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. Ephesians 6:12
No doubt you have heard the phrase, "Houston, we have a problem." We know that anything following that phrase is going to be bad news. It is never comforting to hear that we have a problem. Knowing of a problem is, however, necessary. You see, we can only address and solve a problem once we know what the problem is. Scripture teaches that as followers of Christ, we have a problem: our enemy, the devil. This is not good news, but there is good news despite the truth that we have a real enemy who seeks to destroy us. We have a God who is greater than the enemy and who equips us to fight against his schemes.
The apostle Paul warns about the problem we face as followers of Christ here on earth in Ephesians 6. In this chapter, he writes, "Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil" (verse 11). It is clear from this verse that Paul is telling us that we have an enemy, the devil, and he is constantly working against us. Next, Paul continues teaching just how serious the enemy's threat is. He writes, "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 evil spirits in the heavenly places" (verse 12). Paul leaves no question that the threat the enemy poses is serious, and we must take it seriously.
While the truth that we have an enemy who is warring against us every day is not good news and may leave us feeling disheartened, we are not left alone in the battle we are facing. When we understand that we have an enemy fighting against us every day, we can start fighting. We can turn to God, Scripture, and our church community to help fight against the enemy. When we take the enemy and his threat seriously, we can start fighting seriously. Take heart, my friends; you are not left alone in the enemy's battle.
Take a few moments to think about the way the enemy specifically targets you. What temptations do you consistently face? Is there a habit you habitually fall into that you know does not honor God? Write down at least one way you specifically find the enemy targeting you. Then, write down one way that you can specifically fight against the enemy's tactics this week and be prepared to take that step when he fights against you.
"Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 2 "Honor your father and mother." This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, "things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth."
4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. 6 Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. 7 Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 8 Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.
9 Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don't threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites.
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 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."
