THURSDAY September 30, 2021
Stand Ready!
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Ephesians 6:14-16
As Paul closed this incredible epistle, he gave believers a complete understanding of the constant spiritual battle they were to engage in for the rest of their lives. As a prisoner in Rome, Paul saw Roman centurions with their armor and weapons––shields, spears and swords. He masterfully related these vital pieces of armor to Christian warfare. Believers needed the right armor to protect themselves against Satan and his methods. If they put on this armor, they could win the battle.
Satan schemes against Christians, especially those committed to diligent study of God’s Word and prayer. Once a person gives their life to Christ, they are hated––targets. While they sleep, Satan and his demons plan against them. They seek to oppress and depress believers. God gives His children the wisdom and knowledge to detect Satan’s attacks.
Satan is a defeated foe. Jesus won the battle on the Cross. Christians need not to be afraid of Satan. They can fight this battle with confidence. Believers rely upon the Resurrection power of Christ (Philippians 3:10). Using the name of Jesus, they can rebuke Satan.
Sadly, non-believers remain unaware of this spiritual battle. I fully agree with what Dr. McGee has said that those who are not in Christ are so entrapped by the darkness that Satan does not really have to worry about them. They are so occupied with their sin, they are destroying themselves. Satan sees them as easy prey.
In battle, the believer is told to stand. Standing is a position of faith and readiness. Never turn your back on the enemy; stand your ground, and you will receive all the power necessary to overcome the enemy. Stand! Stand! Stand!
I’d rather stand with God and have the world my enemy, than to go along with the crowd to destruction.
~A.W. Tozer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
