DRESS FOR SUCCESS

The first step in winning a boxing match is putting on the proper clothes and equipment. The Bible reminds us numerous times about the importance of clothing. Romans 13:14 says, “clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,” and Galatians 3:27 tells us, “all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

To be successful in spiritual battles, it’s vital to first put on the Lord Jesus Christ by having a personal relationship with Him. When we trust in Jesus alone to be our Savior, the Holy Spirit takes residence in our hearts. With our hearts and minds strengthened, we can be confident and unafraid to resist the enemy. As 1 John 4:4 reminds us, “…Greater is He that is living in you, than he who is in the world.”

The story of the seven sons of Sceva in the book of Acts is an excellent reminder of why we need to belong to Jesus and depend on His strength before engaging in a battle:

“Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.” (Acts 19:13-16)

The Jewish exorcists faced a battle against evil—a battle that can only be fought in the spiritual realm. By relying on their own human strength, seven men were forced to run away scared, naked, ashamed, and wounded. The brothers knew of Jesus but didn’t know Him personally, so they weren’t properly dressed for battle. As a result, they were easily defeated and overcome by their pernicious opponent. 

CONSIDER THIS:

We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)