10/16/2018
In our lives we are in constant struggle against the dark and evil forces of Satan; how do we defend ourselves and drive him away? What is effective against him, and do we know how to use these tools we have been provided? To answer these questions we turn to Ephesians, and take solace and comfort in the power of the Holy Spirit.
“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”
Ephesians 6:14-18 ESV
When we read this scripture it becomes very apparent to us that when we adorn ourselves for battle, almost every item given us is defensive in nature. Only one is an offensive weapon... our sword which is the Word of God. So what does this tell us about our enemy, ourselves, and God? First of all, we must understand who our enemy is...
“For 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 ESV
Our enemy is not other men, but the forces of evil that rule them. This goes hand in hand with other scriptures regarding sin and sinners that are otherwise hard to reconcile, but we have reduced this into a simple phrase for ourselves which goes like this “Hate the sin, but love the sinner.” We have not been adorned to attack the flesh, but to confront the sin within it.
“As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.”
2 Thessalonians 3:13-15 ESV
Defeating evil and darkness is our battle, but they come against us viciously, and constantly. So fierce is their attack that our defensive armor is of the utmost importance. To this end we save ourselves by repelling these attacks. Only in this way do we use our sword which is the Word of God, and yet even it this battle, as our sword is swinging back and forth, we are told to pray... to call out to God for our strength, protection, and His engagement in the battle.
“You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.' Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you."”
2 Chronicles 20:17 ESV
So we understand who our enemy is, we know how to shield and protect ourselves, we know that we can fend off evil with our sword, and we know to call out to God through prayer to fight for us. As we read this scripture in Ephesians we begin to understand very clearly that we are not an attacking army, but rather a city under siege. We are defending the walls as our God defeats those who are attempting to breach them and do us harm. This is not our natural inclination as men; we see our own prowess and victory in battle as glorifying, and honorable, and we lust after it. We think we are capable of defending ourselves, but against this enemy we are not capable. Without God leading us and going before us we are certainly undone.
So we live our lives in the armor of our faith, polishing it, and repairing it when it fails in some manner, and we practice with our sword by studying the Word of God. If we are not proficient with the sword then a critical means of our self defense is missing, and most certainly we will be pierced by our opponent. It is our sole means of warding off attack, and of driving back the enemy before us at the wall.
“To take the sword of the Spirit in the hour of battle indicates that I have lived in that Word and it abides in me; I have lived it out and it is the master of my personality.” - Andrew Murray
Then, above all else we pray in the Spirit, and call out to God for Him to lead us and go into battle before us.
So who do you fight against today, and by what means do you conduct your campaign? Are you fighting the sinner or the sin? Are you looking to God for direction or are you charging through the city gates to confront the enemy yourself?
Begin every day in the war room praying, and proceed as God directs you. His is the perfect strategy against evil, His is the victorious plan, and To Him belongs the glory of victory.
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for the defenses you have provided me against the forces of evil and darkness that surround me. I thank you Lord for showing me that I am vulnerable, but that you will go into battle for me against my enemies. Help me Father to be diligent in prayer and to listen to your voice in the war room of my faith. Give me the courage to do those things you ask of me, and to carry out your commands to the letter. Jesus went alone into the desert and was confronted by Satan, but every fiery dart of temptation was repelled by His armor, and met with the sword of your Word. It was sufficient for Him Holy Father, so how then will it fail me? You are powerful in battle, and slay armies in a single blow; help me Lord to trust in you completely, and to place my life in your hands. All glory of victory is yours Father, for my efforts are nothing in comparison, and would end in defeat without you. I praise your name, and stand firm waving your banner, wearing your armor, and brandishing your sword before my enemy. Holy, Holy, Holy are you my God who goes before me in battle against all foes, and defeats my enemies as I stand guard at the city wall. Praised be your name in the halls of the mighty, and within the temple of the city. How magnificent are you my Lord.
Rich Forbes