“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

All through Ephesians, Paul compares our life before Christ-our B.C. days was to what our life with Christ should be! Now he’s ready to conclude!

“Be strong in the Lord . . .” Never in God’s word are we asked to be strong without God’s Presence in our lives! We’re always taught to be strong in God’s strength. Living out the Christian life outside of His strength is positively IMPOSSIBLE! Depending on His Holy Spirit, Who comes to live within us at salvation is our only Hope of success! We should learn to love Him, listen to Him & obey Him. He is God!

The Christian life is a battle! Old nature & lifestyle vs new! New perspective vs old! He reminds us that we’re not fighting against people-flesh and blood- but against
“evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”

Sometimes we make the mistake of taking the battle out on others! Our family, friends, church, school, co-workers and even our enemies ARE NOT THE ENEMY! The devil is! Our battle is a spiritual one, fought using spiritual weapons! Paul gives us a list of what these weapons are & how to use them. We will be looking at these over the next couple of days, but for now, understand that your battle is a spiritual one fought through prayer! The battle is real & could be dangerous but the victory is CERTAIN! (It’s actually already been won on the cross!)

Think about it!