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unchanging: Spiritual Warfare
Daily Devotions for May 5-9
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"Submit yourselves, then, to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7
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MONDAY, May 5
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Can you imagine being in a battle with an enemy you don't recognize or comprehend? This is often the case with followers of Jesus Christ. We fail to recognize that we are in a spiritual battle. Satan is the enemy and he does all he can do to destroy what God is doing in the lives of those who claim Christ as Savior. If we are not constantly on guard, the enemy can gain a foothold in our lives.
This week, we will look at one passage from Ephesians that seeks to prepare us for the spiritual battle we find ourselves in. Read Ephesians 6:10-18. The Apostle Paul speaks boldly here about the armor of God. Obviously, this armor is not physical, but its symbolic intent is extremely powerful. Focusing on verses 10-13, where does our strength come from, and who are we battling against?
If our battle is not a physical war against flesh and blood, how does the enemy attack us?
Can you describe how you have been engaged in this spiritual battle?
In verse 13, Paul tells us that the result of wearing our spiritual armor is that we may be able to stand our ground in the face of evil. Pray that God would make you aware of the spiritual battle you are in and give you strength and courage to stand for Him.
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TUESDAY, May 6
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Today, we will begin to look at the specific pieces of armor we must wear. It is important to note that the armor of God is to be worn on the front of us. God's intent is for us to face into the schemes of the devil. There is no provision for turning our backs in this battle. Read Ephesians 6:14. We are encouraged in this verse to put on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. How do you think truth and righteousness protect us?
The belt of truth is mentioned first as it is the foundation of our spiritual armor. We must be firmly grounded in what we know to be true about God. How do we know the truth of God?
Scripture teaches us that our filthy rags are exchanged for the righteousness of Christ when we trust Him as Lord and Savior. The breastplate of righteousness, given to us as we become a new creation in Christ, protects our hearts from attacks on the righteousness of Christ. Pray that God would fortify His truth and righteousness in your life today.
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WEDNESDAY, May 7
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Today we move to a piece of armor that protects our ability to move forward and gain ground in our spiritual battle. Read Ephesians 6:15. We are encouraged to cover our feet with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace. Why do you think our feet are to be protected in this way?
It is important that we are reminded of our motivation. As we face the rugged terrain of life, we are reminded of why we are in battle. It is the Gospel of peace that keeps us moving forward. The goal of this spiritual mission is that the Good News of Christ would be proclaimed. We press on in this battle, never looking back. Read Philippians 3:13-14. How might this understanding motivate you to keep moving forward today?
Can you describe a situation in which you may be tempted to retreat rather than move forward with the Gospel of peace?
Pray that God would be so present in your life that you boldly and mightily move forward. May God encourage you to press on in light of the power of the Gospel of peace.
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THURSDAY, May 8
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Thus far, we have looked at the girding of the belt of truth, the protection of our hearts with the breastplate of righteousness and the Gospel of peace, which covers our feet. Today, we look at two of the three pieces of armor found in Ephesians 6:16-17. Read these verses. We will look at the sword of the Spirit tomorrow, but for now, write down your understanding of the importance of the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation.
Scripture teaches us that faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen. It seems fitting that the movable defense of our shield would deflect the often unseen darts of the enemy. It is our faith in God that lets us fight off the attacks of the devil. How might our salvation serve as a protector of our heads?
At the center of our salvation is the work of Jesus on the cross. At Calvary, Jesus defeated the power of death and hell. The helmet of salvation serves to remind us that the ultimate victory has been won. This is an amazing motivation to persevere in this spiritual battle.
Pray that God would increase your faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray also that you would be reminded of the ultimate victory that is ours in Christ.
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FRIDAY, May 9
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Perhaps you have noticed that the armor we have looked at so far has been defensive in nature. Why do you think we need so much protection in this battle?
Read Ephesians 6:17-18. This last piece of armor is the only offensive piece of armor. The Sword of the Spirit is God's Word. In last week's devotions, we saw how Christ was engaged in spiritual warfare following His baptism. Read Matthew 4:1-11. What did Jesus use as His weapon against the devil?
To know God's Word is not simply a great discipline of those who seek to follow Christ. It is our weapon against the schemes of the devil. It is for this reason we memorize Scripture. The enemy attacks when we least expect it. Knowing God's Word allows us to go on the offensive in our spiritual battle. Read verse 18 again. Prayer is a vital part of our preparation and sustenance as we engage in spiritual warfare. Pray today that God would strengthen your knowledge of His Word. Begin working to memorize Ephesians 6:10-18. Ask God to help you stand your ground as you wage war with the enemy.
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Brian Hogan
Worship and Creative Arts Pastor
Wheaton Bible Church
410 North Cross Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
630.260.1600
www.wheatonbible.org
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