“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.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Most of us live what could be called routine, ordinary lives.
To be honest our approach to life is pretty casual.
We get up in the morning and go to work, many get the kids ready for school. We start our day, do our work, chores and duties, and at the end of the day, we have dinner, rest for awhile, often in front of the television or computer. Then sometime after dark, we hit the pillow, and get up the next day and do it all over again. Day after week after month after year.
Some people read the bible and some may even have daily "devotions" and prayer, although this is not so common anymore.
But I wonder how often the average "Christian" thinks about the spiritual realm, and the unseen battle that takes place all around us every day? From my conversations with people over the last twenty five years, I believe I can say from experience the number is alarmingly low.
In the 1999 movie, "The Matrix", the people of the world are going about their daily lives, where all seems normal to them. However, they are completely oblivious to a parallel reality where an insidious, unseen enemy is actually controlling their minds and using them for its own diabolical purposes. Things are not what they seem.
And that's not all that different from our world today.
Unbelievers rarely will agree there is a "devil" or any kind of real demonic enemy to mankind. Try to share with people what the bible says about demons and the devil and they will typically laugh at you and call you crazy.
And many who profess to be believers will not acknowledge the very real presence of demonic principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness, and spiritual hosts of wickedness, even though we are specifically warned about them in Ephesians 6:12. And elsewhere in scripture.
I believe the reason for this is most people simply refuse to believe in, or acknowledge something they cannot see.
Christians will sometimes argue, "Well, since Jesus defeated Satan on the Cross, I don't ever have to worry about him."
Why then, are we given warnings about Satan, even after Jesus was crucified?
Here are a couple:
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil
prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1
Peter 5:8)
“The coming of the lawless one is according
to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders.” (2
Thessalonians 2:9)
We need to see the invisible.
And we can and must do that through the lens of the Word of God.
If we are to successfully navigate these dark times, it is crucial for us to know who our Enemy is and how to do battle the way God directs us to. Therefore, we must put on the whole armor of God.
”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.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with
truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having
shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all,
taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the
fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always
with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end
with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesians
6:10-18)
Entire sermon series can be done on these verses from Ephesians 6. But to sum it up this is saying, put on Jesus Christ.
Look at the key components to this passage:
1. Be strong in the Lord's power, not in your own strength.
2. Realize our fight is not with men, but with spiritual wickedness.
3. Stand firm in your commitment to trust in God always.
4. Always be ready to speak the Truth. Keep it close to you.
5. Let God's righteousness always guard your heart.
6. Everywhere you go be prepared to share the Gospel.
7. Let your faith in God be your shield against the attacks of the Enemy.
8. Let your mind always be set on the fact that your salvation is in Christ.
9. The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit, so know it well.
10. Pray always, without ceasing. For your own needs, and for others.
I believe a great daily prayer, first thing every morning is this:
Jesus said, "Without Me you can do nothing."
—God is Love and Love Never Fails.
