"For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against the mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms." Eph. 6:11
Do you believe in Satan? It's a valid question. According to a 2009 Barna poll, 40 percent of self-proclaimed Christians believe that Satan just represents evil, but that he is not a real being. And therein lies his success. John 8:44 says, "He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." He is trying to get us to believe things about himself, ourselves, and our Savior that are not true. Satan and his demons try daily to use any device they can to turn us away from Christ and back to sin.
"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 firm" (vs. 13). Apparently, Satan knows that we (Christ followers) are stronger when we're together, and so I notice how "stand your ground" paints a picture in my mind that there is not going to be some massive invasion of all the evil beings coming to attack all of us at once, but rather, Satan tends to work on us individually -- especially in our minds where no one else can hear our thoughts, little lies that chip away at us. This battle will often be an individual's choice to stand firm on a daily basis.
How do we win this battle? Look at verse 10, "Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." Our human efforts will be inadequate, but our Lord's power is invincible. The next verse says we should "put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." He will supply what we need, and normal military gear is not going to cut it, people! We need His supernatural armor to fight a supernatural battle, and we need each piece!
"Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of TRUTH, and having put on the breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the GOSPEL OF PEACE. In all circumstances take up the shield of FAITH, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the WORD OF GOD..." (vs.14-16).
Take some time to think about each of those five things. What do they mean to you, and how would each of those pieces be considered armor against Satan?
And that's not all. "And pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere" (vs. 18). Don't stop praying! Ask the Holy Spirit to help you distinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one and how you should respond. And pray for other Christians who are also in this same battle as you all over the world. We are a mighty army!
The great news? We already know who wins in the end. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 16, "Upon this rock (Peter) I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it (the body of believers)." But the battle for each individual's allegiance is going strong. Jesus will be victorious. Just keep your eyes on Him.
When Brad and I first met, we were helping with a youth group. Brad spoke about the armor of God one night. We made everyone stand up and put on the our imaginary Armor. Each piece individually and intentionally. It was corny, but so powerful at the same time. I remember that time and how sometimes when I believe I am going into a battle for the day I put on my armor in my head.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder!