Gear On – It’s a Battle

“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. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:13-18 NLT

Reflection

Paul gives us a list of gear we are to put on every day as we follow Christ in a world writhing in evil. The list of gear is illustrated in the context of a war. Paul did not use athletic or agricultural illustrations here. He wants us to understand the context. As followers of Christ, we are entering a battle for the heart and soul of humanity, and Satan is going to put up a fight. Satan has had reign over the earth, dealing in all forms of evil. Humanity has fully engaged in the bondage of sin that Satan has offered. People are lost and confused by the power of evil working in their lives.

Christ declared that the kingdom of God has come to earth. He takes Satan’s stronghold of sin and evil head-on with the sacrifice of his own life. He freely offers everyone a way into a new life of freedom and abundance. The Kingdom of Christ knows no limit. It is rooted in the love of God. Christ introduced God, making everything new when he came as the living Son of God. “May your will be done on earth as it already is in heaven” is unfolding right before our eyes.

The followers of Christ are part of the Church, which will continue to grow the kingdom of God around the world, making all things new. At some point in the future, there will be a tipping point, and Christ will return as the kingdom of God becomes fully realized, and everything is made new. This isn’t a forceful takeover in the sense of nations going to war. It is, however, unstoppable!

Christ is inviting all of humanity to be restored to God by believing in him and receiving forgiveness for sin. It is an invitation to leave all the collateral damage of evil and step into a life that renews and restores us into one that is more than we can ever think or imagine.

This morning, I listened to a co-worker in the ministry, share his story of this battle and the deliverance he has experienced through Christ. I thank God for his faithful invitation and transformation he offers to all of us. The sheer holiness, goodness, and love of God are overwhelming. Thankfully, God’s grace is poured out through Christ for us to be able to be in God’s presence. The world collectively battles against God, prompted by Satan’s evil intentions for destruction. The devil would like to deceive us with the image of delight, only to destroy anyone and everyone.

Make no mistake – we are part of this divine battle to invite people to be fully restored to God. It is this divine salvation and restoration of God that is unstoppable. One person, one family, and one community at a time, becoming followers of Christ. Simply beautiful. No power can stand against God’s holiness, love, and forgiveness.

Encouragement

Look at the battle gear God gives us to “fight” with. It is very different than other battle gear you and I would likely choose:

• Truth
• God’s righteousness
• Peace that comes from the good news of Jesus Christ
• Faith in God that defends us when under attack
• Salvation through Christ lets us know, beyond any doubt, that we are saved from our life of sin and evil.
• The word of God
• Prayer

This is the gear God has given us to put on to live effectively in this battle for the heart and soul of every person. It is what we need to stand against Satan’s evil towards us.
A couple of more things for your consideration here:

• The Holy Spirit is with us every step of the way. We are not alone in this.
• Christ lived this out with a humble and gentle spirit.

Let me call us back again to Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3 NLT.

Ed McDowell, C.E.O.
Warm Beach Camp Ministries