The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

When Others Sin Against Us

Tom Graves

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November 11, 2026

How can God help us deal with emotions when others sin against us? Jesus tells us how to work through such a situation. Luke 17:3 So watch yourselves! “If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. 4 Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.” [1]

I don’t know about you, but I find it easier to pray for my own sins than to work through the sins of others against me. Using the first approach, we can confess to our Lord, accept promises of forgiveness, and have our souls renewed. The second approach, however, can be more complicated and disorderly.

Forgiving sinners who betray, embarrass, and hurt us in our most vulnerable moments can feel like an uphill climb, making it difficult to forgive them from the heart, as Jesus tells us to. Matthew 18:35 “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.[2]

As sinful human beings, we often replay the offenses against us, deepening the wound. As we replay those thoughts for the umpteenth time, we ask ourselves, “How could they?” To make matters worse, the closer the relationship, the deeper the wound we inflict on ourselves as we replay those negative thoughts.

Living in Constant Forgiveness

Living in constant forgiveness is the antidote to bitterness, self-wounding, and falling into the enemy’s traps. This is humanly impossible, but as believers, we are not alone; the Holy Spirit lives within us.

When someone sins against us, we also have a responsibility. We can address someone who has wronged us. Rebuking doesn’t mean listing every sin of the person. It should always be done lovingly, in both words and tone. The aim is to point out the wrongdoing with the intention of guiding the individual back to God and others. Restoration is always the Lord’s desire.

The context of our passage from Luke 17:3-4 refers to sin that could pull that person or others away from God and thus risk the millstone around their neck. Unless rebuke is tied to forgiveness, it will not help the sinning person. Because God has forgiven our sins, we should not withhold forgiveness from others.

Remember What Jesus has Done

When someone has hurt me, and I find it hard to forgive and rebuke them in love, remembering what Jesus has done changes my heart. As believers, we have hurt Jesus deeply because He had to pay the price for our sin so we could be forgiven. The cross was all about forgiveness, not payback. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. [3]  There is something about meditating on that verse that puts the wound I received in a greater perspective.

To learn more about how to react when others sin against us, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/03battle-11-8-26

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

When Others Don’t Meet Our Expectations

Paula K. Graves

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November 10, 2026

When others don’t meet our expectations, many choose to be offended. We may never have even discussed our expectations of them. Yet, we assume they know. When we expect others to meet our expectations, we walk in selfish love. We are easily offended when they don’t respond the way we’d like.

We set ourselves up for offense when we require certain behaviors and attitudes from those we interact with. The closer our relationship with them, the more we expect and the greater the potential for offense. Then when we are offended, we justify it because we are the victims.

Prevent Misunderstandings

As a pastor, one of my duties is to provide premarital counseling to couples who intend to get married. Both the groom and the bride bring family expectations with them from their family of origin. These may or may not match. By discussing these expectations, we can prevent conflict over differing expectations.

A major concern is how to celebrate the holidays as a new couple. The bride may have always celebrated Christmas Eve, while the groom thinks it should be Christmas Day. By discussing the differences, they can settle on a compromise before conflict arises and disrupts their relationship. That way no one gets the blame for celebrating Christmas “the wrong way.”

David Expected Friendship

It seems David was betrayed by someone he thought was his friend. Psalm 55: 12 It is not an enemy who taunts me—I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me—I could have hidden from them. 13 Instead, it is you—my companion and close friend. 14 What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God. [1]

Paul’s Advice

If we look closely at Paul’s missionary journeys, we see that he is repeatedly mistreated by some of the people he interacts with. Yet, Paul doesn’t become bitter. His love for Jesus overrides everything in his life. He shares how he can do this with the Philippian church.

Philippians 2:3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. [2]

Remember Jesus humbled Himself to become human and die on the cross to save us from our sins. As followers of Jesus, we must follow His example and not put ourselves first but try to understand others. That means humbling ourselves by setting aside our need to be right or to be the victim.

Where do you need to look beyond your pride or feeling like a victim when others don’t meet your expectations? To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/03battle-11-8-26

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Don’t Offend the Little Ones

Tom Graves

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November 9, 2026

“Don’t offend the little ones” is a stern warning from Jesus. Luke 17:1One day Jesus said to his disciples, “There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting! 2 It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin.[1]

Some may ask who the little ones Jesus refers to are. Jesus used the term “little ones” not only to refer to children but also to his followers who were learning to follow Him. The phrase “little ones” suggests that children are inherently trusting. A trusting parent can greatly impact a child’s life, guiding them in the ways of the Lord.

