The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

Keep Communication Open

Tom Graves

no comments

November 13, 2026

Only good things happen when we keep communication open, especially in a conflict or when we someone has hurt us. Proverbs 18: 19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars. [1] This is as true today as when it was written.

During the recent pandemic, many people had strong feelings on both sides of the issue, leading to offense and a lack of communication. Perhaps you experienced this. I believe this is one of the greatest and most subtle assaults people endured and did not realize the spiritual battle they were in. One of the most important lessons the Lord taught me during this time was that loving others and keeping the lines of communication open were more important than my opinion.

Communication is Key

Relational roadblocks arise when communication breaks down between spouses, friends, or relatives. Sometimes these roadblocks can last for a long period of time, or even a lifetime. In the Middle Ages, the invention of the cannon took down city walls. In a spiritual sense, Jesus has given us the key to removing roadblocks and opening communication: forgiveness.

But remember, each person builds a separate wall. God has given us free will. We can’t control another person, but we can control ourselves. We can forgive and intercede for the other person, and when we do, only good things happen. It may not resolve the issue, but it will remove the chains the enemy is using on you!

This is why the words of Jesus are so meaningful. 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.”[2]

Love Motivates us to Forgive

Mature believers in Jesus know that forgiveness is more than just words. True forgiveness involves pain because someone has been hurt, and healing comes at a cost. Love prompts us to forgive, but faith empowers that forgiveness so God can bless others through it. Since human nature is fallible, offenses will inevitably arise and can easily lead to sin. God’s people should develop the habit of sincerely confronting these offenses with love and forgiving others when they repent.

Ephesians 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. [3]

To learn more about how to keep communication open, 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.

.

Offended by God

Paula K. Graves

no comments

November 12, 2026

It is not unusual for people to become offended by God because He didn’t meet their expectations. Many expect their lives to be trouble-free when they become believers. But when a car accident or an illness comes, they wonder why God, if He is sovereign, didn’t prevent the tragedy. God often uses things we don’t understand to accomplish His work. In their disappointment and offense, people in these situations may walk away from God and their faith.

Jesus Offended the Jews

The Jews of Jesus’ day thought they knew what the Messiah would look like when he came. They expected a political ruler who would free them from Roman rule and lead them to be their own nation again. But Jesus didn’t come that way even though He fulfilled all the Old Testament prophecies. He just fulfilled them in an unexpected way, and the Jews refused to re-evaluate their interpretation of Scripture.

Mark 6:3b They (the Jews) were deeply offended and refused to believe in him (Jesus). [1] One definition of skandalon, the Greek word often translated offense, reflects this. It became a figure of speech applied to Jesus Christ, whose person and career were so contrary to the expectations of the Jews concerning the Messiah, that they rejected him and by their obstinacy made a shipwreck of their salvation.[2]

Paul addressed this issue in one of his letters. 1 Corinthians 1: 18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God… 25 This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength… 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise.[3]

Don’t Let Offense Shipwreck Your Faith

Oftentimes we don’t react to how God works any better than the Jews of Jesus’ day. We must realize that He works in ways that are beyond our comprehension. Isaiah 55: 8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” [4]

God never promised a problem-free life here on this earth. We don’t get to skip over the valley of the shadow of death, but God promises to be with us. Psalm 23: 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [5]

God loved us so much that He (Jesus is part of the Trinity) came to earth to make a way for us to spend eternity with Him. John 3: 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.[6]

When you are confused by circumstances here on earth, don’t be offended by God and walk away. Instead, push into Scripture and prayer to draw closer to Him. Allow His strength to get you through hard times. To learn more, listen here:

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


[1,3,4,6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

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

[5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Ps 23:4). (2025). Crossway Bibles.

.

When Others Sin Against Us

Tom Graves

no comments

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

no comments

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

no comments

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

no comments

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

no comments

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

no comments

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

no comments

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

no comments

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.

Powered by WordPress.com.