Engaged

“For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.” (Ephesians 6:12 CSB)

Christians are engaged in a spiritual warfare. All of us are, like it or not, believe it or not. The Bible says we are, that our battle is not with flesh and blood, and that our fight is with the Devil. Beyond that, Paul spells out very clearly and strongly that this struggle is against rulers, authorities, powers, and spiritual forces of darkness in “the heavenlies.” These are enemies of the kingdom of God and the gospel which we cannot see because they are spiritual in nature. But they are very real, and they influence the thinking, the hearts, and the lives of a lost world. In addition, they intend to oppose and destroy as much of the Lord’s work as possible.

Paul, thus, advises believers to prepare and put on the armor that will enable them both to survive and thrive. The armor itself is spiritual in nature and includes: truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer.

When a fire breaks out in a forest, fire fighters will often start another fire in a nearby place so that the collision of the fires will put out the whole fire. In other words, they fight fire with fire. In a similar way, Satan’s tactics are spiritual in nature, and that tells us the kind of tactics we must use in order to see the progress of the kingdom of light.

So, put on the armor. And then – engage.

Father, Strengthen us each day and help us to be faithful in bearing witness to You and Your glory. May Your light in us shine forth into the darkness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.