Scripture:
Ephesians 6:10-13 ESV
[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [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. [13] 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.
Observation:
I felt like this was an appropriate scripture this morning. It’s a good reminder that. The enemy is real. Most of us know that portion of the word. But let’s break it down. Paul wants his readers to be strong in the LORD. Resting on HIS mighty hand. Making sure that they ate prepared for battle. We can all probably name the peaces of armor… but I think the important part of this scripture is the reminder that the enemy is crafty and knows just how to attack. Verse 11 is a warning for the Ephesians and us, but for the sake of the observation, let just look at what’s being said. Thinking about the word schemes. Makes me think about a carefully thought-out plan. One that he believes will not fail. However, that’s why Paul is teaching them to stay guarded. Telling them at no point is it clear to let their guard down. I really love verse 12 because it exposes the enemy for who he is. It’s really about the art of war. Paul is preparing the Ephesians for a battle that GOD has already won. That does not mean they do not need to suite up. They do, however, need to be aware that the war is not against the flesh. It’s against spiritual wickedness and demonically influenced situations. Dark forces that want nothing more than to laugh at a situation that they created as it causes division and discontent. This war is important enough that Paul goes into great detail to explain that the enemy sits in a realm that can not be seen by the human eye. The realm of heaven. So, just to prove my point, let’s look at the book of Job. In the beginning of it, we see the LORD having a conversation with Satan as they are both in heaven. A spiritual war is being discussed. Have you considered my servant, Job? The enemy they faced sits in the high places with GOD. It’s important to remember that Paul makes sure the Ephesians are aware of it. Therefore, prepared for the battle. You can not fight a spiritual war with a carnal attack. Putting on the armor that GOD provides is the key. Paul strengthens them for the battle. Encouraging them to stand firm. I could explain each piece of the armor. But I really just want to go over the first 2, not that the rest are not important… because they are. Knowing the truth and acting out of the righteousness that christ died for is the key to standing firm.
Application:
I know you have heard me say this, but it always bears repeating. We are in a war with an enemy you can not physically see. It’s not the physical person you are looking at. It’s the influence behind them. That they are more than likely unaware of. I am convinced that all around us every day, there is a spiritual war that rages. Demonic influence, that wants you to react from emotions. I know it looks like your brother or sister who has offended you. But trust me, it’s not. The enemy is crafty. He knows and has been studying you for thousands of years. He knows just how to get you to react. Just what words to say and just how to make you feel less then. Being aware of this is the key. That’s why the belt of truth is the first peace of armor mentioned in the armor. If you know the truth about the war, you are in your brother or sister who is saying the offensive thing or doing the offensive actions is off the hook. We spoke yesterday about loving your enemy. The war that we face takes your enemy out of the line of fire and aims your attention on the real problem. The demonic influence behind them. So, all that being said. How do you fight a war you can’t see. At the end of the description of the armor is the answer. You don’t fight against flesh and blood. So you can’t use fleshly weapons in this war. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal. But they are mighty in pulling down strongholds. The art of war is knowing your enemy… what works and what doesn’t work against him. Here is the key. Pray in the spirit always. That’s how you stay ready for battle. The enemy does not want you to be a praying man or woman. He wants to distract you from that. Because he knows that the armor I’d useless if you don’t put it on and you put it on through prayer. Your anger will not defend you, and your emotions will mislead you. But the spirit of GOD will defend you… if you bring all your battles to HIM. You can not fight a spiritual war with your fleshly emotions. We fight on our knees. We armor up through prayer. I’m telling you to get up this morning and prepare for battle. The war is real a d the enemy is unseen. Know the truth, act out of righteousness, not from your flesh. Let that person walk away thinking they have affected you and pray for them. They are not the one you are fighting.
Prayer:
Father, help us to see the real war. Not the one we think we are in, but the one that exists behind the seens. We do not want to be caught off guard. So we are placing the armor over our lives, truth righteousness, salvation, and peace armed with your word. So that the battle is already won. Let us not be sidetracked by those brothers and sisters who seem to want to offend us. It’s not them we are at war with. We just want to pray for them as well. Father help them to see the demonic influence that is leading their actions. Whether it be pride or deceit or an offensive that they feel. Help them as well. None of this is about us… our live is yours you bought it with the blood of your SON. So we lift up this war to you, knowing that victory is ours because the battle is yours. You are fighting for us, and because you are for us, no one can stand against us. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.