We conclude our study of Ephesians with an exhortation regarding the reality of spiritual warfare and the need to put on the whole armor of God. The Christian life is anything but passive. We see analogies of it being likened to a race, a wrestling match and a fight of faith. To put it bluntly beloved, a daily part of the Christian life is a war against principalities and powers of darkness. These powers of darkness are an ‘organization’ that is headed by the devil himself. Whenever we talk about the devil and fallen angels and demonic forces, there is always the danger of swinging to extreme views. According to one view, these evil entities are not real. To the other view, the ‘faces’ of these evil entities are even seen in the foldings of napkins!
Jesus Himself spoke of the devil as a real enemy who sought to sift the apostle Peter. One cannot get far into the gospel accounts before we read of Satan and Jesus engaged in a real, intense battle there on the pinnacle of the temple. It was there that we learned from Jesus that the weapon that overcomes the lies of the enemy is a part of the armor called the sword of Spirit, which is the Word of God.
This morning, we will look at the whole armor of God. Paul may have been chained to a Roman soldier in full armor as he wrote this. As we work our way through this armor, it should be noted that every piece is needed if we intend to stand against the attack of the enemy. If one piece is missing, your chance of vulnerability to the attack of the enemy increases. This armor is ours to have as a result of Christ’s victory over the enemy on the cross. But we have the responsibility to put it on.
May The Spirit of God cause us to be ever alert and aware that despite the weather outside, or the seasons of our life personally, Christ has obtained for us all the resources that we need to stand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Praise Him for the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