Similarly, religious leaders can lead people closer to the Lord or away from Him. As a parent or a religious leader, the Lord has placed you in a significant position that can build up and bless others or tear them down. Out of love, we want to imitate the Lord by building up others. 1 John 2:10 Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble.[2]

Leading Others Astray has Consequences

When we meditate on the consequences for leading people astray, causing them to sin, or promoting sinful behavior, it should bring about a fear of the Lord. Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. [3]

Having a millstone hung around your neck and thrown into the sea highlights the seriousness of leading someone away from the Lord. A millstone was a heavy, flat stone used for grinding grain. This large stone was attached to an ox or donkey that walked in circles, turning the stone to crush the grain. The image of having a millstone tied around the neck and being thrown into the sea evokes a terrifying death by drowning. However, such a death is minor compared to the eternal punishment a person faces if they do not repent of their sins.

Warnings are God’s Grace

Parents give warnings because they love us and are trying to protect us, such as telling us not to touch the hot burner. God also gives us warnings that help us stay on the narrow path if we follow His guidance. God does not want us to suffer the consequences of having a millstone hung around our neck and thrown into the sea in a figurative sense.

If we refuse to listen to God’s warnings, our conscience becomes dull. We might resemble a skunk that emits a foul odor but remains unbothered by it. Those caught up in sin are frequently unaware of their own moral stink. This is not God’s desire for any of us. Our loving God wants us to respond to His warnings, sharpening our conscience and our faith in Him. As we do, we are better able to hear His voice so He can guide us along our journey of faith.

So don’t offend the little ones. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/03battle-11-8-26

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

A Devious Trap

Paula K. Graves

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November 8, 2026

Satan loves the chance to set a devious trap. Paul warned us to be aware of his schemes. Ephesians 6: 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. [1] Satan has strategies to lead us away from God because he hates us.

Jesus also warned His disciples that there would be temptations. Luke 17:1One day Jesus said to his disciples, “There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting![2] The Greek word translated “temptation” here is skandalon. This refers to the movable stick or trigger of a trap. It is any impediment placed in the way and causing one to stumble or fall.[3]

Sin separates us from God, and so anytime we sin, until we repent, we are separated from our Lord. If you are a hunter, you know a trap must look innocent and enticing. That is what draws the animal to it, and the animal doesn’t know it’s a trap until it is sprung. Sin acts the same way. It looks good, perhaps even advantageous. But then we are surprised when sin entangles us.

The Trap of Offense

It is interesting that the word skandalon can also be translated as offense. Of the 15 occurrences in the New Testament, it is translated as ‘offense’ 9 times. This is how the New King James Version translates Luke 17:1: Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come![4]

Miriam-Webster defines offense as this: something that outrages the moral or physical senses or the act of displeasing or affronting.[5] You may be offended when someone blatantly sins against you. An offense can simply come because another person did not meet your expectations. Being offended results in strong emotions such as outrage, resentment, jealousy, and bitterness.

Hurt people want to hurt people in response. Our sinful nature takes hold, and we lash out against those we believe wronged us. We don’t take time to stop and respond lovingly; instead, we want to retaliate against the wrongdoer and hold a grudge.

Unaware of the Trap

The most insidious thing about being in offense is that we don’t even realize we are caught in a trap of sin. Often, our pride causes us to feel justified in being offended. We think we are right and the offender is wrong, which may or may not be the truth. Often our pride blinds us to the truth of the situation, and our anger energizes our grudge.

Pride and anger can get us into more trouble. Ephesians 4: 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. [6] Proverbs 16: 18 Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. [7]

Because we feel justified in our offense, we often hold back forgiveness. But this is dangerous territory, as we must forgive for God to forgive us. Matthew 6:14 If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.[8] So we can see that offense is a devious trap that destroys our relationships with others and our Lord. No wonder Jesus warns us against it. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/03battle-11-8-26

[1,2,6-8] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

[3] Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.

[4] The New King James Version (Lk 17:1). (1982). Thomas Nelson.

[5] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/offense

The Power of Prayer

Tom Graves

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November 7, 2026

The power of prayer provides the energy to equip the Christian soldier with armor and to wield the sword. James 5:16 The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. [1] We cannot win battles using only our own strength, regardless of our talent or power.

