The Fight

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Ephesians 6:10-20

How is your fight? 

When the pressure comes how to your respond?  Our response is a great way to understand our belief about what is happening around us.  Though it is advent, the busyness of this season can catch many at their worst.  Through this well-known passage, reflect about your spiritual state to help combat the pressures of the Christmas season and our awareness of what is really going on around us.

1.  Realize that the things we see aren't our fight, it is the unseen.  It is not your husband or coworker who is the problem, it is the brokenness of sin all around you.  It is the invisible influence of evil that wants to distract you from the real root of the problem.  Remember who your enemy really is, the you can put your energy towards the right fight. 

2.  Our job is to stand firm, not move.  You don't need to go anywhere.  You need to remain where God has placed you-not lose ground, not try to take more on your own.  The fight is to be steady and solid, not speaking or changing your actions based on what is coming at you but to stick with it. 

3.  Weapons.  Ever notice that of all the things listed in this passage to protect us, all are defensive but one?  The sword.  His word clears the darkness and replaces the lies, the language of Satan.  The only counter measure against lies are the truth and the only way to get to truth is to  start with His word.  It is how we find out about the rest of the things God has equipped us with to protect us.  

4.  Truth is what is really going on.  Where does the fear come from?  What are you holding onto that isn't God?  It's deep down honesty with yourself as God sees as it really is.  It is also defining truth from God's word and not your own feelings or wishes.

5.  Righteousness has two parts.  One is knowing that you are already pure and holy before Him.  That is the part you have to belief inside.  Next is living out what is already true about you, so your sin doesn't disconnect you from your ability to defend yourself.  

6.  The gospel of peace gives you a readiness to act.  You can move, not frozen, because the gospel brings peace to your relationship to God.  No shame or disconnection can hold you back.  

7.  Faith is a shield because you are always under attack, but if you can believe in the God that is bigger than all things that come your way, if you believe what you can't see is victorious then you can shut down any attack that comes your way. Faith is believing and counting that what you believe about God is really, no matter what appears to be.

8. With the knowledge of salvation, you can live already safe.  The battle is won.  Know you are gonna be okay no matter what comes because He has redeemed you, you can never leave His care.  

And to bookend all these things is the call to arms, the call to pray.  Remember the first premise is that the battle is not with flesh and bones.  How to you engage and invisible enemy?  Pray, pray for your Christian family with great perseverance.  And pray specifically that the message goes out unhindered, that God tears down opposition to hearts held in bondage to become free.  

Don't be unaware that daily we rise to a battle, who our enemy really is, and that our good Father has given us what we need to win...if only we will take on His armor and follow HIs battle plans! 

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