There is a reality that every Christian faces every moment of every day.
That reality is captured well in 1 Peter 5:8…
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
And that means you.
That’s why today, I want to point you to Ephesians 6, where Paul instructs us on how to properly apply God’s Word so that you and I can stand against all the enemy’s attacks and look back in victory.
TRUTH
Ephesians 6:14 begins, “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth….”
You can stand strong against spiritual opposition when you don the belt of truth…when you spend time in God’s Word. Remember, Jesus says in John 17:17, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”
RIGHTEOUSNESS
Ephesians 6:14 continues, “Put on the breastplate of righteousness.”
Isaiah 61:10 says you are covered in righteousness through redemption: “My soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness.”
Get established in righteousness, and you won’t be exploited when the enemy whispers, “You’re not worthy to be loved or blessed or to have your prayers answered.” You can know that you are worthy and righteous because of what Christ has accomplished.
FAITH
Ephesians 6:16 says, “Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”
The enemy might throw a dart at your marriage, your children, your finances, or your emotions. Just hold up that shield of faith—the promise for which you are trusting God. Keep the promise out in front of you. It will quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
SALVATION
Ephesians 6:17 begins, “And take the helmet of salvation….”
The helmet of salvation covers your mind. You need to settle it once and for all that you are saved. If the devil can plant doubt in your mind regarding your salvation, he will cripple your spiritual growth and your usefulness in God’s Kingdom.
THE WORD OF GOD
Verse 17 continues, “And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
As you speak out God’s Word—specifically the Word the Holy Spirit gives you for a particular situation—it works like a sword.
In the wilderness, Jesus responded to all of the devil’s temptations by saying, “It is written…” and then quoting relevant Scripture, using God’s Word as a sword. God’s Word only becomes an offensive weapon on your behalf when you speak it out.
We read that after Jesus finished with the devil, “[Satan] departed from him for a season.” (Luke 4:13b KJV). I think we could add, “Satan left bloodied and broken.” Jesus won His spiritual conflict, and so can you.
