Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11).
Life is basically a struggle. It is a battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan and that people themselves are the battlefield. The battle is manifested in the inner tensions and fears of individual lives, in the physiological and mental illnesses, in family fights and church struggles. It is even seen in nature, where all of life competes in a ruthless, deadly struggle to survive. The whole race has fallen under the control of satanic forces, which Paul calls, “the world rulers of this present darkness” (Eph. 6:12)
But the good news is that some have been set free through the coming of that “stronger one,” Jesus Himself, who came, as John tells us, “to destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:8b). Through the amazing mystery of the cross and the resurrection, Jesus has broken the power and bondage of Satan over human lives. Those who individually receive and acknowledge this are set free to live in the freedom and liberty of the children of God.
They are however set free to engage in the fight, to overcome in their own lives, and to become the channels by which others are set free. How do you do this? Paul’s answer is in one phrase: “Put on the whole armor of God.” Full provision has been made that you might win in this battle. This is the amazing thing we must learn. God has made full provision for us to fight these forces that hold the world in their grip. May the Lord tear away the delusive veils by which we have allowed ourselves to be rendered powerless in this great battle.
‘Ranti Orioke