Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
--Ephesians 6:11-12 (NKJV)
From the daily Bible reading on July 5, 2013 of Psalm 119:17-24; Ephesians 6:10-24; 1 Chronicles 4:24-6:14.
Paul often used athletic or sporting analogies, such as running a race, to emphasize his points, but here he takes a more militaristic stance. Considering his circumstance, this is not too surprising. Paul was under arrest during his first imprisonment in Rome when he wrote this letter to the church in Ephesus. He was chained to a Roman soldier at all times. While often visited by brethren and believers, his most constant companions, those around him the most, were Roman soldiers. They wore their uniforms and probably talked among themselves about battles and their implements of war. It might be easy for us to think that Paul would consider Caesar and the Roman Empire and its cruel Roman Legion as the enemies of the early church and all believers, but Paul assures us this is not the case. He says quite clearly that we don't fight against mortal men of flesh and blood. No, our true enemy and ultimate foe is Satan and his vast army. Our adversary cannot be defeated with man's weapons, not with the armaments of the mighty Roman Legion nor even with the awesome instruments of war of today's modern military forces. We need supernatural arms to do battle against a supernatural foe. And we need lots of help.
Paul tells us that the only way we can stand against the devil is if we put on the whole armor of God. There is no other way we can withstand Satan's onslaught. Just look at the condition of the world, with so many non-believers fallen victim to the wiles of the devil and serving him. They have not donned the armor of God available to us all if we just take it up. So what is this armor?
First we put on truth, knowing who our real adversary is and that our only ally is the one true God. Then we grab up righteousness, striving to always live and act and speak in ways pleasing and right in the eyes of God, repenting when we sin. Then we steady and support ourselves with the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Gospel of the Prince of Peace, a sure anchor in a battle raging all about us. We use our faith in God and Jesus to shield us from the lies and manipulations of the evil one. And the knowledge of our salvation through the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus protects our minds from the thoughts Satan tries to plant in our heads. Paul finally hands us an offensive weapon, the word of God in our Holy Bible, with which we can defend our faith with the truth of its pages and the assurance of God's faithfulness to us. And then we get our communications device, prayer, that we can use to call up support any time we need it.
God has given us all we need to withstand Satan's attacks. It is up to each of us to take advantage of His grace. Our defense requires action on our part. Put on the whole armor of God, and do battle against our adversary. Amen.
Merciful God, You have shown us what we must face in the war for our souls. You have equipped us to withstand the forces arrayed against us, and the tool to strike out against those who oppose You. Help us, Lord, to find the strength and courage to pick up and put on the armor You provide, to take up the sharp sword of Your Word and engage our true adversary. In the glorious name of Jesus our Commander and our Savior we pray. Amen.
Paul tells us that the only way we can stand against the devil is if we put on the whole armor of God. There is no other way we can withstand Satan's onslaught. Just look at the condition of the world, with so many non-believers fallen victim to the wiles of the devil and serving him. They have not donned the armor of God available to us all if we just take it up. So what is this armor?
First we put on truth, knowing who our real adversary is and that our only ally is the one true God. Then we grab up righteousness, striving to always live and act and speak in ways pleasing and right in the eyes of God, repenting when we sin. Then we steady and support ourselves with the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Gospel of the Prince of Peace, a sure anchor in a battle raging all about us. We use our faith in God and Jesus to shield us from the lies and manipulations of the evil one. And the knowledge of our salvation through the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus protects our minds from the thoughts Satan tries to plant in our heads. Paul finally hands us an offensive weapon, the word of God in our Holy Bible, with which we can defend our faith with the truth of its pages and the assurance of God's faithfulness to us. And then we get our communications device, prayer, that we can use to call up support any time we need it.
God has given us all we need to withstand Satan's attacks. It is up to each of us to take advantage of His grace. Our defense requires action on our part. Put on the whole armor of God, and do battle against our adversary. Amen.
Merciful God, You have shown us what we must face in the war for our souls. You have equipped us to withstand the forces arrayed against us, and the tool to strike out against those who oppose You. Help us, Lord, to find the strength and courage to pick up and put on the armor You provide, to take up the sharp sword of Your Word and engage our true adversary. In the glorious name of Jesus our Commander and our Savior we pray. Amen.
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