Spiritual Embodiment: Our Battle Against Evil
Spiritual Embodiment: Our Battle Against Evil
Introduction
The battles against Satan are numerous and manifest in various forms and behaviors, especially in recent years. Daily, we witness violence, anger, oppression, domination, pride, hatred, gossip, lies, hypocrisy, corruption, bribery, manipulation, false testimony, betrayal, lack of integrity, selfishness, greed, sectarianism, bigotry, bias, disloyalty, unemployment, addiction, poverty.
Diseases, epidemics, ignorance, disasters, persecution, revenge, wars, murder, assassinations, persecution of Christians, seizure of Christian lands, revolutions, roadblocks, church burnings, rape of Christian girls, seizing of authorities, domination of institutions, and much more.
All these distresses, disasters, evil deeds, and atrocious behaviors primarily stem from the dominance of the spirit of evil and Satan over humanity, compelling them to commit all these wicked acts against themselves and others. How do we confront the battles of Satan, and what is the way to break the power of evil? In the following paragraphs of this article, we will learn together how to use God’s full armor and what this armor is.
Strength Always Lies in the Lord
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10-11). The strength always resides “in the Lord” and not merely from Him, and the enemy attempts to separate us from the Lord, the sole source of strength.
Without Him, we can do nothing. The Lord said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Then, we are shown the vast and organized kingdom of Satan, which includes rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). This immense organization stands against believers to hinder them from enjoying their spiritual blessings and to shatter their testimonies. Therefore, we must carry the full armor of God to resist the evil day (Ephesians 6:13). It means we must constantly wear this armor and carry it in times of struggle.
The “evil day” refers to the present time until the glorious appearance of Christ for judgment, ruling, and the defeat of Satan and his cohorts. However, there are also days when the enemy intensifies his attacks against believers, as seen with Joseph in Potiphar’s house (Genesis 39), Elijah fleeing from Jezebel (1 Kings 19), Job on the day of his calamity (Job 1-2), and Peter denying the Lord (Matthew 26).
Putting on the Full Armor of God
“And after you have done everything, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:13). We must continue to stand firm because victory in one battle does not guarantee victory in every battle, and the enemy will not cease his attacks. We must understand that moments of danger come after victory, where relaxation is the natural inclination.
Some examples show us the danger of setbacks after a period of victory, such as Jericho and Ai (Joshua 6, 7), Elijah (1 Kings 18, 19), and David (2 Samuel 10, 11). Then we come to the parts of the “full armor of God,” which consists of 7 pieces, with no protection for the back, for there is no retreat or withdrawal in God’s plan. Losing any part of the armor would allow the enemy to attack at that weak point. Therefore, we must wear every piece of armor.
Belt of Truth
It tightens around the waist of the warrior and strengthens his resolve. It is worn by those who stand for truth, controlling and managing internal emotions and feelings according to the Word of God and what it says. This was exemplified by Daniel, who resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine according to the law (Leviticus 11).
Breastplate of Righteousness
It protects the heart, from which flow the issues of life. It signifies a practical life of righteousness in all relationships, retaining a sensitive and trained conscience that is blameless before God and people. This is seen in Joseph, who refused sin and said, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
These are essential for movement on the rough battleground. A practical life of righteousness will always keep a person at peace with themselves and others, facing pressures, shocks, and trials with a calm and comfortable conscience, no matter the circumstances. This was evident in the Shunammite woman who said, “Everything is all right” despite her only son’s death (2 Kings 4), contrary to the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17).
Shield of Faith
It is confidence in God’s righteousness no matter the trials. This was seen in Job (Job 1, 2), who bowed his head in submission, saying, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” when calamity befell him. We must trust that God does not err, He is just, merciful, and wise in all His actions, even if we do not understand what He is doing now.
Helmet of Salvation
It is the assurance of salvation secured by the Lord’s death on the cross and the eternal guarantee for us, where there is no judgment. This protects the mind from doubts and provides comfort and peace regarding eternity, lifting the head before the enemy.
This was seen in Paul, who had complete assurance of salvation in all stages, trusting in the one who can save to the uttermost. Even in his martyrdom, he said, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom” (2 Timothy 4).
Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God
The Holy Spirit uses the Word as the living and appropriate words of God in different situations. This was seen with Jesus in His temptation by Satan in the wilderness, where He responded with Scripture. We must know the Scriptures, internalize them, and use them to confront the enemy in his trials with us.
Prayer
The full armor does not make us independent of God; rather, we use it through complete dependence on Him, and this is what prayer signifies. It is the constant awareness of our weakness and need for the Lord and our absolute trust in Him.
Praying in the Spirit means praying under the control of the Holy Spirit, who produces in us the requests and supplications. We should not only pray in times of necessity and trials but at all times, be diligent and persistent in prayer.
Finally, with this strength, we will not succumb to the spirit of failure, surrender, or defeatism. We will not yield to despair because the God we rely on is capable of protecting us in every battle against the demons. With this strength, the Apostle Paul was able to say, “I fought wild beasts in Ephesus” (1 Corinthians 15:32).
With this strength, he was able to proclaim, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power” (2 Timothy 1:7). Therefore, the children of God never weaken in their battles. “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes!” (Ephesians 6:10-11).
More Spiritual Reflection
- I Place My Trust in You Alone, My Lord Jesus Christ
- Jesus On the Cross Broke Down the Wall of Hostility
- Christian Reflections Sail with Her to the Spirit World
- What People Learn from Corona & what Secrets are Hidden?
- What Resists Faith from the Challenges of this Material Age
- Did You Wake Up from Sleep? Smile and thank God
