“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” — Ephesians 6:11
There have been many wars and battles fought throughout the course of history. There have been wars for the freedom of nations, wars to defeat evil regimes, wars over political disagreements. Physical warfare seems to be a never-ending cycle in human history, and most likely will continue. It’s hard to miss, as many nations are changed through war, and lives are often heavily affected or sometimes lost. When you are in a state of warfare, you will be sure to know it.
This is the same in the spiritual realm. Though we cannot see it, we are constantly at war with the forces of evil that are of this world. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Paul tells us there is a very real and serious war going on against Satan and his demons. Satan wants only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
The good news is that we are fighting on the winning side of the war. The book has already been written, and the end is finished. Jesus has overcome death and defeated the devil. The war is already won, but the battle still wages on. Satan will still try to claim any victory he can get. Thankfully, God gives us a battle strategy we can follow.
Paul continues on in Ephesians 6:13: “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” He then gives us armor we can wear to help us in battle: the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:14-17).
This armor is how we can guard against the daily spiritual warfare we face in our walk. Satan will try to combat us, but he is no match for the power of God. Embrace the armor of God that Paul lays out in Ephesians 6, and fight each day!
— Nik Pry
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