Unaware of our enemy, or the armor that they utilize is usually a guarantee that we are about to lose the battle. Preparations are necessary! A large amount of Christians “miss the boat” on the victory that awaits them when faltering in that particular arena.
The war front lines can be savagely fought, but behind the scenes there has to be personal sacrifice on the part of thousands who, while not getting injured in the conflict directly, are equally important.
My father-in-law told, how as a welder in World War 2, he had to work on “oil tankers”, and with 13 Bays, they were putting out a tanker every six and a half days. He told how the guys kept working against the most unpleasant situations. Nothing slowed them, because they were professional welders, and the “boys up front” needed them.
One of the most important things that we must have clearly defined in our life experience, is who we are battling and utilizing our abilities to maximum. This was brought to my attention with exceptional force as I was reading Ephesians 5 this morning. The 13th verse says: “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”
The enemy has been defined previously, where we read of the schemes of the devil. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places.”
Before we go further, try these areas that the devil works on and often through. Chapter 1:18 “the eyes of your heart being enlightened…the hope of His calling…the riches of His inheritance in the saints.” How about when GRACE stepped in and transformed our lives? 2:5, 6 “made us alive, raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Because we are thus related to Him, and my brother in Christ is related to Him, is this an area that should be guarded against?
Are we aware of what is written about the Holy Spirit in 5:18 and following; or about the husband and wife relationship? Certainly we should go on to recognize the children, and the church, and to slaves and masters. And do not forget that in the 6th Chapter, the whole reason for the idea with which we started, “the schemes of the devil”, for our “struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Inasmuch as we want to end up the victors, we have to put on the “full armor of God… the truth… the righteousness… peace… the helmet; and it is summed up in, “which is the Word of God”. Then we read: “In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”
I am not as concerned about what others are doing, and using that as a reason to release my guard for a moment. The question is am I putting on the “whole armor of God”? That foregoing list is to be utilized against the real enemy… the devil. Those “chinks” in my armor is where the battle is going to be waged. He has more awareness of them than I. His experience is superior! My challenge and the challenge of every believer, is to utilize the armor that God has prepared; it is sufficient for every occasion… Put it on!
ETCetera 