Spiritual Warfare

I've been using The Message translation for my devotional time lately...yesterday I read part of Ephesians, you know how the last half of chapter 6 deals with spiritual warfare. I think that more often than not many Christians, myself included, forget about this reality. The cosmic forces and principalities at work around us. The death of Christ, according to the Apostle Paul has crushed all other power and authority including that of Satan, over our lives. This doesn't just mean in terms of our salvation but our daily existence as well. Nevertheless, we are in a battle for our lives each day, a battle that Christ has given us the weapons for if only we would use them.

Paul's admonition is so powerful and so encouraging that I want to leave you with that same encouragement.

Ephesians 6:10-18 (The Message)

10-12And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.