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?