Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Ephesians 6:10-13
With this letter to a church that Paul founded at pastored at its inception Paul has listed all the blessed provisions the Father has provided for us in Christ’s death and resurrection. Now Paul tells them how to use these precious gifts. All of these teachings apply to us since we have received the very same blessings in Christ ourselves. We have the same Spirit poured into us. We also live in the same world with the same enemy to stand against. Before Paul details the working of the armor God has provided he gives us the general instructions for our operations as God’s family/army in this fallen universe.
The Spirit inspired Paul to tell us to be strong in the Lord. This means to get your strength from Him. To make sure that we are not doing things on our own with gritted teeth and white knuckles. We are to use the power of His might. This means the power we acquire comes with His experience and wisdom on how to apply it for the best effect. We have access to His strength and His ability to use it. It is important for us keep this in our mind when we are in conflict. It will always be a temptation to handle it on our own. Keeping our purpose to represent Christ at the forefront of our mind is the challenge we all face. Remembering to use the Lord as our source is also difficult. It is too easy to try to do it on our own to impress the Lord instead of relying on Him.
Before illustrating our weapons metaphorically we are told we need it all! We can’t pick and choose which equipment we will wear. This is true because our enemy is not human. Our enemy is spiritual. He is faster, stronger, and smarter than us. Throw in the fact that he is invisible and we don’t have a chance without using God’s strength, tools, and strategies. Once we have followed all of God’s directions for His provisions we have to actually stand against sin in our lives. We can’t position ourselves for success only to not follow through with action. Brothers and sisters, learn to acquire God’s blessings in every avenue of your life. Put on His armor (live His prescribed lifestyle). Stand against evil in your life. Then you will be victorious in Christ!
Reaching For His Strength,
Pastor Jason
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