READING: Eph. 6:10-13: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
After the practical advice for the life of faith in marriage, family, and society, a necessary addition follows. Living with and for Christ under His gracious blessing also faces a great threat. In order to maintain the abundant riches of grace, we must resist extremely evil and cunning adversaries. It is Satan, the great adversary, and his evil spirits who seek to pull us away from Christ.
From God’s Word, we know that Satan prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8). He will also be released near the end of the last days to deceive believers (Rev. 20:3). Let us realize especially that this is not merely a concept but a harsh reality.
No , we do not see these spiritual forces; we do not fight against flesh and blood. It is a struggle against dark spirits, rulers of this world, who influence us through people and our own sinful nature, our old self.
The path Paul points out for our battle against these evil powers is to be strengthened in the Lord. We must take refuge in Him who has invincible power.
He gives us spiritual armor for this purpose. We must fully accept and use it to resist all schemes and stand firm. This requires action, not from ourselves, but under the leadership of a mighty Hero, Christ, the Lord Sabaoth!
Are you aware of the necessity of this battle?
Singing: Hymn 41: 1,2 (1984), 53:1,2 (2014)