When Amalek attacked Israel, Moses climbed the mountain to pray while Joshua fought with the sword in the valley (Exodus 17:8-16). Both were necessary to defeat Amalek: Moses’ intercession from above and Joshua’s sword below. Prayer provides the power for victory, but it must be the right kind. If you are struggling today, the answer may be simply to start with prayer.

Pray in the Spirit at All Times

Ephesians 6:18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. [2] Praying in the Spirit means that the Spirit helps us when we pray. Romans 8:26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.[3]

The Spirit inspires and guides us in prayer, helping us communicate with God and receive His responses. While Paul elsewhere mentions praying with the Spirit as a gift of tongues, here it generally refers to all persistent, attentive prayer and intercession for believers.

We should not underestimate satan’s power; he attacks people in different ways, so we must pray in various ways and be open to all types of requests. Satan will strike unexpectedly, making it essential to remain alert to prayer needs. Since satan rarely gives up when he believes he can win, children of God must persist in prayer, regardless of how long it takes.

Asking for Intercessory Prayer

In Ephesians 6:19-20, Paul emphasizes the importance of putting what he has just taught into action. Although Paul is a great man of God, he is still human and needs prayer. Paul knew the power of prayer, as God sent a man named Ananias to pray for him after the Lord blinded him on the road to Damascus. Ananias found Saul, laid hands on him, and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared on the road, sent me to restore your sight and fill you with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight.

Now, many years later, Paul is requesting prayer because he has received a divine assignment that requires God’s strength to fulfill. Ephesians 6: 19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.[4]

Our Prayers

Like Paul, we can trust that God has a purpose for our lives, even in the most difficult circumstances. When we pray for courage, wisdom, and the right words, God can use us wherever we are to share the hope of Jesus and boldly proclaim His Good News to a world that desperately needs to hear it. Don’t forget about the power of prayer. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/02battle-11-01-26

[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Jas 5:16). (1984). Zondervan.

[2-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Tools for the Battle

Paula K. Graves

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November 6, 2026

Paul gives us valuable tools for the battle against satan. Ephesians 6: 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [1]

Shield of Faith

Roman soldiers carried a large shield made of wood, covered with leather. These could be interlocked with other soldiers’ shields to form a wall. When a soldier soaked the shield in water, the wet leather would extinguish the enemy’s flaming arrows.

Faith is our shield. We are not alone in the battle. We can join together with others in the faith to form a protective wall against satan’s attacks. Satan loves to shoot fiery arrows of temptation, doubt, anger, lust, and despair to destroy us. Our shield of faith in God can quench those attacks.

Salvation as Your Helmet

A helmet guards your mind. We must always remember who and whose we are. Through faith we become the children of God, and He loves us. Jesus loved us so much that He willingly paid the price for our sin on the cross. When we accept His gift of salvation, He delivers us from the power of sin and the devil.

As we turn our lives over to God, study the Bible, and pray, He begins to control our minds. When this happens, our salvation acts as a helmet, and satan’s attacks on our minds bounce off.

Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God

This is the only offensive tool in God’s armor. All the other weapons are defensive so that we can stand our ground. Jesus gives us a model of using God’s Word when the devil tempted Him. Each time, Jesus responded with “it is written” to counter the devil’s lies.

The Roman soldiers used their double-edged short swords in close combat. Hebrews 4: 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.[2]

A Roman short sword pierces the body, but the Word of God pierces the heart. Soldiers used their swords to kill, but the sword of the Spirit wounds to give life and heal. The Holy Spirit inspired Scripture. When we use the Word of God in faith, it is as if the Spirit wields a sword against our foe.

Attacked for Being God’s

All believers find themselves under attack from satan because we have left his kingdom and become part of God’s Kingdom. Satan hates losing people to God and so attacks believers. We must use all of God’s tools in the battle to resist satan’s attacks and stand true to God. May you daily put on God’s armor to stand for His Kingdom. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/02battle-11-01-26

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

The Power of the Gospel

Tom Graves

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November 5, 2026

The power of the Gospel is so great that it takes people out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of Light. The Gospel, also known as the Good News, is the very foundation of Jesus’ message. As the Lord draws us to faith and deepens our understanding of the Good News, He calls us to put on the armor of God to protect us in the spiritual battle of this lifetime. This protective armor enables us to resist the enemy and stand firm in the battle. Perhaps the Lord is awakening you today to recognize that this battle is real and to understand the importance of putting on His armor.

