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Every believer is engaged in spiritual warfare against the devil. No one is exempt from this service. The unceasing struggle between the devil against Israel, the church and the world is taught in the book of Revelation. There is an outward conflict on earth and a “war in heaven” (Rev. 12:7) of God against satan. Rev. 12:12 reveals that “the devil is …filled with fury because he knows that his time is short”. Rev. 12:9, 10 reveal the enemy’s character and mode of warfare. He is the hostile, cruel and dreaded great dragon; he is the cunning and deceptive, old serpent; he is also the devil (slanderer). He is satan, the adversary of God, the church and the believer; he is the accuser of the brethren, the father of lies. This old enemy seeks to pounce on every opportunity to condemn, discredit, discourage and cause dissensions among believers. Who can overcome him?
Rev. 12:11 tells us that “they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb”. It is in the sustaining blood relationship with our Lord that enables believers to share in Jesus’ victory. Eph. 6:11-12 reminds us that moment by moment, we must put on the full armour of God to stand against the strategies of the devil and claim the victory of Christ and safeguard God’s kingdom of believers for His glory.
Conscious of this warfare, Eph. 6:10-17 tells us to stand fully armoured with:
- “the belt of truth” – having integrity when relating to everyone;
- “the breastplate of righteousness” – practicing righteousness in sanctification;
- “feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” – having full assurance of salvation, and surefooted about why and what we do;
- “the shield of faith to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one” – holding firm to the unwavering faith in our Lord;
- “the helmet of salvation” – holding fast to our eternal standing in our Lord;
- “the sword of the Spirit” – using the Bible to counter the enemy.
