By Clay Anthony
We Stand Together in Spiritual Battle • Ephesians 6:10-20
Have you heard we are in a battle for the soul of our nation? It has been reported that our nation is at war. Politics aside, there is a great truth to be learned from such statements. Yes, we are in a battle and indeed are battling for much more than land, power. or money. Our fight is for the hearts, minds and – yes – souls of the people around us. Today’s text is clear: our battle is not against objects that we cannot see (v. 12) We are up against forces that are on the move in ways our senses cannot detect. The only way to ensure victory over unseen powers is to know the truth behind our fight at the beginning.
Our battle is spiritual. The Apostle Paul leaves no doubt concerning the nature of our battle by using words like cosmic, darkness, and forces in the heavenly places. What sounds like a sci-fi movie is actually played out in front of us, every day. Ever watched a news report from anywhere on earth and witnesses someone doing something un-Godly? Ever wonder why? Why would someone use a child as a human shield? Why would anyone traffic innocent young girls? Why would corrupt governments harm their own people? The answer is easy. If ships, tanks, or planes could ultimately stop such atrocities, then planet earth would be a peaceful place. We have history books to prove we can go to war against each other. Spiritual battles are just as real and when fought by our own power can lead to devastating results.
Our protection is complete. This devastation is overcome only by relying on a power that is not ours. Our first line of defense is to be covered in the whole or complete amour of God. It is whole in that there is nothing left to chance. If we are covered by God’s armor, then we can face any battle knowing that there is nothing in our lives uncovered and unprotected. Read the list of parts in verses 13-16 and you will see five unique protection devices. We are covered head to toe. We cannot take a step or even have a thought that is not protected by God’s presence in our lives. This armor is a gift. We are not alone in our fight and we have these tangible gifts of protection to prove that truth.
Our weapons are powerful. Two items listed in God’s armor stand out over the others. What we just read above includes items of protection. Again, head to toe we are covered from any attack we could face spiritually. Yet, the last word of verse 11 informs us that we have a real enemy with a name. He might lurk in the shadows and at times blindside us, but real enemies require a real fight. Of all the items listed, only two can be considered offensive in nature. One is a sword (v. 17). We know it better as the Bible. There is no substitute for knowing and using God’s Word in our spiritual battle. Think back to Jesus’ temptation in the desert (Matt. 4) and the manner in which He fought off Satan’s temptations. Each time Jesus was tempted to do wrong He simply referred to Scripture, for which Satan had no rebuttal. Our other offensive weapon is prayer (v. 18.) Prayer is taught on nearly every page of the Bible, yet most people practice it so seldom. Again, look to Jesus the night prior to His death (Luke 22:44) and what do you find Him doing? If fact, just read over the crucifixion event in the Gospels. You will find Jesus speaking several times and many of those times are prayers. If Jesus prayed, so should we.
Anthony is director of the Collaborative Missionary Network, Oxford/Holly Springs.
