Im not sure about you, but I know I wouldnt like to take on a lion. An unbelievably powerful body, huge retractable claws and teeth that you want to stay well clear of, equip lions to be formidable killing machines, and the top predators of sub-Saharan Africa!
Yet we have an adversary who is an even more formidable hunter, whom we often have to face daily . The Bible describes the devil as a lion, roaming the earth, looking for easy prey. (1 Peter 5:8) He is as wily as he is powerful, and as with the lion we often have no idea when or from which direction his next attack may come.
He is no cartoon character
I remember as a kid reading Hot Stuff comics, where the devil was portrayed as a cute cartoon character with a mischievous grin, a tail protruding from a nappy and a magical trusty trident. The devil would love us to perceive him like this because it is so far from the truth.
The apostle Paul warns us in Ephesians 6:12 that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
The good news is that we have not been left defenceless against his attacks. Verse 11 tell us that we have been provided with an armour that covers us from head to foot that allows us to stand up against him and overcome his evil schemes.
Gods armour fits us
It is referred to as the armour of God and for good reason.
Never think that you can overcome him using your own strength or by your own power. In verse 10 of the same passage we read that we should be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Christ has already overcome Satan for us. He was tempted as we are, yet without ever succumbing. We are able to do all things, including overcome the devil, through Christ who strengthens us. In the beginning we were created in Gods image (Genesis 1:26), then God himself was made flesh so that we could wear his armour and overcome the devil (Hebrews 2:14). Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of deaththat is, the devil.
If we are to stand against the evil one, we need to clothe ourselves in Christ.
Ephesians 6:14: Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist. A belt, tied firmly around the waist of a coat, for example, adds stability and warmth. At the time Paul wrote, it formed the anchor for offensive weapons (sword or dagger). And, as Jesus said, the truth sets us free gives us mobility, strength and confidence not our own but his. John 3:21 tells us that if we live by truth, all we accomplish is done through God!
Verse 14: with the breastplate of righteousness in place.- I used to think this meant that if I were to be able to stand up against the devil and his scheming ways I would need to be doing good works or being righteous. But lets see what God says about me, even when Im at my best! Isaiah 64:6 tells me that my righteous acts are like filthy rags. Romans 4:5 explains that not our works, but our faith in Christ is counted as righteousness. Confronted with Christs righteousness, the devil has no choice but to flee. When asked how he overcame the devil, Martin Luther once commented: Well, when he comes knocking at the door of my heart, and asks Who lives here? the dear Lord Jesus goes to the door and says, Martin Luther used to live here, but he has moved out. Now I live here. 1 Ephesians 6:15: and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.- Sandals or shoes protect our feet even when walking through the filth of this world. Again only Christ is able to accomplish this. Through his atoning sacrifice we are protected, which allows us to have a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Ephesians 6:16: In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith - Our faith should never be in ourselves, or in our own abilities. No, our faith is in him, for he has already overcome the evil one!
Ephesians 6:17: Take the helmet of salvation A helmet protects our head, our very thoughts. Satan would love us to start doubting. Yet we need not fear, our mind need not be troubled for our salvation is sure through Christ.
Vs 17 and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.- The word of God, the Bible, helps us to fend off the devils attacks. Remember when Christ was tempted in the wilderness? Each time he quoted scripture, and the devil eventually departed. Gods word is a sharp two edged sword that he has provided for us so we can rightly discern the devils treacherous ways.
So dont be overly concerned when your hear Satan roar. We are well protected; Our Lord and Saviour has already given us all we need to overcome him.
1 The Speakers Quote Book- Roy B. Zuck, Kregel Academic 2009
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