AS CHRISTIANS, WE HAVE TURNED AWAY from the kingdom of this world and have given our allegiance to King Jesus. Though we no longer yield to the kingdom of darkness, we still live within its realm. And because of that, Satan as “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4) seeks to bring war against us rebels. As Paul writes, “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” (Ephesians 6:12). Our battle is a spiritual one that simultaneously takes place on earth and in the heavens. It involves supernatural “rulers,” “authorities,” “powers,” and “forces.” If only we had eyes to see, right? On second thought...
Since we trust in the veracity of God’s Word, we accept these words from Ephesians 6 as true. However, if we’re honest, most of the time we live oblivious to any cosmic spiritual battle in our daily lives. We wake up, get ourselves ready for the day, go about our day, get ready for bed, go to sleep, and repeat. Demonic rulers and authorities seem to be the least of our concern. Our lives appear to be far more affected by our spouse and children, our supervisor and employees, our neighbors and civic leaders. Yet, Paul declares that our primary struggle in this life is not one against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). We need to let that sink in: human beings, because they are flesh and blood creatures, are not our proper enemies. In this era of outrage in which hatred is so commonplace, Christians must reset their minds to love their fellow man and shift their righteous anger toward their true Adversary.
In addition, we also need to better recognize the tactics the Enemy uses to wage war against us. Paul calls these “the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11) because of his use of subterfuge. Some of Satan’s primary strategies involve deception (leading believers to accept falsehood), temptation (leading believers to give in to sin), and accusation (leading believers to question their standing before God). Thankfully, Paul describes how Christ’s followers can powerfully respond to these attacks. Let’s look at the three commands:
Be Strong In The Lord
Our power to wage spiritual warfare against the demonic forces is found “in the strength of [Jesus’] might,” not in our own abilities (Ephesians 6:10). We gain access to Christ’s strength through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The more we abide in Christ and his Word, the greater our capacity to access the Lord’s spiritual reserves. This is one of the reasons why regular Bible reading, Scripture memory, and prayer should be a part of every Christian’s normal rhythms.
Take Up The Whole Armor Of God
In Ephesians 6:14-18, Paul goes on to vividly describe the various elements of spiritual defense and offense that we are to employ in this fight – the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes fitted with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and prayer. Christians ought to ensure that they are taking each piece of this armor into their daily lives, for if any piece is missing, that is surely where the Enemy will attack.
Stand Firm
One of the most consistent commands from God to his people has been, “be strong and courageous.” Because God is with us (even in us), we have no need to fear the war or those spiritual forces who attack us. In fact, we can have confidence that “no weapon formed against us shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17) and that we are “more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). So, stand firm, my friend!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, you fight my battles. You have already gained victory through your death and resurrection. And, because your Spirit dwells within me I can wage war alongside you. May I have spiritual eyes to see when the Enemy is attacking me and others so that I may utilize all the weaponry you have given me to fight with all your power. Be glorified in me, Jesus. Amen.
PONDER
- We are told to be strong “in the Lord’s might.” What aspect of the Lord’s strength do you most need in your battle today?
- Which of Satan’s strategies is he employing most in your life right now – deception, temptation, or accusation?
- In what way do you need to shift your focus from flesh and blood enemies to true spiritual enemies? How can you pray for or bless the flesh and blood people you have considered to be enemies?
From In Exile, Chapter 17