Put on Every Piece of God’s Armor

To remain steadfast in the fight, equip yourself with all of God’s armor. Paul describes each piece as a soldier would put them on, starting with the leather belt, which he calls the belt of truth. The soldier is prepared for battle when the belt is securely fastened. Similarly, as believers, we should start each day with our belt fastened, ready to engage in the spiritual battle as needed. The belt is the foundation of the soldier’s armor, and truth is the foundation of the believer in Jesus.

When we put on the belt of truth, Paul tells us something significant happens. Ephesians 4:14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. [1]

The truth of God’s Word anchors every other piece of spiritual armor. The more securely you wrap yourself with it, such as memorizing it, understanding it, and applying it to your life, the more skilled you will be in the spiritual battle. And the more dangerous you will be to your spiritual enemy.

Additional pieces of armor

After believers put on the belt of truth, they are ready to add more armor. Ephesians 6: 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. The breastplate protects the soldier’s torso, covering from the neck to the thighs. Righteousness offers strong protection because it demonstrates that we are justified before God, a righteousness granted to us by the Holy Spirit.

Believers have been made righteous through Christ’s blood. Through this transformation, believers aspire to live with uprightness and integrity, seeking to please the One who saved them.

In addition, a soldier wore special sandals or military shoes that protected his feet without slowing him down. Ephesians 6:15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.[2]

The Word of God is the Gospel, offering peace and equipping believers for spiritual battles. Additionally, the shoes symbolize the need to prepare daily to share the Gospel of peace with a lost world. In Romans 10:15, Paul highlights the beauty of feet that bring good news. May God bless you with feet that proclaim His word!

To learn more about the power of the Gospel, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/02battle-11-01-26

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Resisting the Enemy

Paula K. Graves

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November 4, 2026

In his section about the armor of God, Paul speaks about resisting the enemy. Ephesians 6: 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.[1]

In the Bible, to resist means to stand firm against, to oppose, or to strive against an external force, temptation, or authority. The primary biblical Greek and Hebrew words translated as “resist” (anthistēmi and antitassomai) literally mean to “set oneself against” or “range in battle against.”[2]

In history, we see people setting up resistance groups in Europe during WWII. These groups sought to harass and undermine Nazi control in any way they could. They used non-cooperation, propaganda, sabotage, espionage, and armed combat to oppose Nazi rule. We must apply the same concept as we fight against spiritual evil.

Therefore

Ephesians 6:13 begins with the word “therefore.” This means that Paul is connecting a cause to its effect. In verse 12, Paul had just described the enemy Satan and his helpers. Our real enemy isn’t people but spiritual powers. We don’t want to waste our time fighting humans when we should be fighting the devil. As a consequence, Paul repeats what he said in verse 11 and adds to it.

From this we can understand that the spiritual battle is real. Paul doesn’t say there might be a battle; he speaks of when there is a battle. Basically, this will happen, so you must be ready to resist. Forewarned is forearmed. One of satan’s strategies is to get us to think he doesn’t exist. That allows him to act without us resisting. But if we are ready for the battle, our resistance hinders him.

Take Off to Put On

Earlier in his letter to the Ephesians, Paul had used a clothing image. Ephesians 4: 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. [3]

Now in chapter 6, in addition to the new nature, we are to put on God’s armor. Some translations say, “take up.” In that day, “take up” was a technical military term describing preparation for battle.[4] We must be ready for the battle. While Christ wins the war against satan, we can lose individual battles if we are not prepared.

Paul isn’t the only one to speak about resisting the devil; James and Peter agree. James 4: 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.[5] 1 Peter 5: 9 Resist him (the devil), firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.[6] Be prepared to keep resisting the enemy on your faith journey. To learn more, listen here:

[1,3,5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[2]https://av1611.com/kjbp/kjv-dictionary/resist.html

[4] Barton, B. B., & Comfort, P. W. (1996). Ephesians (p. 131). Tyndale House Publishers.

[6] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Pe 5:8–9). (2025). Crossway Bibles.

Knowing Your Enemy

Tom Graves

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November 3, 2026

Knowing your enemy is key to the spiritual battle we are engaged in, but for many people, including many Christians, the real enemy remains unknown. In our world, we can examine evil individuals from both the past and the present, but Paul reveals in Ephesians who the true enemy behind these people is.

Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. [1] The evil we battle in this world is demons whom our enemy, satan, controls. The devil has strategies against us and knows our weaknesses, seeking to lead us into sin and away from God. Like a hunter setting a trap or a snare, the enemy does the same to us.

