Midweek felicitations to you, my friend! May our Good God bless you and watch over you today!Read Ephesians 6:10 – 18.
In this famous passage, the apostle Paul teaches each of us some of the fundamentals of standing in the face of spiritual opposition, specifically against “the wiles of the devil”. And while literally volumes have been written about the whole armor of God that is detailed in our reading today, we need to carefully consider the exhortations that bracket and compliment God’s armor. So, as you read this morning, reflect on this:
Paul opens the passage by instructing each of us to (vv 10) “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”. Literally, Paul wrote “strengthen yourselves in the Lord”. Notice that he made this statement BEFORE we “armor up”. Why? Because Paul viewed this instruction as part of a Believer’s “basic training”. Our preparation for battle begins by (among other things) learning everything we can about Our Lord Jesus; establishing an intimate relationship with Him; regularly exercising our faith; recognizing the works of Jesus in our own lives and the lives of others around us; and walking in complete assurance of His might and His victory.
Next, the Spirit (through Paul), clearly defines the enemy, beginning by telling us who the enemy IS NOT (vv 12) : “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood” – always remember, my fellow soldier, that the enemy is not the person! Indeed, our Good God’s desire is that every person – all flesh – be reconciled to Him! And He has already paid an immeasurable price for every person! But there is opposition, there is an enemy – we war “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”.
And just before equipping us with the whole armor of God, Paul gives us our orders when we engage the enemy on that evil day (vv 13): “withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
My brother, here is a quote from Pastor Shane Idleman that I hope will encourage you to stand in this evil day:“Wear criticism as a badge of honor instead of fearing it. Calling Christians hypocrites, racists, and haters is really just a defense mechanism for those who don’t want to see the truth. It’s often Christians who serve as our moral compass to get us back on track. For example, when I talk about ungodly entertainment, I’m labeled a fundamentalist. When I talk about purity and abstinence, I’m labeled legalistic. When I talk about defending babies, I’m labeled as being against women. When I talk about marriage being between a man and a woman, I’m labeled a homophobe. When I support the current president, I’m labeled a hypocrite. And on and on it goes. Anytime you stand for truth, you will be labeled. Granted, the truth must come from a loving, gentle heart. The truth will offend, but our attitude should not.”
Finally, Paul wraps up our spiritual “basic training” with this very important instruction (vv 18): “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—”.
Let us never grow weary in praying for each other and all the saints!
Finally, today and always, my brother, “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”! Amen!
