Ephesians 6:10-13
When watching most action movies, the entire plot leads up to one thing; the battle. Sometimes there are multiple scenes of fighting, but that is the nail-biting, most anticipated part of the movie. Typically, you see how the characters prepare themselves for said battle. You also see how they respond during the battle. Finally, you see the aftermath of the battle; how it affected them physically, mentally and emotionally.
We are always in a battle because we are born with a desire to sin. First, we battle our own flesh. Second, because we are all born with a desire to sin, we battle each other. Third, because we are all born with a desire to sin, we battle the enemy (Satan).
How we prepare for those battles is ultimately going to determine how we respond during the battle and how we are physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually afterwards.
Ephesians 6:10 starts off strong with what we need to do to prepare for the battle. “finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” When we equip ourselves to battle, we must first realize it is not in our own strength. We have to rely on the Lord and His mighty power.
Ephesians 6:11 then gives us instructions as to why we have to prepare. “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” When we are prepared to fight the enemy, we are able to stand firm instead of wavering in uncertainty.
Ephesians 6:12 then tells us who we are up against. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” When we know exactly who we are going up against in battle, we can avoid most surprises. We can also know exactly how to resist them, how they operate, and how to best overcome or “beat” them.
Ephesians 6:13 reminds us again how to suit up and prepare for these battles. “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Continue to read verses 14-18 to see exactly what the armor of God is. But this portion of verses highlights just how important it is to be prepared so that we can do everything that we can to avoid the temptation of the enemies' schemes against us.
We are all in a battle; whether a follower of Jesus or not. The difference between the two is that when we are followers of Jesus, we are better equipped for the battle. His Word teaches us how to be prepared to fight the enemy. We are also never fighting the battle alone; the Lord is always with us.
We are always in a battle because we are born with a desire to sin. First, we battle our own flesh. Second, because we are all born with a desire to sin, we battle each other. Third, because we are all born with a desire to sin, we battle the enemy (Satan).
How we prepare for those battles is ultimately going to determine how we respond during the battle and how we are physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually afterwards.
Ephesians 6:10 starts off strong with what we need to do to prepare for the battle. “finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” When we equip ourselves to battle, we must first realize it is not in our own strength. We have to rely on the Lord and His mighty power.
Ephesians 6:11 then gives us instructions as to why we have to prepare. “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” When we are prepared to fight the enemy, we are able to stand firm instead of wavering in uncertainty.
Ephesians 6:12 then tells us who we are up against. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” When we know exactly who we are going up against in battle, we can avoid most surprises. We can also know exactly how to resist them, how they operate, and how to best overcome or “beat” them.
Ephesians 6:13 reminds us again how to suit up and prepare for these battles. “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Continue to read verses 14-18 to see exactly what the armor of God is. But this portion of verses highlights just how important it is to be prepared so that we can do everything that we can to avoid the temptation of the enemies' schemes against us.
We are all in a battle; whether a follower of Jesus or not. The difference between the two is that when we are followers of Jesus, we are better equipped for the battle. His Word teaches us how to be prepared to fight the enemy. We are also never fighting the battle alone; the Lord is always with us.
Posted in Devotional