our disposal.
That’s my view; how about you?
During World War II there were many, many places affected by the war. One such place was London, England. If you lived there, you knew you were in a war. Every air raid siren announced the fact that you were in a war. When that siren sounded people all over the city made a mad dash for the shelter. You could walk down the street of that city and see destroyed homes and it would be a reminder that you were in a war and the enemy was real. You could try to deny it; act like it was happening, but no matter what you did to try to escape, you were in a war.
There are some today who try to go through life as if there is not a spiritual war going on, but they are badly fooled. In fact, as believers we face an enemy far greater than any human foe. We are at war with Satan and he is out to get the believer. He knows that he cannot get the soul of the believer but he is trying to make the believer ineffective for the Lord.
Last week’s CHALLENGING CONCEPTS looked at Satan and his tactics. This week we are going to take a look at the equipment God provides for the believer so that he/she can realize victory.
Someone has said that a soldier is no better than his equipment. As I have watched the news recently I believe that is true. The freedom fighters in Libya are a rag-tag group of men. I’m not sure they are going to succeed in overturning the oppressive regime that is in power.
Paul has given a description of our enemy and now he gives us the equipment that God gives us for this spiritual warfare. Let’s take a look at those vital gifts:
1. Notice The DEFENSIVE Equipment
It’s very important that a soldier has his entire body protected. To the Christian soldier wrote in Ephesians 4:27 “Neither give place to the devil.” What Paul is saying here is that believer is not to leave any area unprotected. Don’t give old smutty-face a foothold.
Let’s examine our defensive equipment:
A. Girdle Of Truth – The girdle was fastened around the waist and serveed many functions: held much of his other equipment; stabilized the body; protected the mid-section; placed to restrain garment for mobility.
For the Christian warrior, this refers to knowing the “truth” of God’s Word. We read in John 17:17 "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." Notice also Ephesians 1:13 "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation:. . ."Remember, Satan is a liar and deceiver. The protection against lies and deception is truth. Knowing the Bible will stabilize, protect and keep the believer from being tripped up in the battle of life. Walking in the truth will keep us in the fight.
B. Breastplate Of Righteousness – The breastplate was a metal or leather body armor that was worn to protect the vital organs, especially the heart.
When the believer is converted, he is declared righteous (II Cor 5:21), but he is commanded to live a consistent daily walk with the Lord. Peter put it this way in I Peter 1:16 “. . . Be ye holy; for I am holy.” This kind of life leaves the believer less prone to attacks from the devil. If the heart of the believer is guarded and protected, the arrows shot by Satan cannot wound. The wise man wrote in Proverbs 4:23 “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Oh, the importance of the defensive equipment given by God.
C. Shoes Of The Gospel – The shoes of the soldier were important because the terrain was very rough, especially because there were no modern roads. In the midst of the battle the soldier needed sure footing. To ensure this, the soldier had nails driven through the soles of his sandals. There was no worry about his feet slipping in the heat of the battle because he was well-grounded.
The Christian warrior must be grounded in the things of the Lord. He must be assured of his own salvation and grounded in the fundamentals of the faith. This was a constant theme of the Apostle Paul. He wrote in Colossians 1:23 “If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, . . .“ This kind of foundation and sure-footedness will give the believer peace in the midst of conflict. With his prepared sandals the believer is ready for the battle. My life’s verse is II Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”
D. Shield Of Faith – The shield Paul is talking about here is not the little round shield which you have seen in some pictures. Paul is referring to the large, rectangular shield behind which a soldier could be safe from the fiery darts of the opposition. The leather covered shield could be soaked with water to better quench the flaming arrows that was shot by the enemy.
Paul says that it is vital for the Christian soldier to make sure that this shield is part of his defensive equipment. This shield of faith is able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. In fact, this shield must be soaked in the water of the Word of God. Paul wrote in Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” The shield of faith will never let the believer down. Why? Because faith allows the believer to stand in the battle and receive the victory no matter the odds.
Notice the first two words of verse 16 “Above all.” This is the most important defensive equipment. Without faith we cannot serve God nor even please Him. Notice Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” The Christian soldier must always be sure that faith is at hand.
E. Helmet Of Salvation – Whether it’s football, auto racing or a construction worker, the helmet is very important to protecting the head. This is especially true of the soldier. The Roman soldier wore the helmet to make sure that his brain was protected. No matter how well the rest of his body was protected, a blow to the brain rendered the entire soldier ineffective.
If the Christian soldier is to be effective in spiritual warfare, he must also protect his thinking. Of course it starts with a right mindset about salvation. There are so many different ideas and religious thoughts. Paul warns in Colossians 2:8 “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” We also read in Ephesians 5:6 “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.”
