BE STRONG! STAND!

“Be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand”(Ephesians 6:10–13).

Paul knew that the Christian’s conflict isn’t with people, but against the spiritual enemy, Satan. “Although we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh, since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:3–5).

Our enemy is real. Jesus called him “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). Paul referred to him as “the ruler of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2) and “the god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:3). Indeed, our “adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Satan is mighty … but he’s not almighty! Only God is Almighty!

That brings us to the Paul’s Prison Promise! Paul was likely shackled to a Roman soldier clad in a helmet and protective breastplate, carrying a shield and sword. Looking at the Roman warriors, Paul promised, if we’ll faithfully “take up the full armor of God, (we’ll) be able to resist in the evil day.” Armed with faith, truth, righteousness, prayer, and God’s Word, we can stand against the enemy!

Victory is promised! Let’s suit up for battle. “Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.”

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).