Battle Rages On

A fresh look at Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

A Fight to the Finish

'And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.' Ephesians 6:10-18 (MSG)

Indeed, Paul reminded us in his letter to the Corinthian believers that if we think we are standing firm, we should be careful that we don’t fall. Imagine how much more we could fall if we aren't standing firm. And that is why he is reminding us in his letter to the believers in Ephesus, to put on the full armor of God --the  belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace for our feet, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.

Without these, we cannot make it through this life. Let us pray, pray in the spirit and pray for one another. Indeed the war was won at Calvary but the battle rages on daily.