Ephesians 6:1-12
Be Still: God, I commit this day to you. Help me to be still in your presence and enjoy my time with you. Amen
Read: Ephesians 6:1-12
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 (v12)
Encounter: I’ve added a couple of verses to today’s reading because verse12 is what I really want to focus on. We are in a spiritual battle. While this concept may be really familiar to some, it may be hard to process for everyone as this is not a battle we can physically see. 2 Corinthians 4:18 tells us not to fix our eyes on what is seen but rather on what is unseen – ‘since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.’ This tells us that there is a spiritual realm beyond the earthly and that this realm is powerful. There is an enemy that seeks to steal, kill and destroy, so we need to be alert and ready for this opposition.
I’ll tell you the good part though – it’s that Jesus has already won! The Bible tells us again and again that Jesus has won the victory, that he has authority over every realm and that through the Cross, he broke Satan’s power. Unfortunately, we have an enemy that refuses to acknowledge when he is defeated and will try and take us down with him. He is known as the 'father of lies' and has many techniques he will use to try to draw us away from God.
That is why we must continue in this spiritual battle. But our advantage is that we fight from a place of victory knowing that when Jesus returns, the enemy doesn’t stand a chance. Later in the passage, Paul gives us some tools to help us. Our instruction is to stand firm against the devil’s schemes because we know that Jesus has already fought and won!
Apply: How alert are you to the spiritual battle around you? What things are you noticing or what things are distracting you from this?
Are there any lies that you are believing at the moment?
Devote: God, please help me to stay alert today to the schemes of the enemy. Holy Spirit, guide my prayers, lead and equip me today as I fight this battle with you.