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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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Ephesians 6:10
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”
It is largely a matter of choice.
You see, as Paul has already said, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the Heavenly realms with every Spiritual blessing in Christ” (1:3). Therefore we must be able to be strong. If we are “in Christ” and He has all authority because He is the Final Authority, then we too must be capable of being strong. We can “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” Yes, we can.
So how? By recognising who Christ Jesus is. By recognising who we are “in Christ”, and by putting “on the full armour of God” (v 13). But we have to put it on.
Is that the catch, I wonder? We have become so existentialist, so self-centred and determined to enjoy the comforts of this life that the whole idea of fighting is now both inconvenient and outmoded. “I don’t really want to be bothered with putting on all the armour. If it is there, all well and good – let God put it on me.”
But that is not how God works. We have to put the armour on. Yes, it is there but we have to be active, not passive. We dare not be passive in the war. Or we will be taken captive. We have to fight. Yes, as Christians we are still called to war. With the flesh – those desires that come from our natural carnal nature. With the devil – the enemy, Satan, who seeks “to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10) and who is the author of diversion, doubt, fear, accusation, condemnation and destruction.
We start with “the belt of Truth”, because then we can detect counterfeit and lies of the enemy. Next “the Breastplate of Righteousness” (v 14) protecting our heart from condemnation. “Feet fitted” with the readiness “of the Gospel of Peace” (v 15) – to reconcile others and us to God and to one another. “The Shield of Faith”, which can protect us from “all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (v 16) – his temptations, condemnation, his doubts and any adverse circumstances. “The Helmet of Salvation” (v 17) protects our heads and minds from the enemy’s lies and thoughts.
Then comes the only offensive weapon we need. “The Sword of the Spirit”, which is The Word of God – The Bible. We answer all of the enemy’s attacks by quoting the appropriate Scripture – as Jesus did in the wilderness (see Luke 4). Let God fight the battle for you with His Word, which will not return empty but accomplish what He desires (see Isaiah 55:11).
And “Pray”. Keep constantly in touch with God. The enemy wants to bring division, isolation and a gap between us and God (and between us and our ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters’ in Christ). Whilst we continue to pray, he cannot achieve his goals. The only authority Satan can obtain is that which we give him. If we give in to his lies, schemes or attractions, then he gains a limited authority over us.
But listen – it is still our choice. We choose whether to pick up the armour or not. Whether to “put it on” or not. Whether or not I know “the Sword of the Spirit” and how to use it. Whether I will continue to pray or stop. Listen, the “mighty power” and authority are ours “in Christ” – it is available for us to use. Hallelujah!
Let’s get up – put on the armour and take the battle to the enemy by standing our ground, speaking forth Christ’s Life-giving Word and setting his captives free. Not just today but every day.
Never ever forget – Jesus Christ has triumphed. He has already won the war… Our job is just to stand firm and win the ‘cleaning up’ battles – in His Name. Hallelujah!
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