The Spiritual Battlefield: Equipping Ourselves for Victory

Ephesians 6:10-13

In the journey of faith, we often find ourselves facing challenges that seem insurmountable. But what if we've been looking at our struggles all wrong? What if, instead of viewing our Christian walk as a peaceful stroll through a garden, we recognized it for what it truly is – a battlefield?

The reality is, we are engaged in spiritual warfare every single day. This isn't a physical battle with flesh and blood opponents, but a cosmic conflict against "principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). It's time we wake up to this truth and equip ourselves accordingly.

Many believers today find themselves defeated simply because they're not seriously engaged in the warfare to which we are called. They go through the motions of attending religious services, but know nothing of the great spiritual warfare with its watchings, strugglings, agonies, and anxieties. As J.C. Ryle poignantly observed, "The saddest symptom about so many so-called Christians is the utter absence of anything like conflict and fight in their Christianity."

But here's the good news – we're not left defenseless in this battle. In fact, we've already been given the victory through Christ! The key is understanding and utilizing the spiritual resources at our disposal. Let's explore what it means to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10).

First and foremost, we need to recognize our enablement. God has given us the strength to stand. This isn't about our own power, but about tapping into the mighty power of God. Remember, we don't fight for victory; we fight from victory. Christ has already triumphed over the forces of darkness, and as believers united with Him, that victory is our starting point.

Many Christians are like elephants chained to small stakes – they don't realize the strength they possess in Christ. They're bound by old habits, philosophies, or lifestyles, unaware that they now have the power to break free. Our first step in spiritual warfare is to understand and believe in the strength we have through our union with Christ.

Secondly, we need to put on our spiritual equipment. Ephesians 6:11 commands us to "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." This isn't a suggestion – it's a divine imperative. And notice, we're to put on the whole armor, not just pieces of it. We can't afford to leave any part of ourselves unprotected.

This armor isn't something we put on for special occasions. The Greek tense used here implies a once-for-all action. We put it on and leave it on. We sleep in it. We keep it on all the time. Too many believers are caught unprepared, dressed more for a volleyball game than for war. Don't make that mistake. As Winston Churchill wisely noted, "We must always be ready at our average moment to meet what the enemy will throw at us at his select moment."

Thirdly, we need enlightenment about the nature of our enemy. Our battle isn't against flesh and blood, but against an invisible, organized, and systematic army of darkness. How do we fight an enemy we can't see? Not with physical weapons, but with spiritual ones. As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 10:4, "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds."

Our primary weapon is the Word of God. Just as Jesus countered Satan's temptations with "It is written," we too must arm ourselves with Scripture. The battle begins in the mind, with the lies Satan tries to tell us. We counter those lies with God's truth.

Finally, we need to be ready for daily engagement. Every day is the "evil day" mentioned in Ephesians 6:13. We can't afford to be AWOL in this spiritual conflict. We're called to "stand," to hold our ground against the enemy's attacks. This isn't a passive stance – it requires active resistance and perseverance.

Consider the words of a missionary from New Guinea: "Man, it is great to be in the thick of the fight, to draw the old devil's heaviest guns, to have him at you with depression and discouragement and slander and disease." This warrior understood that the intensity of the enemy's attacks often correlates with the effectiveness of our own spiritual efforts. When the going gets tough, that's not the time to retreat – it's time to "pull out all the stops and shout hallelujah!"

So, how do we practically apply these truths? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Regularly remind yourself of your position in Christ and the spiritual blessings you've been given.
2. Make putting on the full armor of God a daily, conscious practice.
3. Immerse yourself in Scripture, using God's Word to counter the lies of the enemy.
4. Stay alert and engaged, recognizing that every day is a battlefield.
5. When facing trials, view them as opportunities to exercise your spiritual muscles and prove God's faithfulness.

Remember, this isn't about striving in our own strength. It's about relying on God's power working through us. As Philippians 2:12-13 reminds us, we are to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."

The Christian life isn't a playground – it's a battleground. But take heart! We serve a God who has already secured the ultimate victory. Our role is to stand firm in that victory, fully equipped and ready for whatever challenges come our way.

As we close, let the words of that passionate missionary ring in our ears: "Glory to God, we're not going to run away. We are going to stand." May we all embrace this warrior mindset, ready to face each day with courage, faith, and the full armor of God.