Passage
Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Commentary & Questions
The ones who are not “flesh and blood” are controlled by the devil and are very real. Their army’s goal is to defeat the church of Christ and they will try anything to turn His Bride from Him and back into sin. Christ’s death and resurrection has already assured the victory; however, until Christ returns, the enemy will battle against us. We face spiritual attack daily through media, people, circumstances… The evil one uses whatever possible tricks to feed us with lies. These lies can make us feel temporarily satisfied in our flesh, even “good” according to the standards of this world, but ultimately leave us empty and unfulfilled. These lies can also make us feel worried, scared, sad, or insecure; but none of these are feelings from God. It is also a battle we cannot face on our own. It takes a supernatural power to defeat the enemy, whom God has provided us through His Holy Spirit.
1. What is the armor of God, and why are we called to protect ourselves with that armor?
2. What spiritual battles do you come up against on a day-to-day basis, and how do you defend yourself in those battles?
3. Who is your source of strength? Is it your will power or Jesus Christ?
4. Do you find yourself aware of spiritual warfare on a daily basis, or do you find yourself living in the evil one’s illusion that it doesn’t exist?
The battle is real and you’ve chosen a side, whether you are consciously living in light of that truth or not. Meditate on that reality today and recalibrate your heart with God’s through His Word. God’s Church will persevere, and you have a choice whether you want to take part or not. Through Christ you get to be a part of His Kingdom’s advancement in this world. Ask His Spirit to lead you and guide you today, that you may glorify Him as He changes you to become more like Christ through every step of action or inaction you take.
Devotional Author: Brittany Brown