Eph 6: 11 “Clothe yourselves*~ with the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
God never wants a believer to go into battle unprepared (the task of the church) and unprepared (personal disciplines). We are commanded, “Decide urgently now to clothe yourself with the full armor of God.”
The word for “full armor” refers to every kind of defensive and offensive piece of weaponry provided to each Roman soldier. Remember, Paul was writing this letter while chained to a Roman soldier!
Our enemies are the demonic forces in the unseen world who manipulate the political powers that serve them unknowingly (Eph 6:12–-17). This explains the irrational opposition of evil leaders against biblical Christianity.
They are pawns in a battle beyond their knowledge, and we Christians are to pray for them (1 Tim 2:1-2) so we can live in peace.
The “armor of God” is vital in a raging battle and is sufficient to enable the believer to “stand against the schemes of the devil.” Satan is bent on destroying all that belongs to God. Satan “takes away the Word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved” (Luke 8:12).
He empowers “false christs and false prophets [who] will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect” (Matt 24:24).
Peter gives the battle cry, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet 5:8); he adds, “Resist him, steadfast in the faith,” then “after you have suffered a while, [He will] perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (5:10).
It won’t be easy, and the hardships of slander, ridicule, and persecution are unavoidable, if we remain faithful to Christ and His word, but the “glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom 8:18) makes whatever our suffering to pale into insignificance. Be brave for God today!
“Dear Mighty God, our spiritual battle ramps up daily, and I am very thankful for Your power, which I wear as armor. Help me be disciplined by Your word and prepare to honor You in each opportunity to stand up for You.”