Satan attacks the mind of the believer. In the Garden of Eden he got Eve to question what God had really said. His tactics are the same today. That’s why Paul encouraged the young preacher, Timothy, in II Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Only the growing, mature believer can stand against Satan’s all-out attack. That’s why Paul emphasized filling the mind with the Word of God because we read in II Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
God has given us everything we need to defend against the attacks of Satan in our lives. This is not an exhaustive study but may give you some thoughts that might help you in your spiritual warfare.
In next week’s CHALLENGING CONCEPTS I want to point out the OFFENSIVE EQUIPMENT we have at our disposal.
That’s my view; how about you?
Monday, April 11, 2011
THE UNSEEN BATTLE
Ephesians 6:10-12
Every day I watch news about the wars that are going on all over the world. The U.S. Forces seem to be getting thin because of the responsibility that has been put on them by our leaders. One thing I know for a fact, our service members will do the job that has to be done. There are no more committed people anywhere than our heroes who defend us every day around the world.
The military personnel who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan find themselves in harms way every day. Some of them have seen much action and have seen some of their troops lose their lives. I personally have held in my arms parents who have lost a son to the war in Afghanistan. They know what warfare is all about first hand. We must continue to pray that God will protect those who are serving to guarantee our freedom. God bless our military families.
You and I as believers are also faced with a daily warfare but our battle is with unseen forces. We read about this in Ephesians 6. Notice verses 10-12 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
When we watch the war on TV we know that it is real but it is distant to us. And because it is distant, it doesn’t always seem real. I’m afraid that is exactly how we think about the spiritual warfare that we face daily – it doesn’t seem real. But it is real. The warfare is real and our adversary is real. Satan is a real person and he is a mighty foe.
People sometimes scoff at you when you talk about the devil. The world sometimes think the devil is an old man in a red suit with horns on his head and a pitch fork in his hand. They picture him that way because that makes us look foolish for believing he’s a real person.
1. OUR ADVERSARY IS A DESTRUCTIVE FORCE – verses 11-12 “”
Notice verses 11-12 “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Reading this chapter makes you realize that the Apostle Paul considers each of us, as believers, having a warfare to maintain against numerous, powerful enemies. And of course the foes listed in verse 12 are under the control of none other than Satan Himself.
Paul tells the believer that he is to put on the whole armour of God. God has given us complete armour with which to stand against the devil. The armour listed here is that which the Greek solders would use. That soldier would not dare go into battle without his whole armour. Should we do less?
The armour provided by God is provided in and through Jesus Christ, and is furnished by His Word, Spirit and providences. I will deal with this more in point #2.
Let’s take a look at the description of our enemy:
A. He Is A Schemer – Notice the word “wiles.” This word has the idea of the methods or schemes of the devil. He has different means or plans and traps which he uses to deceive, entrap or enslave.
In 4:14 Paul uses the idea of “cunning craftiness.” His methodology is trickery that deceives and destroys. And that’s exactly what Satan wants to do and sadly enough, some believers are easily tricked. That’s why the whole armour of God is necessary in this warfare.
Satan’s method is not always the same because we have varying weaknesses. He knows where your weakness are and he also knows mine. His plan is tailored to cause each of us to fail and that’s why we must put on the armour of God.
B. He Is Strong – Notice the words “Principalities & Powers.” The warfare is not against men and women (flesh and blood). We sometimes get hung up in thinking our foe is the man down the street or the man in the workplace. It is true that Satan does use people. They walk the path of this world. Notice Ephesians 2:2 “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:” Just as the Spirit of Christ works in believers to make them like Christ, the spirit of disobedience works in unbelievers.
Satan may use men but remember, our fight is spiritual; it’s against principalities and powers. Satan is the prince of this world and he has influence that is strong to deal with. But I’m thankful that we don’t have to be a pessimist. There is good news, so let take a look at it.
2. OUR ADVERSARY IS DEFEATED – verse 10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
In reading chapter 4 we noticed the gifts (men) who were given to the local church with which to operate His ministry. Then in chapter 5 Paul pens instructions to the husband and wives. In chapter 6 he talks about the submission of the children and servants. He also gives the responsibilities of the parents and masters. If each of these individuals fulfill their responsibilities then there would be success and unity. But of course, Satan does not want success and harmony. He will fight to keep this from happening. That’s why Paul reminds us that we are in a battle. There’s a warfare going on, but there can be victory. But this victory has to be won God’s way. Satan is strong so we need strength. That strength is God’s strength.
How great is this power? Notice the question of Ephesians 1:19 “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe . . . ” O.K. so our power comes because we are saved, but what about Christ’s power. Notice Ephesians 1:20-22 “Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,”
I think that takes care of the problem, don’t you? That power is available through the indwelling Spirit of God. But how is it appropriated when you get ready to stand and fight? Notice what we read in James 4:7-8 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
Remember this: The devil does not flee from you and your power. He flees from the power of God that is within us. I John 4:4 state “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
Don’t try to fight the daily fight in your own strength. Use the available strength of God.
