(NIV) Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. [12] 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. [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. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, [15] and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. [16] In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [18] And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Settling for nothing less than fully equipped.
A new awareness and appreciation for the need of preparedness came into full view in America on September 11, 2001. As we all remember that fateful day when several airliners were hijacked and flown into American targets on American soil, resulting in thousands of deaths, and billions of dollars of loss. We fell victim to the scheming of evil men, whose plans were not revealed to us until it was too late in the suffering of the consequences. The attack prompted a whole new level of preparedness. Evidence is seen throughout our society. One only has to go to the airport, and be body scanned, patted down, interviewed, baggage checked, asked to move away from the front of the airport while waiting on a passenger, and the list goes on. Now preparedness matters because the consequences of not being prepared became very visible with consequences that were terrible. As Americans, the enemy was scheming to bring us down in ways we never suspected.
Ephesians 6:11 encourages us to completely equipped as well. The battle we face is against Satan’s scheme to destroy and kill, and bring down everything that points to God’s simple message of salvation and restoration to man. Simply put, Satan wants your hope and faith to be killed. He wants no one to truly know the power of an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. And that battle is very real. One just has to look around to see the ravages of spiritual warfare in our country, neighborhoods, and families. Divorce rates, drug problems, sexual addictions, alcoholism, fear, insecurity, are but a few of the pictures we see of the war on our souls. There is, however a defense against these battles that is offered for everyone. It is a remedy that starts with the heart of man looking to his Creator for the help he needs. God offers his armor for everyone. With that armor we can stand and have victory in our lives. That is great news.
1. Knowing the enemy is paramount in a battle for the well being of our spiritual health and relationship to God. Paul states it so clearly that we do not battle against the people we meet, but rather our battle is against the powers of evil that exist in the spiritual realm. People are the object of God's redemptive work, and with all people God desires reconciliation to himself. That is why he sent Christ to die on the cross. John 3:16 - For God so Loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whoseoever believes on him, will not perish, but have everlasting life" In our daily lives, recognizing the enemy can keep us out of trouble.
2. The first article of armor that we are offered is the belt of truth. Real victories are only possible on a foundation of truth. Truth is freedom. John 8:32 says “ You will know the truth and the truth will set you free” In any matter, the seeking out of the truth is the first step to liberty. This is true in all aspects of life.
In John 14:6 Jesus made a claim that said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”
That was a bold claim of authority and knowledge. Jesus had died and risen from the grave, and was making a promise to the disciples, that he was going to prepare a place for him. They had seen him have power over the cross, and had risen from the dead. Our belt of truth to protect us from blows by the enemy is the fact that Jesus Christ is in both deed and word, the center point of spiritual truth. He made exclusive claim to that fact.
I hope that as you think about the battles you face this week, you gain courage from the fact that you are not alone in them. The armor of God, which is central around Jesus Christ our Lord, is able to protect you. Next week, we are going to examine the other articles of armor offered by God for our spiritual protection and well being.
May the God of Truth bless your week in every way.
His Servant,
Jeff
No comments:
Post a Comment