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 (Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV)

By: Scott Schuler

To stand strong and remain protected against Satan, your heavenly Father gives you something more powerful, protective, and comprehensive than any military defensive strategy or gear: God’s spiritual armor.

In Ephesians 6:10–18, the apostle Paul gives a clear description of the spiritual armor available to you for the “evil day” (ESV), or as another Bible version states, “when the day of evil comes” (v. 13 NIV).

This spiritual armor is not only for use during a life crisis or major catastrophe.

Paul is also referring to the evil you may encounter every day. The Enemy usually attacks when you least expect an ambush and are most susceptible to distraction and sin.

Using the directives put on in verse 11 and take up in verse 13, Paul stresses that you, as a follower of Jesus, must take these actions if you are to successfully stand firm in your battles.

In verse 12, Paul clarifies you are not battling people, “flesh and blood,” but “rulers, authorities, cosmic powers, present darkness, and spiritual forces of evil.” Paul is likely referring to the legions of angelic beings (one third of the angels, according to Revelation 12:4) who fell from the Kingdom of God to serve Lucifer (Satan, the Devil). Ephesians 1:21 says these demons are a powerful army of evil with a threefold mission:

To destroy the church,

To prevent people from becoming followers of Christ, and

To prohibit Christians from walking in abundant life by stalemating their walk with Jesus.

To combat the Enemy and his army, clothe yourself in Jesus’ attributes and carry your spiritual weaponry.

Paul sandwiches our engagement in a spiritual war (verse 12) with the importance of wearing the whole armor. He knows victory comes from being prepared and wearing our armor every day.

Read Ephesians 6:10-18. Which piece of armor do you need to strap on today a bit more secure than normal because of the spiritual attacks you face?

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