DEALING WITH THE ENEMY
Eph. 6:10 Amp. In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
Whether we like it or even realize it, we live in hostile territory. Christ has defeated His enemies at the cross but there are still hostile forces entrenched in this world trying to hold on to what they consider as their property. The church has been commissioned to enforce the victory of Christ at the cross. We have been given authority in this world through the name of Jesus. That authority is enforced by the power of the Holy Spirit whom He gives to whosoever will drink of the water of life. The key to staying free from the influence of darkness and actually being used to drive out the enemy’s forces is to be filled continually with the Holy Spirit. This phrase is critical, “be strong in The Lord”. This is more than just pulling yourself up by your bootstraps, it is ever being filled with the Spirit of God. Here is how A.B. Simpson says it.
“The very first thing in this battle scene is the command “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). The original is much more emphatic. Translated by Rotherham it reads, “Be getting empowered in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.” That does not mean that you are to cultivate your own strength, but you are to discount it altogether, and take the power of God himself at the very outset of the conflict.”
This strength was described by Paul as “armor-like”. As we put on Christ by being baptized in the Spirit, we are putting on the armor of God. Here is A.B. Simpson on that armor.
“We have a part to do in putting on this armor. The greek word is, “take up” the complete armor of God, and all through the vivid figurative language the command is in the active and imperative form. “With the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all of this, take up the shield of faith” (6:14-16a) We are to be active in this war, not in fighting, but in covering ourselves with Christ by his divine provision for strength and victory.”
How do we put on Christ? We do this by immersing ourself in Him. This means praying extended times in the Spirit, putting on the worship music to create that atmosphere of heaven, and saturate yourself in the Word of God. As you lose yourself in Christ, you become covered with Him, He becomes an impenetrable shield of protection around us. This is not only for defensive purposes, we are covered with His shield as we advance in battle. Be strong in The Lord and in the power of His might.
4 thoughts on “DEALING WITH THE ENEMY”
Amen and Hallelujah!
Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Hallelujah, a Concord: HEART, state of Harmony= UNITY. Praise You Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit. Feed my Spirit its Your Unity. Keep me empowered with Your Power Lord as I search Your Scriptures, as I walk IN Your Spirit as I Worship You, as I walk and Pray, as I seek You all day long. Let it be all you and less of me. Let Your river flow through me. Let Your will be done here as it is in Heaven through me. The Holy Spirit is amazing how He teaches you how to walk with Him. We read, we worship and dance daily everyday sometimes all day.Nothing like the awesome sound of the Lords word’s and music coming out of the speakers. We just get up in the morning and have us a good old time. WORSHIP AND WORSHIP, READ AND READ, let Him fill You up till you just start bubbling over.
Good morning, Pastor Frank. Great word, have an awesome day in our Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit… With love.
LORD YOU ARE MY STRONG TOWER…:) WHEN THE VALLEYS GET CRAZY.
That was very well said. U can not explain it any easier than that. Just put it on. Wear it. Awesome.