Growing up in church, I was exposed at a young age to my sinful nature and need for a savior. Much is spoken about the need for forgiveness of our sins, the gospel message clearly presented week after week, until one could confidently tout, “ Yes! I believe, I confess, I am now a child of God.” I wouldn’t argue the urgency and importance of sharing the message of salvation with children (all non-believers) from the pulpit, on the mission field, in our homes, and in our communities. However, while we are zealous in our desire to see “all men know the truth ( 1 Timothy 2:4), we lose our spiritual gusto when it comes to preparing these new souls for the battle they are about to face. Scripture is clear; it’s not a question of whether we will encounter spiritual attacks —it’s a question of being prepared when we do.
For many, coming to Jesus —waving the white flag in surrender —was the “easy” part; they were ready and willing for God to reign as King over their lives, blissfully unaware that the actual battle had just begun. The initial effects of giving your life to Christ —breaking the bondage of sin —experiencing the full weight of grace, mercy, peace, hope, and love from Your Creator, Savior, and Sustainer — is a mountain-top experience.
In coming to Christ, we become a new creation; the old has passed away, and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). We, who were once separated from God, are reconciled through Christ’s work on the Cross and are being sanctified (becoming more like Christ) daily. And one day ( woo hoo!) we will be glorified ( experience the absence of sin) when we go to Heaven. Being made alive in Christ is all great news; the angels rejoice over sinners who come to God (Luke 15:10), but not everyone is throwing a party. Christians have an enemy, and while our salvation is secure from the grasp of the evil one, it doesn’t prevent him from doing whatever he can to kill, steal, and destroy our faith ( John 10:10).
But, there’s good news. First, though we are actively engaged in battle, we know the ultimate Victor of the war–God (Revelation 19). Second, we have the power to fight the devil’s schemes with the armor of God Ephesians 6:10-17).
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17 NIV
Rest in God’s Power (v 10)
A friend once shared, “It’s not all we can do is pray, but we do what we can, pray.” We are fighting a battle beyond our capabilities; we don’t have the means to shut down the enemy on our own. But those of us in Christ have an advocate, the Holy Spirit, who helps us in our weakness, and whose strength we can depend on to stand firm against the devil’s schemes. When we feel under attack, the first thing we should do is to go before the Lord and acknowledge that it isn’t in our power, but in His, that we can cast out the evil one. We know that the demons shudder at the sound of the Lord’s name ( James 2:19); may we rest entirely in God’s power to fight the devil’s schemes.
Recognize the Struggle (v 11-12)
Paul explains that the battle is bigger than us; a spiritual war wages all around us. The powers of good and evil are always fighting, and while satan and his demons can try to disarm, dissolve, and drive God’s children into despair, they can’t pluck us from the love of Christ ( Romans 8:35-39). When we feel persuaded by the darkness, be encouraged by Paul’s words, “ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things ( Philippians 4:8).
Stand Firm on God’s Truth ( v13-14)
The Bible is God’s love letter to His children; it gives us all we need to live a life worthy of the gospel (Philippians 1:27). We wrap ourselves tightly in God’s Word, it holds up our lives, and gives us the support we need. When Paul wrote this letter to the Ephesians, they would have been well aware of the Roman soldier’s armor. The breastplate covered his entire body, protecting his vital organs—his lungs, chest, and stomach. Therefore, we should use our righteousness found in Christ to guard us and help us fight spiritual battles.
Fight the Battle with a Firm Faith ( v16)
While we are to be firmly rooted in Scripture, we want to be able to readily recognize and move swiftly to fight the enemy’s attack. We are “light on our feet,” getting out of dodge and able to quickly move away when under siege to a place of sanctuary. Although we are under attack, we have a sense of peace because we know who will ultimately be the victor. We don’t fight without purpose, but we arm ourselves with God’s Truth. We take up the shield of faith, a soldier’s most important weapon against the onslaught of harmful influences. The Christian’s shield of faith helps protect them from the flames of the evil one. While our enemy hopes to destroy us, our shield of faith can snuff out his tactics!
Fill Your Mind with God’s Word( v17)
Lastly, we must be diligent in putting on the helmet of salvation. The best protection we have against the lies that cause us to doubt God is the good news of the gospel! Paul also encourages us to take up the sword of the Spirit. All of the other armor Paul lists is for defense. Still, the Bible is our offensive weapon, sharper than a double-edged sword; it can penetrate and divide (Hebrews 4:12). We must remember to daily arm ourselves with the sword of Truth, taking time to meditate on and memorize Scripture so we can recall it in times of trouble.
There is a daily battle waging all around us, but we are grateful that we are not alone in the struggle. As Christians, we have the power of the Holy Spirit, who is alive and active in the lives of believers. Let’s suit up, brothers and sisters in Christ, put on the whole armor of God as you stand firm in your faith, rooted in God’s Word, strengthened by the Lord’s power. May we cling to the truth that while it may feel that the darkness is winning, God is on the throne, and He will be the ultimate Victor!
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Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and plentiful lives today.
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women’s ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com connect on Facebook and Instagram.
