Good morning,
Satan is diametrically opposed to the things of God. Everything he does impedes the work of Christ.
So what is spiritual warfare? In the final analysis who wins, God or Satan? Why?
SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Ephesians 6:10-18
Jack Zavada Updated on July 22, 2024
The armor of God, described by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:10–18, is our spiritual defense against attacks by Satan. Fortunately, we don’t have to leave home every morning wearing a full suit of armor to be protected.
Although invisible, the armor of God is real, and when used properly and worn daily, it provides solid protection against the enemy’s onslaught.
Key Bible Passage: Ephesians 6:10–18 (KJV)
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Armor of God Bible Study
In this illustrated, step-by-step study of the armor of God, you’ll learn the importance of wearing your spiritual armor daily and how it protects against Satan’s attacks. None of these six pieces of armor require power on our part. Jesus Christ has already won our victory through his sacrificial death on the cross. We only have to put on the effective armor he has given us.
Shield of Faith
No defensive armor was as important as the shield. It fended off arrows, spears, and swords. Our shield of faith guards us against one of Satan’s deadliest weapons: doubt.
Satan shoots doubt at us when God does not act immediately or visibly. But our faith in God’s trustworthiness comes from the unassailable truth of the Bible. We know our Father can be counted on.
Faith and doubt don’t mix. Our shield of faith sends Satan’s flaming arrows of doubt glancing harmlessly to the side. We keep our shield held high, confident in the knowledge that God provides for us, God protects us, and God is faithful to us his children. Our shield holds because of the One our faith is in, Jesus Christ.
Helmet of Salvation
The helmet of salvation protects the head, where all thought and knowledge reside. Jesus Christ said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32, NIV).
The truth of salvation through Christ does indeed set us free. We are free from vain searching, free from the meaningless temptations of this world, and free from the condemnation of sin. Those who reject God’s plan of salvation battle Satan unprotected and suffer the fatal blow of hell.
First Corinthians 2:16 tells us that believers “have the mind of Christ.” Even more interesting, 2 Corinthians 10:5 explains that those who are in Christ have the divine power to “demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (NIV). The helmet of Salvation to protect our thoughts and minds is a crucial piece of armor. We cannot survive without it.
Sword of the Spirit
The sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon in the armor of God with which we can strike against Satan. This weapon represents the Word of God, the Bible: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, NIV).
When Jesus Christ was tempted in the desert by Satan, he countered with the truth of Scripture, setting an example for us to follow: “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God'” (Matthew 4:4, NIV).
Satan’s tactics have not changed, so the sword of the Spirit is still our best defense.
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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