For the Christian, life is now an all-out battle.\u00a0 If we believe anything different, we’re just fooling ourselves.<\/p>\n
The stakes are high.\u00a0 In fact they’re as high as they can get.\u00a0 This invisible enemy has brought an oppression to humanity that only the armor of God can defend against, and only the blood of Christ can destroy.<\/p>\n
You might be thinking that this is crazy talk.\u00a0 With entertainment that’s permeated our culture–such as Ghost Whisperer and paranormal reality TV that’s hokey at best, you might be tempted to confuse fact as fiction.\u00a0 After all, hasn’t modern science brought us out of the dark ages of ghosts and demons?\u00a0 That stuff is all just folk lore right? No, not at all.\u00a0 In fact the Bible is very clear about our enemy, his tactics, and what it will take for us to defend against his attacks.<\/p>\n
\nFor we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies,
\nbut against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world,
\nagainst mighty powers in this dark world,
\nand against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
\n\u2013Eph. 6:12<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nThis passage reminds me of an awesome hymn text that accurately describes the reality of this battle.<\/p>\n
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
\nOur helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
\nFor still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
\nHis craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
\nOn earth is not his equal.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
\nWere not the right Man on our side, the Man of God\u2019s own choosing:
\nDost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
\nLord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
\nAnd He must win the battle.
\n\u2013Martin Luther<\/em><\/p>\nBattle Armor On<\/h2>\n
We can’t go through life ignoring this battle.\u00a0 If we are to have any part in reflecting a true and accurate picture of Christ, we must put on the armor of Christ and defend ourselves against our unseen enemy.<\/p>\n
Put on all of God\u2019s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. \u2013Eph. 6:11<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Luther was right.\u00a0 If winning the battle depended on us and our human strength, we would certainly fail. But we’re called to put on the armor of God. Let’s suit up by looking at a breakdown of Ephesians 6:14-18.<\/p>\n
The Belt of Truth<\/strong>
\nDon’t believe Satan’s lies, and don’t dwell on things that are not true.\u00a0 This will only lead to doubt, and potentially bitterness and anger.<\/p>\nThe Body Armor of God’s Righteousness<\/strong>
\nFrom a practical standpoint, we are not righteous.\u00a0 But truly, if you are a believer, Christ has made you righteous before a holy God by his own blood.\u00a0 No one–not even Satan–has the power to take that from you.<\/p>\nShoes of Peace
\n<\/strong>This is a peace that comes from the Good News (or the Gospel).\u00a0 This peace will come as we preach the gospel to ourselves daily.<\/p>\nShield of Faith
\n<\/strong>I’m pretty sure that putting on the first three will put you in a good place to lift your shied of increased faith.\u00a0 And when you’re lacking faith, don’t be afraid to ask for more.\u00a0 Christ’s disciples did!<\/p>\nHelmet of Salvation
\n<\/strong>Your head (mind) is the most vulnerable point of attack.\u00a0 Make sure you wear your helmet!\u00a0 In other words, continue to pursue a fuller understanding of your salvation through Christ. <\/strong><\/p>\nSword of the Spirit
\n<\/strong>This is my favorite.\u00a0 Finally…enough with the defensive gear.\u00a0 I need a weapon! The sword of the Spirit IS the Word of God.\u00a0 Know your Bible.\u00a0 Know the promises of God.\u00a0 Know how Christ expects you to live out your faith.\u00a0 Know how to biblically resolve conflicts.\u00a0 Know how to deal with your past.\u00a0 Know your salvation.\u00a0 Your Bible is your sword.<\/p>\nThe Final word on Spiritual Warfare<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Paul gives some final, and important counsel on putting on God’s armor.<\/p>\n
<\/h2>\n
“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” \u2013Eph. 6:18<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Make sure you’re taking spiritual warfare seriously in your Christian walk.\u00a0 Satan would love to discourage you, distract you, and ultimately destroy any testimony you might have for Christ.\u00a0 Let’s put on the armor of God and kick some demon tail!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"