Ephesians: His Glorious RichesSample

Paul is coming to the end of this magnificent letter. He has dealt with the believer’s wealth (Eph. 1–3) and walk (Eph. 4–6). In the last section (6:10–20) he deals with the believer’s warfare. We are seated with Christ (2:6), we must live in a way that pleases Him (4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15) and we must stand firm against the attacks of the devil (vv. 11, 13–14). We must therefore know our enemy. 

The devil is real. We are opposed by a living, intelligent, resourceful and cunning enemy. He is a vicious and personal foe (2:1–3; 4:27). The devil is happy whether we feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in him or we disbelieve in his existence. 

The devil is powerful. He is not omnipresent or omnipotent – he is only a creature created by God. However, he is the general of a spiritual/demonic army (v. 12), with significant power in this dark world (John 14:30; 2 Cor. 4:4). 

The devil is malicious. He hates God’s people and will do all that he can to destroy us. He treats us as rebels to his rule (Col. 1:13–14) so will seek to find a foothold in our lives (4:27). 

The devil is resourceful. He has a wide variety of schemes (v. 11). He can tempt like a serpent (Gen. 3:1–7), crush like a dragon (Rev. 12:1–6), devour like a lion (1 Pet. 5:8) or deceive like an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14). 

We do not need to go looking for Satan – he will attack us (1 Pet. 5:8–9). Yet we stand firm against the devil by putting on the armour which God supplies (vv. 11, 13), and which He himself puts on to defeat His enemies and rescue His people (Is. 11:4–5; 59:15–17). We are to clothe ourselves in Christ (Rom. 13:11–14). God enables us to stand firm even on the evil day of temptation (6:13). 

We can be assured that our strength comes from the Lord (v. 10). We are ‘in’ Christ. Jesus has conquered all His foes, who have now been placed under His feet (1:18–22). He is seated in the Heavenly realms and we are seated with Him (2:6).

Reflection

In what ways are you experiencing spiritual warfare at the moment? How can you know victory (Rom. 8:37; Jas. 4:7; 1 John 4:4)?