Who are demons? They are fallen angels who joined satan’s rebellion against God and are the enemy of every believer. The terms ‘rulers,’ ‘authorities,’ ‘cosmic powers,’ and ‘spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places’ describe these enemies’ characteristics and their realm of activity. Although these beings are powerful, the good news is that God limits their power.

Gaining Perspective in the Battle

With an understanding of who our enemy is, we can prepare for the battle we are engaged in. In Ephesians 6:11, Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God because the enemy does not sit idle but continually attacks us to weaken our walk with the Lord. In essence, our armor is directly tied to our relationship with God. The enemy can easily conquer a starving soldier on the battlefield. Similarly, as believers, if we don’t feed our relationship with God through His word, worship, and prayer, we become spiritually weakened.

Our enemy is not fictitious but is a powerful being. The Ephesians practiced magic and witchcraft and were aware of the power of the kingdom of darkness. Acts 19:19 A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars.[2] Because our enemy is spiritual in nature, we must fight this battle in the spiritual realm. Although our enemy is powerful, he is no match for God, and Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross defeated sin, death, and the devil.

Moving Forward in the Battle

As believers in Jesus, we are enemies of satan and his minions. Although we are assured of victory, we must engage in the struggle until Christ returns. In many ways, this pushes us to depend more on God and on our relationship with Him. We then begin to see our lives in the bigger picture of what God is accomplishing in and through us.

The enemy will try to convince us that we are alone and that God won’t help us in our time of need, but that is just a lie. The Lord is aware of the spiritual battle you are in and draws us into His word, prayer, and worship to strengthen us. In addition, the spiritual trials we go through refine us, which is another victory for God, not the enemy!

To learn more about knowing your enemy, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/02battle-11-01-26

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Stand Firm in the Battle

Paula K. Graves

no comments

November 2, 2026

Paul tells us how we can stand firm in the battle against the devil. This is not a routine army battle; it is a spiritual battle. Ephesians 6: 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.[1]

The concept of standing firm is so important that Paul emphasizes it in verses 11, 13, and 14. The Greek word for stand, histemi, is used in verses 11 & 14. It means to stand immovable, stand firm, continue safe and sound, and to stand ready or prepared.[2] A derivative of this word, anthistemi is translated “withstand” in verse 13. It means to set oneself against, to withstand, resist, and oppose.[3]

This is a defensive position. Paul doesn’t tell us to advance, nor are we to retreat. We can stand firm on the spiritual ground Jesus has already won for us on the cross. In Paul’s time, those left standing after the battle were the victors. We can remain standing firm by the power of God and the resources that He supplies.

Our Part

While it is true that we must rely on the mighty strength of God to stand, we have a part to play. We also must use the equipment He supplies. Ephesians 6:11 is a command. “Put on” is an imperative, meaning that believers themselves are responsible for putting on the armor.[4] The Greek grammar requires that we do this action.

We can understand the need for physical armor during war. But how do we put on the armor of God when it is not physical, but spiritual? You put on the whole armor of God by reading the Bible, praying every day, and choosing to live by God’s truth, faith, and love. It is a daily choice to rely on God’s strength and not our own.

God wisely provides the gifts of truth, righteousness, and faith, but we must choose to use them. Each piece of armor has a unique purpose, which protects us from spiritual warfare, the attacks we cannot see with our own eyes. With the armor on, we can stand strong against the enemy and get closer to God as we trust in Him.

Strategies of the Devil

Christ has defeated the devil on the cross, but the victory won’t be complete until He returns. Until then, our struggle in the spiritual realm will continue. As a result, the devil has strategies. Jesus called him a thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). He will lie, cheat, and use subtle tricks in his attempts to turn us away from our Savior.

Satan uses the things outside of ourselves, the things of the world, and our internal sinful nature to tempt us to sin and to lead us astray. When we are aware of this battle, rely on God’s strength, and put on God’s armor, we will be able to stand firm. Our ability to stand in spiritual battles depends on us trusting God and using His provisions.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/02battle-11-01-26

[1-] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Eph 6:10–11). Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] Strong, J. (1995). G2476, In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.

[3] Strong, J. (1995). G436, In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.

[4] Hoehner, H. W., Comfort, P. W., & Davids, P. H. (2008). Cornerstone biblical commentary: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, Philemon. (Vol. 16, p. 127). Tyndale House Publishers.

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