Spiritual warfare

6:10-17 ESV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil 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 firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

Rev. Dwight Yoo

Paul starts to close out his letter. Finally, he speaks of spiritual warfare, this is integral. Here's what Christ has done, here's what you should do, and finally, here is what you should keep in mind.

We who are chasing God, you will be fiercely opposed. We have enemies in this work that God has given us. There are two reactions, complete denial and unhealthy obsession.

Reality of the enemy

Our enemies are not of flesh. They are invisible. He is the devil and one of many fallen angels. There is a question of whether this is referring to rankings of demonic forces or evil governments. It is likely both.

We are called to stand firm. This falling is not losing salvation, but rather seasons of spiritually unfruitfulness and inability to minister. Hurting rather helping the cause of Christ. This a call to wake up and realize that we are in a battlefield. This is a call to arms.

Tactics of the enemy

Before you fight your enemy, you need to learn about him. The enemy is stronger than you. Much stronger than we give him credit. This us why we need God's help. He is very shrewd. He deceived Adam and Eve. He will study your weakness and attack those character flaws and weaknesses, old wounds. He will try to reopen old wounds. He will take a lack of self control to sow division and discord. Times of isolation and idleness draw him to attack.

How to overcome

Allow no points of exposure. The armor should be worn, in it's entirety. The enemy is incessant. We are called to be strong in the Lord.

First, we need to know the truth of God. We need to know God both quantifiably as well as qualitatively.

Secondly, we need faith in God. Knowledge of his work and his promises, that he is dependable.

Thirdly, the helmet of salvation. That our salvation is secure in Christ. That our eternal destination is ours.

Finally, the one offensive weapon in the passage. The gates of hell are being assaulted... by the church. We are called to not just defend ourselves, but to take ground! The spirit pushes onward.

The shoes of the gospel give us the desire to take ground. The knowledge of how much God loves and gives us, winds over our hearts and drives us to advance the kingdom of God.

Everything we need for the fight is already ours in Christ. He has secured all these things for us. All this equipment is firmly within our grasp.