Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 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, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV)
In my observations of many Christians I have come to understand that many are just spectators of Christianity and not really in the game. When they need prayer - they ask someone else to pray for them. When they are entering into spiritual warfare - they run and don't participate. To them, Christianity is something you watch from the sides but not something that they particpate in themselves.
Christians today need to realize that, like it or not, they are in the game of life. A battle is being fought and you are on the front lines. If you are not up and ready for battle then you are in danger of being overcome. We need to put our faith into action and get involved in the spiritual battle that is taking place around us.
Ephesias 6 tells us about the battle that we are all in - it's not a physical battle but a spiritual battle and Satan is our adversary.
Ephesians 6:11 - "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."
Ephesians 6:12 - "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. "
With Satan as our adversary we need to remember that it was he who was the opponent of Jesus Himself - Luke 4. Satan is real and we need to be prepared to fight him.
Here's the good news: God gave you the weapons to defend yourself and oppose Satan and his wiles. Now it's up to you whether you are going to stay on the bench and observe or your are going to get up and get "into the game of life." The only way to battle Satan and win is with The Full Armor of God. Leaving off any part leaves us with a hole in our defenses.
THE CHRISTIANS ARMOR
1- The Belt Of Truth
The warrior used the belt to keep the uniform and armor together and in the right place. Truth and honesty when dealing with oneself and with God helps keep the whole package together. Any weakness must not be denied or covered up, but dealt with openly and truthfully.
2- The Breastplate of Righteousness. vs. 14
The breastplate was used to protect the warriors vital organs from being pierce with an arrow or other object. Righteousness is doing right in the sight of God or doing God’s will.
“Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.”1 John 3:7
3- Feet Fitted with Readiness vs. 15
The warrior wore shoes or sandals that ensured a proper footing and protection since he must be able to stand sure footed while engaging in battle. An unsure footing would cause him to fall easily. Our sure footing comes from the gospel of peace.
4 - The Shield of Faith vs. 16
The shield was used to defend against arrows and other thrown objects. The shield of faith is more than a simple belief in Jesus, it is active.
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17
5- The Helmet of Salvation vs. 17
The helmet of the warrior protected his head so that he could hold his head up and face the enemy in order to see which direction he was coming from. Putting on the helmet of salvation means that the Christian can hold his head high with confidence and face Satan without fear.
6- The Sword of the Spirit vs. 17
The sword was the soldiers only offensive weapon. The spirit gave us the sword (the word. It is both the wisdom and the power of God. To any assault by the devil it is the only, yet all sufficient weapon.
7- Pray in the Spirit vs. 18
No amount of armor or weapons can make a man into a good soldier, it takes courage and strength. We have no strength ourselves, the Christian can only succeed in his battle with Satan with help from God.
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Phil. 4:13
It takes the FULL ARMOR OF GOD to battle with Satan. We must be active in this battle and pursue the way God has provided to defend ourselves. Don't be caugth unaware or unprepared. And, by all means - get into the game!
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