Strength in Christ
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 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. Ephesians 6:10-13
As the apostle Paul describes in the text, we are indeed in the “time of evil.” This age is characterized by ungodliness, sexual promiscuity, rampant crime, and worldwide unbelief. To stand against this time as a follower of Christ means that you have to put on the whole “armor of God.” It is important that you know who you are dealing with so you will not become vulnerable from the attack of the enemy. Right now, it seemed that Satan’s deceits are permeating the society. The prevailing clamor is tolerance to all kinds of belief but not necessarily the belief in Christianity. There is a call to an open-ended search for truth but not in biblical truth. When the apostle Paul faced resentment because of his faith and persecution he confronted because he will not give up preaching the gospel, he did not lose sight of the real enemy. He was aware that his fight is against principalities. He is very much aware of Satan’s tactics. The challenge for every believer faced with adversity is to stand and not to give-in. Instead of retaliating, you are called to intercede. The opposition might be an opportunity for you to share the love of God to others. Being aware of the spiritual warfare around you will help you prepare and use the armor that God provided (Ephesians 6:14-18) when you came to now Him as your Lord and Savior. In this way, your focus will be on the source of adversary and it will prevent you not to give-in to harboring resentment and bitterness to the people around you. Your strength and your hope lies in the One you have in your life. “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Trust in the One who has already declared victory. Blessings,
