Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:10-17 NAS95).
Paul encourages us to put on the full armor of God, because every piece is essential in the battle against our enemy, the devil, and his system. He describes our enemy as rulers, powers, world forces of this darkness, spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. This is largely an unseen force working against believers. In other words, this is a spiritual battle requiring Spiritual resources to stand.
Notice, the primary goal is to stand firm. The devil and or his worldly schemes are always offering fleshly desires, tempting believers to yield to sin. These temptations are often disguised as good.
In the church, they come in as false doctrines, for such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore, it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds (2 Corinthians 11:13-15 NAS95).
In the world, they come in as systematic evil. Think about it. What used to be hidden in the brothels and subculture is now open and encouraged. I’ll not even put a name to those things, for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret (Ephesians 5:12 NAS95).
Beloved, know this: our enemy is deceitful and seeks to shipwreck your faith. He will come as an angel of light. Please be prepared to stand by, putting on all the armor of God. Each piece makes a very good defense against attack. However, you need all of the pieces for it to be effective. (see part two).
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