David Bahn – Reflections

Ephesians 6:10-24

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² 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. ¹³ 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. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, ¹⁹ and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Our enemy is stealthy and strong. He is committed to our demise. Some would deny the devil’s very existence. Some would pass off any sincere engagement in devil-talk as overly-superstitious and paranoid. But here in these words we are brought face-to-face with the reality of his existence, the danger of his purpose and the tenacity of his attacks.

If the devil is not real, our battles to do good, our struggles against evil in any quarter, and the success of evil plans in the world will be easily dismissed. But there is a chief antagonist who seeks our doom and orchestrates demonic forces and spiritual powers against every good plan.

Make no mistake about it: he seeks our doom. He is the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He wants nothing more than to undercut every good intention that God has for us. He is most happy when we are is a dead sleep so that he can pursue and succeed in his evil goals.

He will not be easily defeated. He slings fiery arrows of accusation, distrust, strife, and temptation toward us. He is the consumate wrestler who will not give up. His schemes unfold from within their own subversion and deceit.

Do not dismiss the danger of this enemy, nor his desire for your doom. Take the full armor of God and stand your ground. This is not paranoia. And as you fight, know this: We fight for the King of kings! We have a champion who leads us, and weapons of the Spirit to stand victorious over the stronges foe.