Day 510: Ephesians 6:10-24- The True Enemy

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Final Greetings
21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.
23 Peace be to the brothers and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.
Meditation
A mentor once told me, “Conflict addressed biblically breeds intimacy.” The problem with my heart and the heart of many I walk with is that we see people we are in conflict with as an enemy, relegating reconciliation to the bottom of the agenda and elevating winning at all costs.
 
The true enemy advances his agenda when we fight the wrong battles. Your enemy is not your co-worker, spouse, friend, family, social media acquaintance, or neighbor. The true enemy is the devil. In Christ you are free to walk in victory.
 
Christ’s victory frees us to “be strong in the Lord, in the strength of His might” so we can stand against the schemes of the devil (10). Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against “cosmic powers over this present darkness” and the “spiritual forces of evil” (12-13). The true enemy wants to divide what God has united, derailing God’s work in order to advance darkness.
 
The armor of God is given for believers to stand and withstand the assaults of the enemy (13-14). The belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit are all given by Christ and through union with Christ. 
 
God has given you everything you need to withstand enemy assaults. Be free from fighting the wrong enemy, people, and your past. Walk in victory through being strong in the Lord, and allow the gospel to transform division  into deeper intimacy and unity.
 
Richly Dwelling
-Are you fighting the wrong battles, focusing conflict with people on winning rather than fighting the true enemy and working towards reconciliation with people?
 
-What results have you seen from that method?
 
-Christ has united what the enemy wants divided. Christ is light and the enemy wants darkness. Christ is love and the enemy wants to feed the flesh with anger, hate, bitterness, and a lack of forgiveness. Take a moment to pray as directed- for all the saints (18), even those you are in conflict with or feel divided from. Ask Jesus to work the power of the gospel, deepening intimacy where the devil wants division.
 
Key Verse
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;