“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.”
Ephesians 6:13/NIV
Many years ago, while attending high school, I used to play football, and I devoted a substantial amount of time to physical fitness routines that would make me stronger and a better athlete during those days. Likewise, I also spent time studying plays from the playbook to execute blocking routines to open holes for the running backs and protect the quarterback. Watching game films of the fierce opponents was essential to prepare for their trickery and dominating qualities. My teammates and I sought to do all the right things to prepare for battle and were routinely triumphant! However, there were occasions when we were vulnerable and not victorious.
Much like a worthy athlete, we may seek to do all the right things to be prepared and hopeful of victory in our Christian walk. How should a follower of Jesus Christ prepare for the battles to be faced? Ephesians 6:11 (NIV) tells us to “put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” As football players wear protective gear to shield themselves against their adversary, Christians must equip themselves against the devil’s schemes! The Bible tells us our struggles are not against humanity but against the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).
Ephesians 6:13 tells us to put on the “full armor of God” so that when we are faced with satanic challenges, we will be able to stand firmly. Each piece of the protective gear (belt of truth; breastplate of righteousness; feet fitted with the gospel of peace; shield of faith; helmet of salvation; the sword of the Spirit) relates to qualities referenced by the Bible that Christians should have and utilize while seeking to live a righteous life (vs. 14-17). Humans are vulnerable to the devil’s schemes and trickery when fighting “against the powers of this dark world,” humans are vulnerable to the devil’s schemes and trickery.
With the whole armor of God, we will “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (6:10). What better advantage could someone have than strength from our Heavenly Father! When we are battling Satan, this will most likely involve human battles with individuals he has influenced. Reading about Judas Iscariot, we learn that Satan indwelled him and influenced his actions leading to his betrayal of Jesus Christ. Followers of Jesus Christ will face the same type of opposition from humanity under the influence of Satan! We’d better be ready! Put on the “full armor of God” to firmly stand your ground and be victorious against the powers of the dark world and the devil’s schemes and trickery! Amen!
Many blessings to you!
Share this today:
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
© 2021-2023
A Faithful Sower Publishing
Limited Liability Company
All Rights Reserved
A Faithful Sower 