What comes to mind as you think of getting ready for a battle? The Apostle Paul gives us practical advice in his letter to the Ephesians. He advises us to be prepared for the battle as he instructs us on the true nature of our warfare. As you grow in your walk with God, you discover that the Christian life is a battleground, not a playground. We are not called to a cruise ship, but we need to develop a warship mentality. Therefore, it is essential that you are prepared to face the spiritual battle. Paul’s warning consists of three imperatives. The first imperative is to find our strength in the Lord,

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. (Ephesians 6:10)

This is a present active imperative verb and the emphasis is to keep on finding your strength in the Lord, in other words – don’t stop. When things are going well, we may have a tendency to become complacent and rely upon our own strength. We may foolishly think that we can handle the situation apart from God. Martin Luther cautions us in A Mighty Fortress is Our God,

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

Paul then enjoins us to put on the full armor of God. The emphasis of this command is to put on God’s armor at once,

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)

The word “schemes” implies deceit, craftiness, and trickery which aptly reveals the behavior of the devil. The word “devil” is derived from a word that literally means to accuse or slander. Jesus gives us insight into the character of the devil as He castigates the Jews who sought to kill Him,

You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44)

Paul then reveals the true nature of our struggle,

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)

We must realize that our battle is not against people, but it’s against the spiritual hierarchy arrayed against us. A good soldier is taught never to underestimate the power of the enemy. Paul warns us not to be ignorant of Satan’s schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). Satan may attack you overtly as a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8) or he may attack you covertly as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Paul then gives a third imperative, instructing us to not only put on the full armor of God, but to use it,

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:13)

The word “resist” literally means to stand against. It’s the same word James uses as he commands his readers to resist the devil,

Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

God has provided you His spiritual armor to enable you to withstand the attacks of the enemy. Are you ready for the battle? You will be able to stand firm if you take up the full armor of God.

RickAssociate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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