Living a life faithful to Jesus means that spiritual warfare should be expected. It’s not a matter of if it comes, but when it comes. Faithfulness isn’t an exemption from hardship, it just puts a bigger target on your back. Just think about Job.
"And he said, 'Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.'” - Job 1:21
When we are living intentional lives, grounded in the truths of Scripture, our lives look different. We’ve seen throughout Ephesians thus far that walking worthy of our calling means walking in humility, unity, love, light, and wisdom. This can be an overwhelming way to live if we had to do it alone.
Thankfully, not only has God called us but He has equipped us, which brings us to Ephesians 6:10-17.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil 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 firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”
Paul breaks down just how God equips His people for the spiritual warfare that is constantly swirling around. When we are rooted in Christ, we can stand against the schemes of the evil one. Standing strong in truth and righteousness, walking in the peace of the gospel, shielded by faith, and defended by the Word of God.
By strapping on the armor of God, we can fight against every evil thing—the devil, the world, and self. All the things that aim to pull us away from God, we have been given the means to fight them (2 Cor. 10:3-4).
Spiritual warfare can be summed up as a supernatural fight against Satan, whose schemes are lived out through an evil world that is carried out by demons and those who follow him. Even with all the evil in the world, the people of God have been given more than enough to combat evil.
While every day is a spiritual battle, we must not forget that the war has already been won. So, when we fight sin and evil, we are fighting in victory. We do not fight in defeat but in the power of Jesus.
Satan has no power over us because Jesus has broken his hold on us through His death and resurrection which forever broke the power of sin and death (Romans 5:18-21).
And even though we live in a broken world, and we still must stand against evil and the temptation of sin, we walk in the strength of the Holy Spirit and strapped into the armor of God.
So, suit up warrior of God. The victory already belongs to you through Christ alone.
by Emily Rico