Today we wrap up Ephesians and read Paul's instructions about engaging in spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:14-18, "Stand therefore, having girded you waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and laying shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace, above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."
Paul is recognizing that there are influences on us that come in spiritual form, and these can be from dark and sinister sources. We are at war with Satan and the havoc he can wreck our lives with. Our best defence against Satan is a strong offense, and we strengthen our offense by having a firm grounding in the Bible. Paul's analogy of God, God's Word, and our faith through armor is fitting, as we engage with the enemy we need this protection. Our head is protected by salvation that is forever. We have received salvation so our head, or our thoughts, are protected by God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Our body is protected by righteousness, or living for God. We may be injured, but the breastplate will keep us from a fatal wound. Our feet are firmly planted on the ground in the gospel. And we use our faith to protect against the influences that Satan throws at us, knocking them away. This comes as pressures in our job, temptations, sorrow for or because of loved ones, and a whole host of reasons. Our faith in God will keep us protected from these things.
Have no doubt...as we grow stronger with God, Satan increases his warfare on us. By learning to wear and to wield these powerful armaments, we can resist the carefully laid plans of the devil and when the fight is over, still be standing.
Proverbs 11:2 tells us, "When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom."
Another Proverbs says in essence, Pride comes before the fall. Generally, we can be full of pride, haughty, and arrogant, but God tends to see us get knocked off our horse so that are head doesn't get too big; in other words, we don't bang our ears walking thru a doorway. But, for those in whom God is not part of their lives, pride can cause destruction. Take for example Eliot Spitz, the former governor of New York. His pride came through in a belief, in arrogance, that he could do what he wanted and he did with a woman other than his wife. This arrogance cost him his leadership position and it cost him his family.
How wise we are to live humbly in God's word, applying it daily in every situation we face.
In Proverbs 12:2 we read, "A good man obtains favor from the Lord, But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn."
Solomon's clear words give us good direction; live a good life using wisdom and instruction from God. It will keep us from performing wicked acts and thus will prevent us from receiving God's condemnation. Living in God's favor is the only way to go.
Blessings to all
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