God wants us aware that we are in a daily battle,
a battle against the flesh and for the souls of men.
This may bring an array of thoughts/feelings — invigoration as you picture yourself as a strong soldier fighting back the enemy, trembling when you realize your inability, or just plain reality when you remember that the battle you actually fight is not particularly glorious but may involve the common cold and lack of sleep.
God has not only called us to the battle, He has equipped us with the perfect tools in the perfect places for our protection and offense. Let’s dig in and examine some of the tools He has perfectly designed for the areas of our being.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor 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: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Ephesians 6:10-18
vs. 11 – Actually, let’s first remember why we need these pieces.
wiles=method; trickery; travesty; lying in wait; sly, insidious artifice
Satan has been in his current job for thousands of years—he is the master of delusion, causing our own flesh to turn against our spirit if we let down our God-given defenses.
vs. 15 – We go with the Gospel. God alludes to this by using our feet in conjunction with taking the Gospel.
(Is. 52:7; Rom. 10:15) So everywhere and always we are prepared to share the Gospel.
vs. 16 – Faith, always faith—it’s part of our protection! Faith is our protection from the assault of the devil.
vs. 17 – Somehow, the hope of our salvation guards our thoughts!
So when our thoughts start to be overcharged with the cares of this life, if we renew our mind to be single of focus on the hope of our salvation—ultimately, our Savior—our thoughts once again become stayed on Him, and perfect peace is possible.
vs. 14 – If the bowels are the seat of our emotion, Truth protects our emotions.
This makes so much sense! Our emotions so often lack the Truth; when our feelings start to run away, the way we control them is through the Truth of the Word of God. Also, righteousness protects our heart. I think of it this way: the devil is tempting us to ignore the righteousness we are capable of in Christ and instead choose to sin. At that moment, if we remember the righteousness available to us, if we choose to act in the power God has given to please Him, the singleness of our hearts is preserved.
Think of these when you are assaulted in specific areas by the tricks of Satan:
emotions—>use Truth
thoughts—>hope of salvation
heart (motivations)—>put on Christ’s righteousness
One more, vs. 17 – The sword of the Spirit.
So this is interesting because sometimes we wonder just how to appropriate the power of God, of the Holy Spirit, in our practical daily living: use the Word of God! It is how we make use of His power. The Spirit’s power to us is in the Word of God. Take note, while the Word is powerful for reaching the lost, in this case it is particularly described as a weapon to fight the onslaught of the enemy.
Finally, the beginning and ending (vs. 10, 18)—be strong in the Lord and pray always.
If you realize you are being defeated by the devil in an area, take note of which part of your armor you have allowed to slip down and reinforce it! God has planned us to live in victory and equips us with the tools to be triumphant against our flesh and the devil.
Laura started attending Lehigh Valley Baptist Church as a child when her family moved to the area. For years, her primary passion was in nursing and furthering her education. In the midst of pursuing a medical degree, God changed her plans and she married Jonathan Snow (read their story here). Now, she has discovered a special fulfillment from being a wife and a mother! Truly, God’s ways are always for our good and for His glory.
Comments 1
I feel like I have to remind myself of these things all the day long…thanks for writing!