Ephesians 6 - 12.3.24
SCRIPTURE: EPHESIANS 6:10 - 12
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 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.
OBSERVATION
This is one of the most quoted and studied scripture in the Bible, and for good reason. We can all use every tip and tool available when it comes to battles with the enemy of this world: the Devil.
First and foremost, the Armor of God is where we can be strong in the Lord and have his mighty power. You can find specifics on the armor in verses 14 – 17. In addition to reading more about it, I highly encourage everyone to watch Pastor Levi’s series on the Armor of God to learn more about each piece of armor. Here’s the first sermon in the series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqAAeraJvOw
We might think our struggles on this earth are from the individuals we have disagreements with, or situations that occur in life, but this scripture shows the root of these struggles “is not against flesh and blood.” Realizing there is a spiritual element to our struggles, and not a physical human element, is eye opening. It brings about a whole new view to what goes on in this world. Your prayer life, how you view these struggles, and overcome them can dramatically change.
APPLICATION
Years ago, while watching a Star Trek Next Generation episode (yes, I am a sci-fi geek), I literally had one of those moments where a Biblical principle comes to life. No, I’m not saying the episode or series is anything on a Godly level, but it did provide a powerful visual for this very scripture verse. The episode revolved around a species of people who could not be seen but were alive in another dimension. I realized the episode was a great visual example of the spirit world around us. We can’t see them or know their movements but they do exist. In 1 Peter 5:8, we’re told to “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Be encouraged because we have a powerful way to defeat and stand against the devil with the Armor of God.
Next time you have a struggle or a disagreement with someone, anything that is “flesh and blood,” remember that what you’re going through might come from a spiritual force and not the person you’re dealing with. The struggle could be a spiritual battle that has nothing to do with that person but is a deeper spiritual level. Realizing this fact can change your perception of the person. If you can view them more as a vessel of the enemy and not a personal attack on you, your prayer life changes, and your interaction with that person can change. In that moment, you can see that person as God sees them with forgiveness and mercy. During the struggle, keeping the Armor of God on will give you the power and strength needed against the “devil’s schemes”.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your word which is the power needed against the Devil. You’ve given us everything we need to be victorious in these battles. Help me Lord to always have your Armor on to be ready for battle. Help me to not become complacent or lazy. Give me your strength, wisdom and power to be victorious in each battle. Lord, help me to remember that each battle is not against the person I’m dealing with but can be part of the devil’s scheme to weaken or defeat me in a spiritual way. Lord, help me to view the people in life that are being used as the enemy’s puppet, not something personal against me. Help me to love these people just the same as you love them, died for them and seek to save them. In Jesus name! Amen
- Mary Oberg
