His Glory, Our Story – Part VI: From Order to Arms
Scripture:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. 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 6:10-13)
Observation:
In this week’s sermon, Pastor Julius discussed Ephesians, chapter 6, which addresses the spiritual battle between good and evil. It details how the war for your soul is continuously happening in the spiritual realm.
For the believer, the battle is more intense. Demons try to oppress you, warring against you, in hopes of winning the battle for your very soul; but it also reminds us that God’s heavenly angels are always fighting on our behalf.
Remember that you are never alone; God will fight for you!
It is through God’s amazing grace, the power of Jesus Christ’s blood that was shed on the cross, along with continuously clothing yourself with God’s full armor, that we unite with Christ to come against the schemes of the enemy.
Application:
Ephesians 6:13 makes a thought-provoking statement. It instructs us to put on the full armor of God, but also charges us to “do everything to stand our ground” when the enemy attacks.
This really resonated with me because how many times, when we face hardship, do we tend to get in our feelings and isolate? How many times do we want to fall back from routine, responsibility, and even from serving? How many times do we want to curl up in a corner, thinking about how hard life is and feel sorry for ourselves?
That’s what our flesh naturally wants to do; that’s what society coddles, and that’s exactly where the enemy wants us: isolated, making our feelings our god, taking us out of routine, responsibility, and service— all of which gives us purpose for God’s Kingdom!
I’m not saying that you’re never going to go through tough seasons in life; we all do! In fact, it’s guaranteed you will face difficulties; Jesus told us in John 16:33 that “in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” As followers of Christ, a tough season should NEVER turn into a permanent lifestyle. As believers in Jesus Christ, we should always stay in the fight, stand our ground, and always have hope, because the God we serve is greater than any trial we come against.
Church, ask yourself these questions today and be honest:
1) When I’m faced with a trial, do I put on the full armor?
2) Do I do everything in my power to remain in the spiritual fight, or do I give up when things don’t go my way?
I pray that the armor of God be your first line of defense in all seasons and that after you have done everything to stand, stand.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for who You are. Thank you that we don’t have to face adversity on our own, for You have equipped us with Your full armor. Help us to remember that, especially in times when the enemy attacks! Give us the strength to 'stand our ground' and to 'do everything.' Give us the stamina to remain in the fight; to fight for our faith, to fight for our families, to fight for our homes, to fight for the Church, to fight for our nation; to pray without ceasing, to fast until we see breakthrough, to remain in good community with those who believe, and to seek wise, spiritual counsel from Your Word. We thank you in advance because you have already fought and won all battles for us. We love you, and it is in Your Name that we pray. Amen!