FROM THE PASTOR'S PEN PAST: Prepare Yourself for Battle
“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.” Ephesians 6:10-13
Today, we consider how essential it is for us, as Christians, to guard our heads, hearts, our vitals. If we’re honest, we’re often shocked and quick to fall when temptation knocks on our door, as if the unexpected had come. How quickly we forget who we are and where we are. We are soldiers of Jesus Christ, redeemed sinners walking in a wicked and perverse world, full of evil and darkness. As such, we must be battle ready- both for the battles without and the battles within! A battle ridden soldier, has experiential knowledge of what he needs to better defend himself against further attack, and is apt to bring such defense.
Yet, how should we prepare ourselves? Pray. We stand in His the power of His might, not our own. Further, do we study the wiles of our enemy in the pages of the Bible, where God reveals to us much about him and the weapons he uses? Are we well acquainted with his strategies? He challenges God’s Word (Genesis 3:1). He challenges our identity in Christ. He twists Scripture (Luke 4:1-13). He seeks to divide the people of God. Satan is the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10). He offers tempting alternatives to obedience (Luke 4:5-7).
Are we well acquainted with the corruptions of our own flesh? Are we well equipped with the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:14-20)? If we know who to watch for and of that which tries to sneak in and corrupt, if we’re attentively on watch even for the smallest attack, then we won’t be shocked when it arrives. We must be ready to deflect the fiery darts of the devil. We must not let the deadly barbs of the corruption of our own desires draw us away and entice us. By God’s grace and strength, we will be able to stand! Stand strong in Christ, beloved! Serve the King well and press forward for His glory and honor this week!
Originally written by Pastor Carl Miller in November 2019.
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