S134P8 – A message to Ephesus: our spiritual preparation
Eph. 6:10-13
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.
This passage tells us that there is a very real and dangerous spiritual power at war against the kingdom of God. What strikes me first is the clear indication that we are fighting against the devil. I have heard many people joke about the devil having more important targets, that only his minor minions would pursue them, and that they are not even on the his radar. The truth is that this fallen angel is the source of the campaign being waged against God’s kingdom. He is the instigator, and we battle against him. If we want to stand our ground and defend successfully against him, we need our full armor. One or two pieces are insufficient. This is a complete kit we need to wear and employ.
The battle is not one we see with our eyes or hear with our ears. The weight and sharpness of the blades coming toward us are not felt in the flesh. The fire of the enemy’s flaming arrows does not cause our pores to sweat or our skin to burn. The injuries which are the enemy’s goal are spiritual, but they are no less real than physical injuries. In fact, they carry much more dire consequences than a cut or burn of the flesh. Considering the implications of this battle (or these battles), Paul reiterates the need for the “whole armor of God”. This repeated sentiment is about protection and vulnerability. Every potential injury site must be guarded to keep from giving the devil a dangerous opening.
An obvious critical concern here is indentifying when the “evil day” will come. After all, Paul says that our armor will determine whether we can withstand on that day. Without a literal day being identified, it seems this instruction is about always being prepared for that day, whenever it might come. This points us to a constant state of preparing for battle by employing the armor Paul will go on to identify in the subsequent verses. Whether the day is one day or many, whether today or years from now, the responsibility is ours to live prepared for it. Father, help us to have the discipline to walk daily employing the whole spiritual armor You have given us for success.