In next week’s CHALLENGING CONCEPTS we will take a close look at the armour that is available to the believer.
That’s my view; how about you?
Every day I watch news about the wars that are going on all over the world. The U.S. Forces seem to be getting thin because of the responsibility that has been put on them by our leaders. One thing I know for a fact, our service members will do the job that has to be done. There are no more committed people anywhere than our heroes who defend us every day around the world.
The military personnel who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan find themselves in harms way every day. Some of them have seen much action and have seen some of their troops lose their lives. I personally have held in my arms parents who have lost a son to the war in Afghanistan. They know what warfare is all about first hand. We must continue to pray that God will protect those who are serving to guarantee our freedom. God bless our military families.
You and I as believers are also faced with a daily warfare but our battle is with unseen forces. We read about this in Ephesians 6. Notice verses 10-12 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
When we watch the war on TV we know that it is real but it is distant to us. And because it is distant, it doesn’t always seem real. I’m afraid that is exactly how we think about the spiritual warfare that we face daily – it doesn’t seem real. But it is real. The warfare is real and our adversary is real. Satan is a real person and he is a mighty foe.
People sometimes scoff at you when you talk about the devil. The world sometimes think the devil is an old man in a red suit with horns on his head and a pitch fork in his hand. They picture him that way because that makes us look foolish for believing he’s a real person.
1. OUR ADVERSARY IS A DESTRUCTIVE FORCE – verses 11-12 “”
Notice verses 11-12 “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Reading this chapter makes you realize that the Apostle Paul considers each of us, as believers, having a warfare to maintain against numerous, powerful enemies. And of course the foes listed in verse 12 are under the control of none other than Satan Himself.
Paul tells the believer that he is to put on the whole armour of God. God has given us complete armour with which to stand against the devil. The armour listed here is that which the Greek solders would use. That soldier would not dare go into battle without his whole armour. Should we do less?
The armour provided by God is provided in and through Jesus Christ, and is furnished by His Word, Spirit and providences. I will deal with this more in point #2.
Let’s take a look at the description of our enemy:
A. He Is A Schemer – Notice the word “wiles.” This word has the idea of the methods or schemes of the devil. He has different means or plans and traps which he uses to deceive, entrap or enslave.
In 4:14 Paul uses the idea of “cunning craftiness.” His methodology is trickery that deceives and destroys. And that’s exactly what Satan wants to do and sadly enough, some believers are easily tricked. That’s why the whole armour of God is necessary in this warfare.
Satan’s method is not always the same because we have varying weaknesses. He knows where your weakness are and he also knows mine. His plan is tailored to cause each of us to fail and that’s why we must put on the armour of God.
B. He Is Strong – Notice the words “Principalities & Powers.” The warfare is not against men and women (flesh and blood). We sometimes get hung up in thinking our foe is the man down the street or the man in the workplace. It is true that Satan does use people. They walk the path of this world. Notice Ephesians 2:2 “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:” Just as the Spirit of Christ works in believers to make them like Christ, the spirit of disobedience works in unbelievers.
Satan may use men but remember, our fight is spiritual; it’s against principalities and powers. Satan is the prince of this world and he has influence that is strong to deal with. But I’m thankful that we don’t have to be a pessimist. There is good news, so let take a look at it.
2. OUR ADVERSARY IS DEFEATED – verse 10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
In reading chapter 4 we noticed the gifts (men) who were given to the local church with which to operate His ministry. Then in chapter 5 Paul pens instructions to the husband and wives. In chapter 6 he talks about the submission of the children and servants. He also gives the responsibilities of the parents and masters. If each of these individuals fulfill their responsibilities then there would be success and unity. But of course, Satan does not want success and harmony. He will fight to keep this from happening. That’s why Paul reminds us that we are in a battle. There’s a warfare going on, but there can be victory. But this victory has to be won God’s way. Satan is strong so we need strength. That strength is God’s strength.
How great is this power? Notice the question of Ephesians 1:19 “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe . . . ” O.K. so our power comes because we are saved, but what about Christ’s power. Notice Ephesians 1:20-22 “Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,”
I think that takes care of the problem, don’t you? That power is available through the indwelling Spirit of God. But how is it appropriated when you get ready to stand and fight? Notice what we read in James 4:7-8 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
Remember this: The devil does not flee from you and your power. He flees from the power of God that is within us. I John 4:4 state “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
Don’t try to fight the daily fight in your own strength. Use the available strength of God.
In next week’s CHALLENGING CONCEPTS we will take a close look at the armour that is available to the believer.
That’s my view; how about you?
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