"Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might" (Eph. 6:10).
You can be victorious!
This month we've learned many things about spiritual warfare that I pray will better equip you for victory in your Christian life. In concluding our brief study of
Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual `hosts' of wickedness in the heavenly `places'. 13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil `one'. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,
, here are some key principles I want you to remember:
Remember that Satan is a defeated foe. Jesus came to destroy his works (
1 John 3:8
8 he that doeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. To this end was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
) and will someday cast him into eternal hell (Rev. 20:10).
Remember the power of Christ in your life. John said, "Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world" (
1 John 4:4
4 Ye are of God, `my' little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.
). The same power that defeated Satan indwells you. Consequently, you are never alone or without divine resources.
Remember to resist Satan. You have the power to resist him, so don't acquiesce to him by being ignorant of his schemes or deliberately exposing yourself to temptation.
Keep your spiritual armor on at all times. It's foolish to enter combat without proper protection.
Let Christ control your attitudes and actions. The spiritual battle we're in calls for spiritual weapons (2 Cor. 10:3-4), so take "every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (v. 5). Feed on the Word and obey its principles.
Pray, pray, pray! Prayer unleashes the Spirit's power. Be a person of fervent and faithful prayer (cf.
James 5:16
16 Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working.
).
God never intended for you to live in spiritual defeat. I pray you'll take advantage of the resources He has supplied that your life might honor Him. Enjoy sweet victory every day!
Suggestions for Prayer
Thank God for His promise of ultimate victory in Christ.
For Further Study
Read
Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual `hosts' of wickedness in the heavenly `places'. 13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil `one'. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,
.
- Review each piece of armor.
- Is any piece missing from your personal defense system? If so, determine what you will do to correct the deficiency.
From Drawing Near by John MacArthur Copyright © 1993. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.
Additional Resources
