Bible In A Year | Read: 1 Timothy 2
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil (Eph. 6:11)
More Surrender > More Strategy
Our enemy, the devil, is a schemer. He uses cunning methods and traps to deceive people and lead them astray. Our only defense for standing (as opposed to falling) is in putting on the armor God provides and commands us to use. The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology provides
a clear statement about the purpose of God’s armor: “Withstanding in this armor makes it possible to stand in the evil day: The Christian life in faith is a battle in which a man may fall. To survive and to maintain one’s stance, the spiritual armor is necessary. Armed with it, the believer has and occupies the position which he must maintain.”
Make no mistake. The Christian life is a battle, and God alone makes us battle ready! We must use all of the armor He has given us and not attempt to piecemeal–a helmet of salvation here, a shield of faith there. We have full armed access to all of these divine weapons for a reason. Together, they are powerful and effective gifts we must use to be battle ready.
When military soldiers enter into conflict, they make specific preparations to withstand a variety of attacks. The battle first starts in the mind, and soldiers use various techniques to ready themselves, such as visualization, studying the enemy, and learning to control their fear. After that, they put on their external gear. Things like helmets, Kevlar, and combat boots. Next, they pick up their weapons–rifles, machine guns, etc. They look to their commander for instructions and accept the assignments and orders given to them. No good soldier would dare enter enemy territory without being completely prepared in every area.
Likewise, no disciple should enter into conflict without the supernatural armor that God supplies to His soldiers.
We may not face physical threats (though in many places around the world Christians do), but just like he did early in Jesus’ ministry, our Enemy will attack our minds, put temptations in our paths, and send messengers to torment and persecute us. These dangers are a part of our spiritual life, and they will come from both outside and inside the Church.
Why else would Paul talk specifically about deceitful workers and wolves in sheep’s clothing who come to attack the flock? He warns the Corinthians: “Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness (2 Cor. 11:14-15).
Thought For Today
How does knowing that God has provided us with all the weapons we need to arm ourselves impact how you fight our Enemy? How battle-ready are you?
Action Steps
Bible: What is God showing me? What am I going to do about it?
Bless: Serve one person through word, action, or gift today.
Join us each morning as some C3ers discuss the daily readings from Made For More. Tuesday’s No Shool Trent & Lame Hallelujah Parties.
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