Title: Spiritual Warfare/Ephesians 6:10-20
Numerous wars have been fought on Earth since the beginning of time. From the time when Cain killed his brother Abel, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the history of mankind is in some sense the history of war. Spiritual warfare continues among us today. Whether we like it or not, we have to do spiritual warfare. There is no second place in war. Therefore, in spiritual warfare, the saints must always win, but overcome them abundantly.
1. You must know the enemy.
The first is to know the power and limitations of the enemy, and the second is to strengthen oneself and armaments. “Be ye strong in the Lord and in the power of his strength” (verse 10). We must always live in the Lord and with the Lord. 'In the Lord' is the most important issue in Paul's theology. It is a command rather than an exhortation.
2 . Put on the full armor of God.
(1) Girdle with the truth.
Belts are essential when soldiers wear armor. It is the truth that is essential to the movement of the saints, just as it is very important for a soldier to have his belt on. The truth is the faith that confesses Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ Himself. However, to gird your belt with truth in the text means to be truthful rather than speaking of Jesus Christ. This inner truth comes from those who know God, and there is no need to distinguish it from doctrinal truth. The important thing is that what Paul said first before putting on all the armor was the truth. If you are not true to the truth of the Word, you will never win the spiritual battle. To have the knowledge of God and be in Christ is a beautiful aspect of a person who has a waist with the truth.
(2) Put on the breastplate of righteousness.
The breastplate of righteousness refers to the breastplate placed on the chest as a breastplate in English. Roman soldiers wore breastplates on their chests to protect them when they went to war. Believers must put on the breastplate of righteousness on their chest. There are two intentions here. One is the righteousness of God and the other is a clean and upright life. Therefore, the breastplate of righteousness refers to the fruit of a holy life produced by God's righteousness.
(3) Put on the shoes prepared by the gospel of peace.
Shoes play a very important role for anyone. Uncomfortable shoes can be very difficult when hiking or, especially, when a soldier goes to war. 'Peace', 'Gospel', and 'Preparation' suggest important meanings. Christians already know the gospel, and it must be shared with others. God is helping the body move. Therefore, shoes should prepare the gospel of peace and go to witness actively. When you carry the gospel to others in this way, you can become a victor in the spiritual warfare.
(4) Take the shield of faith.
Roman soldiers have a small shield that covers their face and a large shield that covers their whole body. The shield of faith in the text refers to the latter. The shield of faith blocks arrows from enemies. The shield of faith blocks the words of evil people and deceitful people. The evil devil shoots arrows of curses or arrows of despair. However, if we have the shield of faith at that time, we can sufficiently block all these things.
(5) Put on the helmet of salvation.
Salvation has already been promised to us. But salvation comes with hope. A person with hope works actively and fights with courage and perseverance in the midst of difficulties. When we believe in the promised salvation and keep it with hope, that salvation will surely come upon us.
(6) Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
Not only does the sword defend, it can also attack enemies. God's Word says, "It pierces even to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow" (Hebrews 4:21). The sharp Word of God finds out and divides our sins and faults in us. Hidden sins are shouting out before God's Word, so we can only become strong when we repent. It is the Word of God that not only inspires and moves the saints to return to God, but also that the conviction of the truth inspires admiration and dedicates them to Christ.
3. Strategies for Spiritual Warfare
“With all prayers and supplications, pray always in the Holy Spirit, watch for this and always be diligent in asking, asking for the sake of the saints” (verse 18).
The most important strategy for the saints in spiritual battle is prayer. Even when the pastor preaches, he receives the word through prayer, prepares it, learns it through prayer, and delivers it to the members. Without receiving the word from God through prayer, we cannot witness properly. Prayer should be done on all occasions. Everything is impossible without prayer. Therefore, we must always pray in the Holy Spirit in any case. We should also pray of all kinds.
We must always be awake to prayers of thanks, supplications, confessions, and praises, and pray for the many saints. And we should especially pray for the Lord's servant who is in charge of the Word.