Victory in Spiritual Warfare

 

UV 3524/10000 Victory in  Spiritual Warfare

 

Put on the full armour of God (for His precepts are like the splendid armour of a heavily-armed soldier), so that you may be able to (successfully) stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.

 

Ephesians 6 v 11

 

                 Putting on partial armour is as good as not wearing any armour and exposes the vulnerable parts to attack and injury in battle. Defective bullet proof vests used by senior police officers in the Mumbai terrorist attack led unfortunately and tragically to their deaths.  Hence, we need to be wearing the full armour of God from head to foot.   Beginning with the helmet of salvation or the full assurance and joy of salvation should always cover our heads.  We should carry the sword of the Word to defend ourselves against the rapier thrusts of our spiritual enemy.  That sword has two blades, one blade to cut out the evil lurking in our own hearts and minds and another to attack the tempter and keep him at bay.  With the right hand we wield the sword of the word and with the left hand, the shield of faith that can defend ourselves against all the flaming arrows of the enemy.  These flaming arrows may be doubts, fears, accusations, persecution, opposition, betrayal, failures,  trials and troubles. 

 

                Our feet should be protected with appropriate footwear so that we can take a firm stand and not be pushed over by the enemy.   We should be fleet-footed so that we can move swiftly as required in the battle. The armour of God though impenetrable and effective is light as it is the armour not of flesh and blood, not of steel or bronze but of the spirit of God.  The upper armour and our lower armour should be held in place by the strong, enduring leather belt of truth which includes integrity and moral courage.    The battle is not easy and is lifelong.  It is difficult as it is against an invisible enemy whose schemes, strategies and deceit is the unknown factor X.    We struggle against the princes and powers of darkness or evil.  We are constantly targeted as we have taken a stand for God, for absolute goodness.   Yet, we can rejoice as we have the guarantee of victory, we have certainty in our hope of winning over the invisible enemy as the Lord fights on our behalf.  He deploys chariots of fire, legions of angels and invisible armies on our behalf.

 

            St Paul exhorts us to be strong in our faith in the Lord.  We only need to be aware of the strategies and schemes of the evil one, how he deceitfully tempts and ensnares people. Being aware of the enemy’s strengths and our own relative weakness, we should clothe ourselves or arm ourselves with the immense, infinite, invincible power of the Lord.  We are empowered by the four fold power of the name of Jesus, the Word of God, the protective cover of the blood of Jesus from all curses and sins and the unquenchable, unlimited power of God on Earth- the Holy Spirit.   As soldiers of Christ, we need to be constantly vigilant, continually in training for battle, disciplined in our habits, focused, confident of victory, determined and brave.    As soldiers, we should not be taken by surprise, or with our guard down but be ready for attack from any direction and a combination of forces of evil.