By Marsha West
I am amazed by how many Christians are unfamiliar with the Armor of God the Apostle Paul spoke about in Ephesians 6:10. “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Yes, the devil is real, he’s a schemer, and he’s out to get you! If you don’t believe he’s real, then take the time to read the Gospels. Take Mark 9:25 for example. Jesus actually spoke to a demon. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” It would be a little ridiculous for Jesus to talk to demons if they didn’t exist. There are plenty of other examples. My point is that Christians are failing to arm themselves for battle against the spiritual powers of darkness!
So, how can you defend yourself against demonic attacks? You must get dressed!
In Ephesians 6 Paul tells you what you should wear. First, buckle the Belt of Truth around your waist. Truth is a deep knowledge of God’s character and will as applied to our lives. Second, the Breastplate of Righteousness must be firmly in place. This refers to the righteousness of Christ, not your own! The breastplate protects your heart from the attacks of Satan. Third, you must have on the proper shoes if you’re going to resist Satan’s attacks. He is an expert at keeping you off balance! Solid footing is provided by the gospel of peace. (Peace comes when you learn to rest in God’s promises.) With the right shoes on you’ll be prepared to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Your feet must always be ready to move! Fourth, take up the Shield of Faith. Faith is complete trust in Christ. When you have faith in God, Satan will be unable to worm his way into your life because Christ offers adequate protection. Fifth, take the hope of the helmet of salvation–look forward to the day of Christ’s return, when the wicked will be judged and you’ll have peace. In the meantime, the helmet will protect your mind from temptation and from believing false doctrine. Feel confident that the moral depravity taking place throughout the world will “ultimately be resolved by God’s program.” Moreover “live unafraid in a world of fear and terror.” And remember that “God is moving in history, and nothing that happens can upset or delay His plan.” (Source) Sixth, you must wield a very sharp and deadly sword – the Sword of the Spirit. The Word of God is a Christian’s sword. The Bible is “living and active and sharper than any two edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). When you’re tempted, do as Jesus did and use Scripture as a weapon to fight off the Adversary. Lastly, pray! The Sword of the Spirit and Prayer are offensive weapons. Use them!
There you have it. The Armor of God is a symbolic description of the Lord Himself. You must put on Jesus Christ. Trust completely in His power! It’s a mistake to try to live for Christ in your own strength. You must receive and utilize Christ’s power. He wants His people to live as He did, on complete reliance on God. He will work through us by the power of His Holy Spirit indwelling in us.
So, when the devil comes knocking on your door, let Jesus answer it!
ADDITIONAL READING
The Old Serpent and the Slacker–An allegory on Spiritual Warfare and the importance of putting on the armor of God. (Eph. 6:10-19) Angels and demons go to battle over Brady McCoy, a back-slidden Christian who has recommitted his life to Christ and is determined to reconnect with God. But distractions and diversions get in the way of Brady’s “quiet time” with the Lord.
Fight the Spiritual Forces of Evil — and Win!–By Marsha West