Today’s Reading:
Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV (vv. 10-13)
When anyone receives a new birth in Christ and gives his or her life to Christ, we find ourselves engaged in a spiritual battle. We become objects of attack to the devil, and his cohorts – the fallen angels in the unseen world. Why is this? Because we are no longer under his control. We face attacks from an array of wicked, vicious, terrible, mighty forces in the dark world over which the devil is the head. And so, we begin to fight to stand firm in our faith. But we are to fight in the strength of the Holy Spirit's supernatural power bestowed on the Church. Because in Christ, we have become a new creation entirely; and can do exceedingly more than we ask or can imagine, according to the power at work in us (Eph. 3:20). This is why in today’s reading; Apostle Paul warns and reminds us not to rest on our oars. We should be strong in the mighty power God supplies. Knowing that we have entered into a fierce spiritual battle against the devil and his cohorts. This is a good fight to withstand their attacks and be able to stand our ground in our faith in Christ Jesus. We are to daily put on the spiritual amour God supplies, and depend solely on His strength and power. This counsel Paul gave to the church at Ephesus is very relevant to the Church today. That is the body of Christ, especially to the individual within the community of faith. As we are getting to the close of the age, the battle is getting fiercer by the day. Our world is being plunged into thick darkness and chaos as has never been witnessed. We need to protect the whole body from the onslaught of the attacks of the adversaries of man who hate us with a deadly passion.
Paul made mention of the adversaries we are spiritually wrestling with. They are principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places. Verses in the Scripture also mentioned some of them. For example, the psalmist in Psalm 91 talked about the snares of the fowler, the noisome pestilence, terror by night, the arrow that flies by day, the pestilence that walks in darkness, the destruction that wastes at noonday, the lion, the adder, the young lion and the dragon. Psalm 8 talked about God giving man dominion over the works of his hands; God putting the beasts of the field, fowl of the air, fish of the sea and whatever passes through the path of the sea under our feet. These are not fantasies at all, there are demons and evil spirits which we encounter every moment in our walk with God, especially when we are about to receive the goodness of God. And God’s thoughts for us are to prosper, be in good health and be successful in this world (Jer. 29:11; John 17:15-18). We face a powerful army of wickedness whose goal is to defeat Christ’s Church. They use several devices and tactics to lure us and turn us away from Christ, back to a sinful lifestyle, and plunge us into darkness. But our victory is secured only in Christ Jesus, and what is more, we must engage in this warfare till Christ’s return.
We have the assurance of victory in this word of Jesus to Peter: “… and upon this rock, I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matt. 16:18). And what are the parts of our spiritual armour –
The belt serves as the truth about God. Having the knowledge that the devil uses lies and deceit to fight; that He can confuse the truth with lies; it is only when we know the truth about Christ we will overcome. (Hosea 4:6).
The body armour stands for righteousness. The enemy aims to attack our heart which is the core of our emotions, consciousness, thinking, self-worth, and trust. God’s righteousness protects our hearts and assures us that God’s love for us is real and that Christ, His Son was sent as a befitting sacrifice for atonement for the sins of the world, to reconcile us to Him, to save us from destruction and the wrath of God, and to make us live a good life here on earth.
The shoes are the peace that comes from the Gospel. The devil wants us to believe that the truth that comes from the Good News is worthless and hopeless. That the Great Commission is too enormous, cumbersome; and that the negative consequence will bring hardship. But the shoes God gives are the motivation, encouragement and strength to continue to witness Jesus Christ. Also, the peace that comes from every creature knowing and accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
The shield stands for our faith. The enemy uses setbacks, insults, and temptations we experience to discourage our trust in God (Matt. 4:1-11). Our shield of faith protects our mind from the evil arrows of thoughts. When we view events from the perspectives of God, especially negative occurrences, we can see beyond our circumstances, trials and challenges, and know that the ultimate victory is ours (Job 42; Hab. 3:17-19).
The Helmet secures our Salvation. The enemy wants us to doubt God’s word and promises, Jesus’ words, claims, and our Salvation in Him. The helmet helps to protect our mind from doubting the truth about Jesus’ finished work on the cross, and his saving grace. And finally,
The sword stands for the Word of God. The only weapon of the offensive in the whole amour. We need to use the Word of God to defeat temptations. We need to trust in the Word of God (Ps. 119:105-113; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).
What do I do?
Acknowledge that you have sinned and need help. Repent and ask God for forgiveness. Surrender your life to the lordship of Jesus Christ, who has sent His Holy Spirit to stay with us, teach us, even things He could not teach us, comfort us and help us to the end (Job 22:21-30; Jn. 3:16; Rom. 12:12; Jude1:21).
Seek the righteousness of God first, and he will give special attention to you. He will take care of you, defend you, and meet your needs more than you can imagine (Matt. 6:33).
Believe, be baptised, obey and trust God’s words and promises; by the power of the Holy Spirit, seek to increase your faith (Mk 16:16).
By the power of the Holy Spirit, build a strong relationship with God. Commune with him, walk closer. Pray fervently, also pray for ministers of God and the perishing souls.
Regularly read the Word of God, meditate on it, study it (Jos. 1:8), and memorise it as an offensive against the enemy. Learn to acquaint yourself with God, and you will have peace, and good will come your way.
As much as possible, keep away from anything or sin that will hinder your walk with God.
Be ready to preach the Gospel (Mk. 16:16-18).
Stand your ground in your faith (Eph. 6:10-13).
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
O PRAISE the Lord, all ye nations praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise ye the Lord. Lord, strengthen us in moments of stress, pain, loss, hurt, sickness, or bereavement, in Jesus’ name.
Read/Recite Ps. 16 with emphasis on v.5-11.
Read/Recite Ps. 27, with emphasis on v.1-6.
Jesus, my strength, my Hope; on Thee, I cast my cares. With humble confidence, I look up and know Thou hearest my prayer. Give me on Thee to wait Till I can all things do; On Thee, Almighty to create, Almighty to renew, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, let all those who put their trust in thee rejoice; let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them; let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee, in Jesus' name.
Lord, show forth and answer those asking where is our God, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, bless the righteous; compass him with your favour as a shield, in Jesus’ name.
Thank You, Lord, that the Church is moving forward with the banner of the name of Jesus flying higher and higher, in Jesus’ name.
O Shepherd of Israel and the nations of the world, especially our nation, Nigeria. Look down from heaven, shine forth your light, save and deliver us, in Jesus’ name.
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