Growing in HopeSample

Spiritual Warfare

In the book of Ephesians, Paul first explained the wealth we have in Christ (in chapters 1-3) as believers, and then instructed us on how we are supposed to walk in our daily lives as children of God (chapters 4-5). He concludes this letter by addressing the issue of warfare. The warfare he speaks of is not a human battle, but a spiritual one. Here, Paul instructs us on how to fight, not with man-made weapons, but with spiritual God-given weapons.

Paul starts off urging the believers in Ephesus to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might”. We fight spiritual battles with the strength that comes from God. Jesus has already defeated Satan, sin, and death, by dying on the cross. In Luke 10:19, Jesus tells us that in Him, we have the power to defeat the forces of evil as well when He said, “I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.”

Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:11 to put on “the full armor of God”. Just as you would not go into battle against an enemy without all the armor, we should not go into spiritual battle unarmed. Make it a practice to put on the armor of God everyday, so that you are prepared to stand firm in your faith.  

The armor of God is designed, not for retreating, but for attacking. Paul describes the six pieces of the armor of God:

1.  Belt of truth- Truth is truth. It is not relative; it does not change. Knowing the truth from the word of God is of the utmost importance for every follower of Jesus. In John 8:44, Jesus refers to Satan as the “father of lies”. The best way to defend ourselves against the lies of the enemy is to know truth. Reading, studying and memorizing the Bible is how we put on the belt of truth. 

2.  Breastplate of righteousness- Through Jesus, we are declared righteous. Breastplates are used to protect our vital organs, such as our lungs and hearts. The righteousness of Jesus protects our hearts. Remembering day by day that we are not condemned and that in God’s eyes we are righteous, protects us. Living a righteous life, one of honesty and integrity in obedience to God, also protects us from the attacks of the enemy. 

3.  Shoes of the gospel of peace- The gospel of peace is the good news of Jesus- that He came, lived a perfect life, died on the cross as the eternal sacrifice for our sins, and came back to life, having total victory over sin and death. Humanity has been in a war and rebellion against God since Adam and Eve first sinned. The good news is that Jesus came to end that war and rebellion. Instead of being at war with God, we can be at peace with Him through Christ.  When we made the decision to believe in Jesus and to turn from our sins to follow Him, we responded to the gospel. We are at peace with God. As a follower of Jesus, the enemy cannot take us away from Jesus; we belong to Him. We can stand on firm footing with the gospel, and we can be ready and prepared to take this gospel of peace, the good news of Jesus, to those in this world who do not yet have peace with God.

4.  Shield of faith- The most important thing about faith is the object of our faith. When we put our faith in Jesus, we can rest knowing He will deliver us. We read in 1 John 5:4, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world-- our faith.” When we have doubt or fear, we must remember our faith is in Jesus, and He has already overcome the world. 

5.  Helmet of salvation- The helmet covers the head. A helmet is of no use if it is not put on. Salvation from sin and from Hell is a free gift through Christ, but we must accept this free gift. It’s of no use to anyone who does not receive it. 

6.  Sword of the Spirit, the word of God- Swords are offensive weapons. Using a sword requires picking it up and swinging it. To use the sword of the Spirit properly, we must truly know, understand, and memorize the Bible. The Holy Spirit will bring to mind scripture we have memorized that will be useful to the situation we find ourselves in. Oftentimes, He does this as a way to guide us and to help us overcome temptation, sin, and the enemy. 

Paul closes out the armor writing by telling us to “pray at all times” and to pray for other followers of Jesus. Prayer keeps us in touch with God and helps us remember the battle is not ours, but His. It is absolutely essential to spiritual warfare, and it is absolutely essential to living the Christian life, and growing in our relationships with our heavenly Father.

Spiritual warfare is real. If you feel like you are being oppressed by evil, reach out to a minister in your church for counsel and wisdom.  

Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your love and protection. I desire to know You more and to walk in obedience to You. Teach me how to stand firm in my faith, put on the full armor of God, and resist the enemy. Deliver me from the evil one. Thank You for already conquering sin and death! I know I am secure with You, Jesus! In Your name, I pray. Amen.