|
|
|
The
Christian life – a Spiritual Battle
Read:
Ephesians 6: 10 - 18.
The
Christian life is a spiritual battle. As Paul
concludes his letter to the church at Ephesus he identifies the
Christian’s enemy; details the weapons that are available and
the victory that is assured.
 |
Our enemy identified
- the apostle Paul tells us in verse 12 - 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. Here we
have identified for us the real enemies of God's work - not flesh and
blood, but the dark satanic powers of the heavenly realms which are
opposed to the work of God and the extension of His Kingdom. We are
reminded again that our battle is a spiritual one and therefore we need
to be strong in the Lord.
|
|
The weapons available
- these are outlined in verses 13 & 14 – Therefore
put on the whole armour of God, ….. Stand firm then,
with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, and with the
breastplate of righteousness in place and with your
feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. This
is a most reassuring statement. As we study God’s word and
grow in grace and knowledge, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we are
much better equipped to combat the attempts of Satan to lead us astray.
When we consider that such amazing power available to us who believe -
what a precious truth to hide in our hearts as we stand in the field of
battle!
|
|
Instructions for spiritual warfare
- are given in verse 13 - ….so that when the day of
evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have
done everything, to stand………..
In addition to this take up the shield of faith with which you can
extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. In
fighting this spiritual battle we do not depend on brute force and
physical armour but on our spiritual armour, that is, the breastplate
of righteousness, the belt of truth and the shield of faith. James 4:7
& 8 reminds us to - Submit yourselves, then, to God.
Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he
will come near to you. We need to stay close to God if we are
going to be victorious in the Christian life.
|
|
Our victory assured. In
Hebrews 4: 12 we read - for the word of God is living and
active, sharper than any double-edged sword….. We
have considered the battle in which we are engaged and received the
instructions straight from God's word. What a joy and privilege it is,
as Christians, to be a part of God's army.
|
|
A call to prayer and alertness.
Finally, and most important, we
find the key to victory in the Christian life in verse 18 – And
pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kind of prayers and
requests. With this in mind, be alert and always
keep on praying for all the saints. When we are faced with
trials and temptations and when things seem to be stacked against us,
let us remember the exhortation given by the apostle Paul in
1Thessalonians 5:16. - Be
joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for
this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. |
In
practice, if we are to achieve victory in our spiritual battle - it
means that we need to be consistent in our own personal devotions,
family prayers and, where possible, avail of the various opportunities
for public worship, Bible study, prayer and fellowship.
|
|
