We are in a spiritual battle, and we need to put on all of God’s armor. We need God’s strength to fight this battle, and He supplies the weapons. This is not a battle against other people; it is a battle against the spiritual forces that influence them.
Ephesians 6: 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 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]
Armed and Ready
God did not give Paul the message to put on God’s armor so future Sunday school classes could have fun playing dress up. God knew believers throughout the ages would be in a battle. Paul and, later, his mentee Timothy were in a spiritual battle in Ephesus. The cult of Artemis or Diana was strong, and the spirit behind this idol fought against Christianity.
As Paul concluded his letter to the Ephesian church, he wanted to ensure they understood that God had provided a means for them to overcome the enemy. He identified the enemy and then used the parts of a Roman soldier’s armor to describe the weapons God gives believers.
Our part in the battle is to put on the armor. Not only does Paul tell us to put on the armor in verse eleven, but he repeats himself. 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.[2] While God provides in the battle, He also invites us to partner with Him in it. We are not to be passive, but armed and ready.
What Prevents Us from Using God’s Weapons?
The first reason people don’t bother to use God’s weapons is that many are unaware they are living on a battlefield. Unfortunately, they think life is a playground and get upset when the enemy attacks. Ignorance is not bliss in this case. We can easily underestimate the power of evil.
Sometimes, we lack the necessary weapons or training in their use. Again, this is the reason Paul taught on these. We need each other in the battle. First to encourage and then to mentor others in the faith. Faith is a journey, and it takes time to understand the significance of the weapons. It also takes training to use them. That is why God will test our faith.
1 Peter 1: 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. [3]
So, learn about and put on all of God’s armor. Be willing to practice the use of God’s armor daily. Like anything in life, practicing these skills leads to competence. Don’t let the enemy deceive and trick you. God provides protection on our journey of faith, use it. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/following-jesus-into-battle
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.