By Randy Keene
Pastor, First Baptist Church, Minor Hill
Focal Passage: Ephesians 6:10-20
In Ephesians 6 we get a lesson on standing strong in the faith and supporting one another in spiritual battles. Being strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might tells us that ultimately, Satan’s power over Christians is already broken and the great war has been won through Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection which forever conquered the power of sin and death (see Romans 5:18-21).
According to John MacArthur, in our life on earth we will face battles of temptations on a regular basis.
We should therefore put on the whole armor of God. The words “put on” conveys the idea of something permanent, a lifelong attire, one preacher said. It’s necessary for us to be clothed in this armor because the schemes of the devil are clever, cunning and deceptive. Too many of God’s children get caught in the web of deception the devil weaves as a snare.
So many times we allow our cup to be emptied by doubting God’s Holy Word. As a result, we struggle. I think today, of all the days I’ve been alive, I see the wickedness in high places Paul is talking about here. The forces of wickedness to the most depraved society in a long time.
Christians have a real enemy who is real and wants to steal, kill and destroy everything he can. This enemy is not always flesh and blood but can be a spiritual force to be reckoned with.
Some years back, while serving at Unity Baptist Church in Summertown, I was given a teddy bear that was clothed in all the armor of God. He had the little belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, sandals of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit.
It sits on my study desk at home and every once in a while I look at it and just ask myself, Randy, do you have this piece of armor on today or that piece of armor? It stands as a reminder that I really need it every day.
Once, I was listening to Adrian Rogers preach on this very text and when he got to this part about praying always, he stopped and told us that “this was the glue that kept it all together.”
That speaks volumes to my heart. The writer of the teacher’s commentary has well said that “the wise soldier sharpens his prayer life before the battle ever begins.” Prayer is where it’s at. No praying, no successful warfare, period.
God equips us with spiritual armor through the prayers we offer. Praying for one another helps keep us alert in the battle and helps us overcome and persevere against the enemy. If we fail to pray for one another we are just giving victory away. People are in difficult circumstances, such as Paul was when he journeyed for the Lord.
Won’t you purpose in your heart right now, right here, to be a prayer warrior for our country, our community and our church?
