We struggle against evil. The evil of terrorism, corrupt governments and countless other domestic, local and international issues. How do we fight that? By wearing the Armour of God. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
We also face struggles against evil in our own lives – temptation, sin and addiction, but how nice it is that God wants us to use the same Armour of God there too!
The Bible is realistic about these struggles. In the Old Testament, we read about physical battles against the forces of evil. In the New Testament, the struggle is more often described as a spiritual battle.
Paul puts it,
‘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’ Ephesians 6:12
Today’s passages show us that the battle is won through the victorious power of the Lord.
God wants to set people free, from the literal bondage and oppression experienced by our slavery to sin and addictions
But how?
Let us start by replacing bad habits with good habits.
Paul outlines seven life-changing habits you should adopt (Ephesians 6:10-18):
1. Focus on the truth of Jesus
‘With a belt of truth buckled around your waist’ (v.14a).
Focus on truth of heart. Transparency and authenticity are the opposite of hypocrisy. We also need to focus on the truth of doctrine as revealed in Scripture. Both are personified in Jesus who said, ‘I am the truth’ (John 14:6).
2. Keep short accounts
‘With the breastplate of righteousness in place’ (v.14b).
Jesus died so that you might have the righteousness of God. When you fall, get up quickly. Keep in a right relationship with God and with others.
3. Get actively involved
‘With your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace’ (v.15).
Here Paul may have had a verse from our Old Testament reading for today in mind: ‘Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace!’ (Nahum 1:15). The devil hates the gospel – because it is God’s power to change lives.
Paul asked the Ephesian Christians to pray for him: ‘that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel’ (v19).
4. Trust God in difficult times
‘In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one’ (v.16).
The arrows are such things as: false guilt, shame, doubt, disobedience, malice and fear.
5. Win the battle of the mind
‘Take the helmet of salvation’ (v.17a).
The battle is won or lost in our minds, so it is essential that we ‘take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ’ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
6. Soak yourself in the word of God
‘The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God’ (v.17b).
Use the Bible when you are under attack, just as Jesus did when he was tempted in the desert (Matthew 4:1–11).
7. Keep praying
‘Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests’ (v.18)
Prayer is a powerful weapon. Mary Queen of Scots said, ‘I fear John Knox’s prayers more than an army of ten thousand men.’
So, now you can take comfort in the promises that God made, which are so very applicable to us now
The end of this earthly kingdom is ‘good news’ that can bring such relief and jubilation.
So how much more should the victory of Jesus over the spiritual forces of evil bring us even MORE relief and jubilation?
You are still surrounded by enemies in the form of the world, the flesh and the devil, but with God on your side, you will ultimately see his victorious power.
Lord, thank you that you are more powerful than any spiritual force of evil. Thank you that you are a refuge in times of trouble and that you care for those who trust in you (v.7). Help me today to trust in you and your victorious power.
I Love you guys!
