Scripture Reference: Ephesians 6:10-11
Many word pictures are used throughout scripture. These are intended to create vivid pictures in our mind in order to drive home important lessons. One such example is found in Ephesians 6:10-13. Here, Christians are reminded that they are involved in a spiritual battle for possession of their soul. In this passage, the struggle is likened to a military conflict. The conflict is real. Even though we may not see the devil and his forces in literal fashion, we know he exists and is determined to cause us to compromise our spiritual principles and lose our soul.
While acquainting us with the seriousness of this conflict, the writer does his best to encourage us that we can successfully wage our battles and have a victorious outcome. The key to our success is through God. Paul writes, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might, Ephesians 6:10. God is the sustainer. He will go to work in our lives and help us overcome. How?
He equips us with the armor of God, 6:11. For our spiritual battles, we can arm ourselves with the truth of His word, eternal principles communicated through the prophets, prayer, and the encouragement of those around us. The key to our success is seen in 6:11. In order to roll over our enemy, we must put on the armor God provides us with, 6:11. Don’t lose the next spiritual battle you engage in because you have not properly armed yourself with a capable defense.
The spiritual war we find ourselves immersed in is of the utmost seriousness. The battle is real. It involves real consequences—spiritual life or death. The wording in 6:12 communicates this fact to us. The NASU uses the word “struggle” here. I really like the wording in the ESV as it uses the term “wrestle.” When we use that term, there is a clear picture painted in our mind. Imagine combat that is up close and personal—a battle to the death. Our very soul is on the line! It is that serious. While the devil and his forces are in the heavenly places, they can often work through physical means to attack us. Their ways are cunning—appearing as a “little” thing or even as an item of no consequence. Just as a soldier on military duty constantly guards himself against the enemy, so we must constantly take protective measures in our great spiritual war.
We must do all we can to stand. We must put on the full armor of God, 6:13. Covering self only partially will result in certain defeat. We cannot be passive, even for a moment. Times of entertainment, recreation, and idle time present themselves as prime opportunities for Satan to strike. When we begin to relax and not worry about our enemy, we find ourselves in the most vulnerable of positions. When we do all we can to stand, we will seek first the kingdom of God, Matthew 6:33. We will set our mind on things above and not on things that are on earth, Colossians 3:2. We will constantly know the time,…because salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. We must put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh, Romans 13:11, 14.
How are you faring in this great spiritual conflict? Do you feel vulnerable and subject to the devil’s bidding? Have you suffered loss? If so, God has not given up on you. God can still use you in service to His kingdom. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you, James 4:8. Seek God afresh and allow Him to clean the wounds and heal the scars of the spiritual battles that have come before. Let Him reequip your spiritual arsenal. When the battle comes, lean on Him for strength. You will be amazed at how He will be there for you and get you through.
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An elderly brother here always commented that Christianity is a “do” religion. There are no conscientious objectors in the Lord’s church.