Have you ever been in a situation where you had to take a stand? It’s usually in the context of some kind of conflict, or to stop some kind of abuse that we take a stand.
Back in chapter 2 he reminded us that we have been seated in the heavenly places in Christ. Our salvation has been won for us, and we are able to come and welcomed into our Heavenly Father’s presence. This happens by God’s grace, through faith in Jesus.
Then in chapter 4, Paul urged us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. The way we walk in this world (the way we live) is a witness to those around us who still walk in darkness. So Paul pointed us to humility, gentleness, patience, honesty, sexual purity, etc. He talked about the relationship between husband and wife, and today he adds children and parents, father and children, and even slaves and masters.
Now Paul urges us to be strong in the Lord and put on the whole armor of God, “that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” “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.”
This life is a fight. Forces of good and evil are pitted against one another. The Devil and his fellow angels live in open rebellion against God. Being unable to harm God himself, he tries to harm those God loves – to hurt God through our pain.
We are not defenseless in this battle. We have been provided with tools for spiritual warfare:
- Truth girdles our waist and protects us. (This isn’t the thin belts we wear today, but a thick heavy garment that protected the groin. Think on that for a moment: truth guards our sexual organs in this battle.)
- Christ’s righteousness is a breastplate that protects our hearts. (One of the Devil’s many names is Satan, which means Accuser. He will attack your heart with guilt and shame. We must convinced of the forgiveness and righteousness we have in Jesus!)
- The gospel of peace like shoes on our feet. (We are after all to walk, and our “feet” must be protected. There is a sense of preparedness in peace – when we are at peace in Christ we can handle what comes our way.)
- Faith is a shield. (The devil will tempt us in many ways with “flaming arrows” he doesn’t need to be on your shoulder whispering in your ear. He just flings things your way. Trusting in Jesus changes our priorities and puts up barriers between us and the World’s priorities.)
- Salvation is a helmet. (Protect your mind. Knowing that we are saved and insufficient to save ourselves is important. We need to rely on Jesus’ salvation. Knowing God loves, blesses, and guides us in all circumstances keeps us on mission. We must be protected from fear and doubt!)
- The Word of God is a sword. (We are not only protected, but we are armed. Remember that Jesus used God’s Word to defeat the Devil when He was tempted in the wilderness. God’s Word creates faith, it is powerful and effective, it accomplishes it’s purpose, and it is at work in our lives and in the lives of others. Swords are both defensive and offensive. When we are attacked we can use God’s Word to defend ourselves – “resist the Devil and he will flee from you” – and there are times when we attack the Devil’s schemes to bring forgiveness and salvation into people’s lives. We are here to empty Hell and to fill Heaven!)
- Pray. To pray is to put ourselves and others into God’s hands.
This battle will not be easy. Our goal at the end is to be standing. I picture a boxer; chest heaving, bloodied, battered but not bowed or broken. He stands exhausted, but the fight is over. He is victorious, but right now his focus is on just standing and staying upright.
Jesus has given us the victory. We know how this ends. Keep fighting. Don’t give up. As a friend of mine ends many of her e-mails, “be the kind of man or woman who, when your feet hit the floor, the Devil says, “Oh, crap! He/she is up.”
Father, fill me with your Spirit so that I can stand in Jesus in all the struggles I face. Amen.
Back in chapter 2 he reminded us that we have been seated in the heavenly places in Christ. Our salvation has been won for us, and we are able to come and welcomed into our Heavenly Father’s presence. This happens by God’s grace, through faith in Jesus.
Then in chapter 4, Paul urged us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. The way we walk in this world (the way we live) is a witness to those around us who still walk in darkness. So Paul pointed us to humility, gentleness, patience, honesty, sexual purity, etc. He talked about the relationship between husband and wife, and today he adds children and parents, father and children, and even slaves and masters.
Now Paul urges us to be strong in the Lord and put on the whole armor of God, “that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” “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.”
This life is a fight. Forces of good and evil are pitted against one another. The Devil and his fellow angels live in open rebellion against God. Being unable to harm God himself, he tries to harm those God loves – to hurt God through our pain.
We are not defenseless in this battle. We have been provided with tools for spiritual warfare:
- Truth girdles our waist and protects us. (This isn’t the thin belts we wear today, but a thick heavy garment that protected the groin. Think on that for a moment: truth guards our sexual organs in this battle.)
- Christ’s righteousness is a breastplate that protects our hearts. (One of the Devil’s many names is Satan, which means Accuser. He will attack your heart with guilt and shame. We must convinced of the forgiveness and righteousness we have in Jesus!)
- The gospel of peace like shoes on our feet. (We are after all to walk, and our “feet” must be protected. There is a sense of preparedness in peace – when we are at peace in Christ we can handle what comes our way.)
- Faith is a shield. (The devil will tempt us in many ways with “flaming arrows” he doesn’t need to be on your shoulder whispering in your ear. He just flings things your way. Trusting in Jesus changes our priorities and puts up barriers between us and the World’s priorities.)
- Salvation is a helmet. (Protect your mind. Knowing that we are saved and insufficient to save ourselves is important. We need to rely on Jesus’ salvation. Knowing God loves, blesses, and guides us in all circumstances keeps us on mission. We must be protected from fear and doubt!)
- The Word of God is a sword. (We are not only protected, but we are armed. Remember that Jesus used God’s Word to defeat the Devil when He was tempted in the wilderness. God’s Word creates faith, it is powerful and effective, it accomplishes it’s purpose, and it is at work in our lives and in the lives of others. Swords are both defensive and offensive. When we are attacked we can use God’s Word to defend ourselves – “resist the Devil and he will flee from you” – and there are times when we attack the Devil’s schemes to bring forgiveness and salvation into people’s lives. We are here to empty Hell and to fill Heaven!)
- Pray. To pray is to put ourselves and others into God’s hands.
This battle will not be easy. Our goal at the end is to be standing. I picture a boxer; chest heaving, bloodied, battered but not bowed or broken. He stands exhausted, but the fight is over. He is victorious, but right now his focus is on just standing and staying upright.
Jesus has given us the victory. We know how this ends. Keep fighting. Don’t give up. As a friend of mine ends many of her e-mails, “be the kind of man or woman who, when your feet hit the floor, the Devil says, “Oh, crap! He/she is up.”
Father, fill me with your Spirit so that I can stand in Jesus in all the struggles I face. Amen.
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