Spiritual Warfare
Devotional Contributor: Al Schierbaum
Scripture:
Ephesians 6:10-12 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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.”
Observation:
Finally is such an impactful word. Finally brings all that has been said into focus and either summarizes or declares an action. In Ephesians, Paul is declaring an action be taken by the believer in response to the truths shared. Paul addressed unity, sacrifice, grace, and relationships at work, church, and in family. In all these areas the devil has a desire and plan to divide, destroy, deceive, or bring death. Finally, means there is a battle waging for the souls of people and the believer needs to take the things seriously by putting on the full amour of God!
Application:
Satan is a schemer, deceiver, liar, murderer, divider, accuser, thief, and blinds the hearts of unbelievers John 8:44, 10:10, 2 Corinthians 4:4. Satan plays upon the rebellion, selfishness, and pride of the human heart to get people to be a part of his plan Ephesians 2:1-3. Satan is all about perverting and completely destroying the design of God in marriage, life, and salvation 2 Peter 2:1-3. Satan and his demonic forces wage war against God and all who call upon the name of Jesus. His plan is to hinder or destroy the work of God and dethrone Jesus 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4.
As believers we can live in victory through every battle because Jesus has won the victory by His death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus disarmed the forces of darkness and made a public spectacle of them by being raised from the dead Colossians 2:13-15, 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. Ultimately, Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection destroyed the works of the devil 1 John 3:8. The gates of hell will not prevail Matthew 16:18. We must, therefore, take up the full armor described in Ephesians 6:13-20. Your armor involves truth by rejecting lies about yourself or the Bible. Your armor is faith and rejecting doubt and fear. Your armor is hope and rejecting discouragement. Your armor is righteousness by doing the next right thing. Your armor is prayer by taking every battle to Jesus!
As you face the battles of disunity, lies, division, rebellion, and even death, put on the full armor of God, stand firm against the devil’s schemes and walk in the victory that Jesus has provided. Know that this battle will wage all of your life, so persevere and stay the course. Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you!
Request:
Lord Jesus, thank you for defeating satan and all that he is about. I desire to live in the victory that you provided. By your grace help me to grasp this truth and live it out at work, church, and in my family and community. I praise your wonderful Name! Amen!