For the last 2 days, Sunday and Monday, this verse Eph 6:12 came to my mind, and that's why I am studying this Eph 6:10-20 now. Spiritual warfare!
12 For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (RSV)
The Armor of God (NIV).
The Whole Armor of God (RSV).
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV)
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[c] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (NKJV)
Ins spiritual warfare, we are struggling against human enemies. Spiritual warfare may involve 3 very different types:
1) Rulers and Authorities, Principalities and Powers.
2) World rulers of the "dark."
3) Spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places.
Presidents, Prime Ministers, Kings, Federal Government, State Government, Local Authorities, and the various Government Departments may be making and implementing policies that are contrary to the welfare of believers. Policies that make it difficult for us to assemble and worship together. Policies that hinder us from evangelizing. Policies that prevent us from reading the Bible in certain languages. And any other policies that put us believers in a disadvantage situation.
Hence, it is very important for us believers to continually pray for our nation, pray for our political leaders, pray for the government officials.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (NIV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (RSV)
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (NKJV)
We need to be spiritually strong. The Devil will tempt us with many snares, temptations, trials and tribulations. We need to spiritually strong, with the Lord's power and might. May God strengthen us. We also need to mentally and emotionally strong.
In our walk with God, in this world, we will face many ups and downs, fat cow years and lean cow years. We need to be strong to withstand the stress from the various tough situations. Life is not a bed of roses. Remember God in every situation. Thank God for good times as well as difficult/challenging times.
We are instructed to put on the whole armor of God. This is a metaphor for the people of those days. To be triumphant in this spiritual warfare, we need to equip ourselves. We are facing many Devil's schemes, which are multi-dimensional, and may include:
1) Rulers, government and authorities.
2) Powers of darkness.
3) Spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places.
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (NIV)
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (RSV)
Verse 11 calls us to put on the armor of God. Verse 12 tell us the reason for putting on the armor of God, i.e. spiritual warfare. Verse 13 again concludes by calling us to put on the full/whole armour of God. Purpose is so that we can withstand, and continue to stand firm.
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (NIV)
14 Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; 16 besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one.17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (RSV)
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; (NKJV)
Armour of God consists of:
1) Belt = truth;
2) Breastplate = righteousness;
3) Shoes = readiness with gospel of peace;
4) Shield = faith;
5) Helmet = salvation;
6) Sword = word of God.
When attacked by the Devil, when confronted with persecutions, ridicules, when tempted with temptations, when tormented by trials and tribulations, we need to be strong in our faith. In trying situation, we need to continue to believe in our God, no matter how difficult the situation. Job, although faced with so many difficulties and trying situations, did not turn away from God.
The word of God, the knowledge obtained by studying the Bible, is our offensive weapon against the Devil. We need to well armed with "bullets" from the Bible. When we face difficult situations, we remember what the Bible says, and it becomes comfort to our hearts.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlesslymake known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. (NIV)
18 Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, (RSV)
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— (NKJV)
In spiritual warfare, prayer is very important. After putting on the whole armour of God, we should pray.
We must pray at all times, in all occasions. Praying in the spirit is encouraged. All kinds of prayers: we should for multi-dimensions....for our country/nation, for our church, for our business, for our work, for our company where we work, for our colleagues, for our family and relatives, for our friends, for ourselves, etc.
In additional to verbal prayer, whereby we clearly make our prayer request to God, we should also pray in the Spirit, praying in tongues. This will be more wholesome, praying our normal verbal prayer as well as praying in tongues.
Tuesday, Jan 7, 2014.
Michael Yeap.
NIV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%206&version=NIV
RSV; http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%206&version=RSV
NKJV: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%206&version=NKJV
Commentaries: http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/Eph.6.10-Eph.6.18
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