More Defense . . . And Offense

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.

Ephesians 6:13

I am convinced that the evil one loves to see us lose hope and become ineffective as God’s people. Satan cannot have your soul, so he wants to steal whatever he can from you. I don’t know about you, but I am tired of letting him steal my joy and my peace.

Let’s put on some more armor.

Next we are to take up the shield of faith. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16). Now why do we need this shield? Because the enemy is shooting arrows of condemnation and doubt right at us! Notice that these arrows are on fire. What happens when these arrows hit their target? The flames grow and spread in destruction.

This is where the helmet of salvation comes in. When we entertain these thoughts of doubt and condemnation, we fan those flames. The helmet protects our minds. We have a tendency to allow these negative thoughts to circle and linger inside our heads. We have to use the shield of faith to extinguish those accusations, before they start to burn. Faith is our fireman. And our helmet covers our heads so that the negative thoughts cannot start to smolder inside our minds.

Now, the only offensive weapon in this passage is the sword. Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). Let’s use Jesus as our example – always a good idea! When tempted in the wilderness, Jesus answered with what? Scripture. He had the Word memorized, so that when he needed it, he had it. He also knew how to study God’s Word. When he was only 12, he astonished the teachers of the day with his knowledge and understanding. He also knew how to use it against the enemy.

Father, teach us to protect our hearts and minds with the faith and covering you give us. Show us how to use scripture as the weapon you intended it to be.

Julie