Ephesians 6: 10 - 13 (NKJV) - "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 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."
A number of years ago, Frank Peritti had a couple of books - This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness - that was a fictional reminder of the Spiritual Warfare that is waging around us. Paul, in our verse today drives home the point that this warfare is real - and deadly. However, God does not leave us totally helpless in this fight. He has made provisions for us to be able to stand in the the day of evil. I don't know what you think, but I believe we are living in very evil times. It may be that we are in the end of the ages - approaching the Rapture of God's people and the doorstep into the Tribulation.
However, until that time comes, God wants us to be prepared to stand and fight the good fight of faith. And to help us to be the best we can be for Him, He provides what Paul calls the whole armor of God. Paul also refers to parts of this armor in 1 Thessalonians 5:8. In this passage to the saints gathered at Ephesus, he tells them that they need to put on (an action that we are called to do) the panoplia (whole or complete armor). This is both the defensive and offensive provision of God.
we are in a cosmic battle of the ages, not against men but the spiritual forces behind them. Paul describes them as principalities and powers (considered to be the highest hierarchy in the angelic realm), rulers of darkness of this age (kosmokratores - world-rulers) the evil powers directing behind the scenes the world powers, and the very spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly realm (a clear reference to demonic forces, the fallen angels of Scripture).
Paul wants us to be clothed in the armor or provision of Jesus Christ. He is the victor, and the only way that we can be victorious in this battle is by being clothed in His righteousness. The only way to enter into the foray is to have received the covering of Christ's Blood, to have received Him as your Savior and Lord.
Today, muse over the relationship that you have with Jesus. Can you remember a time that you realized you were separated from God, believed and trusted Christ to remove and forgive your sin, and you placed your trust in Him to be your Lord. If not, it is not to late to do that today.
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